This is an opportunity for enthusiasts of all levels to improve their photographic skills while on location in one of the world’s most photogenic settings, Vietnam.

Starting in Ho Chi Minh this voyage includes 4 photogenic World Heritage sites - Hue, Hoi An, My Son and Ha Long Bay. There will be ample opportunity to experience and capture the cultural, historic and geographic diversity of Vietnam including the Saigon River, busy with sampans, exploring the traditional fishing village of Baie de Cu Mon, rarely seen by outsiders and exploring Nha Trang’s Communist Party headquarters.

Nick and Sue will be holding regular workshops onboard before taking guests ashore on location along with members of Orion’s specialist expedition team.

Onboard  photography workshops include professional advice and instruction on understanding and optimizing camera settings, selecting the best lens for the occasion, framing your subject and ‘capturing the moment’ along with instruction on the dark art of digital editing-software and printing.

Explore, experience and shoot from dawn to dusk, with internationally recognised and awarded professional photographers; then relax, compare images and enjoy superb cuisine, wines and company by night onboard Orion II.

Orion II’s 9 night Vietnam Explorer photo expedition departs 30 March 2012, Ho Chi Minh City to Haiphong (for Hanoi) and includesNha Trang, Baie de Cu Mon/Bai Nam Beach, Da Nang (for My Son and Hoi An), Chan May (for Hue), Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba.

Special offer: Save 30%

Fares from A$5,135 (usually A$7,335) per person, twin share for an ocean view Category B suite – representing a saving of 30% if booked before the end of February 2012

For reservations, or to obtain an Orion brochure featuring Vietnam and other  itineraries to destinations stretching from Antarctica to the Russian Far East, call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) / 0800 444 462 (New Zealand) or see your travel agent. Email: info@orionexpeditions.com

Details of Vietnam Explorer itinerary available at http://www.orionexpeditions.com/expeditions/thailand/voyage_summary

_____________________________________________

Additional information:

Nick Rains

International Photographer. Nick Rains, studied Zoology at university in Britain which led him to a career in photography.

Over the years Nick has worked with the Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism NSW, Penguin Books, Readers Digest Books, Shell Petroleum, BBC TV, Sports Illustrated, World Heritage Commission, Australian Geographic plus many more.

Nick is involved with teaching and writing and is the editor of Better Digital Camera magazine.

Examples of images from Nick Rains’ earlier visits to Vietnam are available for reference at http://www.nickrainsimaging.com/p576535241

Sue Flood

Sue Flood is an award-winning wildlife photographer, author and filmmaker.

She joined the BBC Natural History Unit in 1993 and spent 11 years at the BBC, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to work with her childhood (and adult!) hero, Sir David Attenborough.

Her BBC experience including working as Associate Producer on the award-winning series The Blue Planet, and also Planet Earth and the Disney nature movie Earth. Sue also produced four films for the BBC:

• Polar Bears on Thin Ice
• A Boy Among Polar Bears
• Killer Whale Special
• Life of Mammals

In March 2005 Sue left the BBC to pursue her wildlife photography career and she is now a professional photographer, represented by Getty Images.

Recognition of Sue’s work includes awards in the following competitions: International Photographer of the Year, Travel Photographer of the Year, the Art Wolfe (Best of Festival) Award in the International Conservation Photography Awards, and Royal Photographic Society Silver Medal.

Additional information available at http://www.sueflood.com/bio-awards

With plenty of sea days, which are so enjoyed by experienced luxury cruisers, Silver Spirit will sail south across the Equator to French Polynesia, to explore the incredibly beautiful Marquesa Islands with their towering, lush green mountains and waterfalls, stopping at Nuku Hiva.

This is a region, where small ships such as Silver Spirit, with only a maximum of 540 guests have enormous appeal. Cruise the lagoons of Rangiroa, Tuamotu Archipelago and Moorea, with overnight stays in the lagoons of Papeete and Bora Bora in the Society Islands.

From Tahiti, Silver Spirit sails north through the largest atoll in the Pacific, the Line Islands to Kiribati, formerly known as Christmas Island in British colonial days when it was part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, explored by Captain James Cook. Next stop in this spectacularly beautiful atoll, is Fanning Island on the way to an exploration of several lush and volcanic Hawaiian Islands.

There is no better way to explore the islands of Hawaii than in leisurely Silversea style. Silver Spirit will visit Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, Nawiliwili on Kauai, Honolulu on Oahu and the exotic Lahaina on Maui.

Like all Silversea ships, Silver Spirit offers all inclusive fares, all suite accommodation, a choice of casual and elegant restaurants and all gratuities. Life on board is intimate and stylish, with complimentary wines, Champagne and drinks throughout the ship. Silver Spirit has a spacious spa and health and fitness centre, extensive library, internationally renowned enrichment lecturers, talented musicians and entertainers. There is a choice of seven elegant and casual restaurants so guests can dine when, where and with whom they wish.

Silver Savings fares for this 31 day round trip cruise from Los Angeles start from AU$15,199 per person double occupancy in a Vista Suite. Silversea include US$1500 Shipboard Spending credits per suite for guests to spend however they wish onboard, perhaps spa treatments, boutique purchases or shore excursions.

For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600  or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

The contest runs from today through February 13, 2012 and the winners who name the new kids or teen program will receive a seven-day Caribbean cruise for a family of four. Those who submit the winning names for the six age groups within the new programs will receive a $100 American Express gift card.  Norwegian announced earlier this month that it is revitalizing its current youth program and will implement a new best in class program fleet wide beginning on Norwegian Gem in mid-February and rolling out to all of the line’s Freestyle Cruising ships subsequently.

“We want to ensure that we have the best youth programs at sea for the more than 150,000 children and teens that sail with us each year,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “In the spirit of Freestyle Cruising, we thought that the parents and kids who utilize the programs would be the best to suggest names for them.  We are looking for lots of originality and creativity along with names that really speak to today’s kids and teens.”

To enter, contestants should head to Norwegian’s website, fill out the online entry form and submit name options for one, any, or all of the following:  the new Kids program; the new Teen program; and the six new age groups:  six months to two years old; three to five years old; six to nine years old; 10 to 12 years old; 13-14 years old; and 15-17 years old.

There is no maximum amount of entries per person. The contest is open to residents of the United States and Canada(excluding Quebec) 18 years of age and older or, for entrants who are younger than 18, their entries can be submitted by a parent or guardian on the entrant’s behalf.  For more information on how to enter and for the official rules and details on the prizes, visit Norwegian’s website.

Norwegian’s New Youth Programs

The line’s current program, Norwegian’s Kid’s Crew in place since 1999, is being redefined to better address the skills and interests of children. The new fully developed and enhanced curriculum tailored to each age group is being produced in conjunction with The King’s Foundation and Camps, a United Kingdom-based organization that provides high quality sport and activity programs designed to make a positive impact on children. More focus will be placed on sporting activities, arts and crafts, theater and technology.  Activities will change every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the age group and will be set within blocks of programming time in the morning, afternoon and evening.

More details of the new youth and teen program will be released in the coming months.  Further information on Norwegian’s family offerings can be found on the line’s website. Families wanting to book a cruise on Norwegian to a variety of family-friendly destinations such as the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Europe and more, should contact a travel professional, call 866-234-7350 or visit www.ncl.com.

“The addition of three deep-sea vessels to our fleet brings a new dimension to our 12 award-winning, privately-owned European and Russian river ships and exclusive charters,” said Lewis.  “These vessels are the perfect size to explore the islands and shores of the Mediterranean and then slip into the smaller ports and harbors for the night, away from the larger cruise ships. We believe that these three small ship cruise tours will greatly appeal to our passengers, especially to our women passengers who consistently tell us they want opportunities that connect them to local people and their ways of life.”

Grand Circle Cruise Line’s small ship cruise tours operate aboard the fleet’s privately-owned 50 passenger vessels: the M/VArethusa, the M/V Artemis, and the M/V Athena.  Passengers travel in two groups of 25 or fewer, and each group has a dedicated local, expert Program Director.  Built in a style that evokes the elegant, golden era of cruising, each ship is complemented by modern amenities and a casual, welcoming atmosphere.  There are 26 cabins, three teak decks, including a sun deck, reception area and lounge in every ship.

Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece

On this cruise tour, passengers explore Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Split, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Bay of Kotor,Montenegro; Butrint, Albania; and Corfu, Delphi, Corinth Canal, and Athens, Greece.

Cost: 15 days from $4595 ($307 per day) or 16 days from $5595 ($350 per day) with international air from New York or Newark.  Passengers may choose an optional three- night pre-trip stay in Bled, Slovenia from $895 ($299 per night) as well as a five-night, post-trip stay in Greece (Ancient Glories: Olympia, Nafplion & Athens) from $1095 or $219 per night.

Treasures of the Aegean: Greek Island Cruise, Athens & Istanbul

During this cruise tour, passengers visit Athens, Meteora, Delphi, the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Patmos inGreece; and Ephesus and Istanbul, Turkey.

Cost: 15 days from $4295 ($287 per day) or 16 days from $4995 ($313 per day) with international airfare from New York or Newark.  If desired, passengers may choose a five-night pre-trip stay in Greece from $1095 ($219 per night) and also, a five-night, post-trip stay in Ankara & Cappadocia, Turkey from $1195 or $239 per night.

Cruising the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina

On this cruise tour, passengers will journey to Zagreb, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Korcula, Croatia: the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro; and Mostar and Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cost: 14 days from $1895 ($136 per day) or 15 days from $2845 ($190 per day), including international airfare from Boston,New York, Newark, and Washington, DC. A four-night pre-trip option to Ljubljana, Slovenia is available from $595 ($149 per night) as is a four-night post-trip stay in Zagreb, Croatia from $495 or $124 per night.

What’s Included:

These Grand Circle Cruise Line’s cruise tours include all land and cruise accommodations, most meals, small group adventures that connect passengers with local people and their cultures and customs, services of a Grand Circle Program Director who speaks English and a native language, all land transportation and offshore excursions, personal headsets, a special good buy discount (when you pay in full you can save up to 10%), baggage handling for one bag per traveler, and more.  Travelers may make their own air arrangements or use Grand Circle’s contracted rates. Through Grand Circle Cruise Line’s new True Choice program, passengers may customize their own airfare, including departure dates, routing, carrier and seating.  Travelers choosing to make their own air arrangements will now be able to arrange round-trip airport transfers beginning at $100 per person.

Best Price Guarantee:

While Grand Circle Cruise Line’s small ship cruise tours are generally $200-$500 per day lower than any competitors, if a passenger books a river cruise at least 120 days in advance and then finds a lower, published per-day price on a comparable 2012 vacation directly from a competitor serving American travelers, Grand Circle Cruise Line will match the lower price.

Please visit www.gct.com for a free catalog or more information, or call 1-800-221-2610.

Five more ships will visit for the festival than in February last year – the previous busiest cruise ship month on record in Sydney – with each ship visit representing a special event in its own right.

So many cruise ships are visiting that several will moor mid-harbour before ferrying passengers ashore to enjoy the many attractions of the harbour city.

Highlights of the Festival of Cruising include the Valentine’s Day arrival of Cunard’s 151,400-tonne flagship, Queen Mary 2 and sister ship Queen Elizabeth’s visit on February 28 for an overnight stay.

Other festival high points include the arrival of the UK-based P&O Cruises ships Aurora, on February 17, and Oriana on February 23 for a special celebration of P&O’s 175^th anniversary.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents 13 of the visiting cruise ships, said the Festival of Cruising emphasised cruising’s contribution as the standout success of the Australian tourism sector.

“The Festival of Cruising underlines the contribution that cruise ships make to the local economy,” Ms Sherry said.

“Analysis we commissioned from Deloitte Access Economics shows cruise passengers, crew and cruise ship operators spent a combined $400 million in Sydney in 2010-2011 alone.

“Their combined spending is expected to increase to $1.3 billion by 2019-2020 as the economic contribution of cruising continues to grow.

“Passenger ships are also a vital part of Sydney Harbour’s maritime heritage and while our ships will visit ports around Australia during the Festival of Cruising, Sydney remains the Australian gateway for visiting ships.”

Commenting on the Festival of Cruising, NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said the importance of the cruise industry to Sydney and NSW could not be understated.

“It continues to make a valuable contribution to the State’s economy and is an important factor that has helped the NSW Government develop its strategy to double expenditure by visitors to NSW by 2020,” Mr Souris said.

“Cruising is certainly one of the most exciting segments in the leisure market, with continuing strong growth prospects as the record number of liners arriving in the harbour city indicates.

“Sydney’s performance in recent years has helped make Australia one of the world’s fastest growing cruise markets with 157 ship calls to Sydney in 2010-2011 and 210 calls forecast for 2011-2012 with 246 scheduled for 2012-2013.  Sydney is recognised by the international cruise industry as one of the most attractive harbour approaches in the world.”

The 13 ships visiting from across Carnival Australia’s fleets include P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Sun; Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth; Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess, Diamond Princess and Pacific Princess; P&O Cruises World Cruising ships Oriana and Aurora; Seabourn’s Odyssey and Holland America’s Amsterdam and Volendam.

They simply have to complete all three training modules in e-learning program ‘Cruising for Excellence’ to earn an ‘Admiral’ title, and score a chance to win one of the three amazing cruise prizes on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises cruise for two *.

It’s not too late to be in the running but ambitious agents have to be quick as the competition closes on 12 March 2012, and some further conditions apply.

Cruising for Excellence is an online 3D e-learning program which allows agents to explore and learn about the key selling points of the ships in the three Royal Caribbean Cruise brands, as if they are onboard themselves.

Upon completing each module, the participant earns a ‘Captain’ title for that cruise brand. Once the Captain status is achieved for all three cruise brands, the participant becomes an ‘Admiral”.

“Fifty lucky agents have won $50 Coles Myer or Westfield gift cards for being one of the first to reach ‘Captain’ status and now the race is on to find ‘Admiral’ winners of three incredible cruise prizes. If you haven’t started the Cruising for Excellence programme, it’s is not too late to be in the competition, as well as learn about our ships from the comfort of your office,” said Adam Armstrong, commercial manager, RCL Cruises Australia & New Zealand.

According to Mr Armstrong, the revolutionary online training programme was very well received in Australia, with more than 1,000 travel agents registered and participating within two months of its launch. There are currently 168 agents who have reached ‘Admiral’ status.

Highlights of the Cruising for Excellence program include 35 training modules which covers ship guides, dining, onboard amenities & activities, family cruising, destinations, accommodation and shore excursions, as well as fact sheets for restaurant and bar menus, onboard activities, revitalization charts, kids planners, and other useful information. Cruising for Excellence is open to all travel agents in Australia & New Zealand.  Take part today by heading to www.cruisingforexcellence.com.au or www.cruisingforexcellence.co.nz

*Visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au/CFE for full terms and conditions.

Disney Cruise Line Featured 2013 schedule (which can be booked at this time). Rates and ports of call are subject to change, to get up to date information and cruise deals vist www.cruisedealership.com

Mediterranean from Barcelona

Beginning June 1, 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe.

The 12-night voyages visit destinations which include Venice, Italy, and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on one itinerary and Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles including Athens, on another. Each itinerary will offer a voyages departing in June and the other departing in July.

Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,244 for 12-night cruises departing from Barcelona for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy (prices subject to change) plus incentives for booking thru CruiseDealership.com

Four-night Mediterranean Cruises
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Departure dates: July 9, Aug. 6

Seven-night Mediterranean Cruise
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy
Departure dates: June 1, 8, Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31

12-night Mediterranean with Greece
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Valetta, Malta
Departure dates: June 15, July 13

12-night Mediterranean with Venice
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Valetta, Malta
Departure dates: June 27, July 25

Bahamas and Western Caribbean Cruises out of Miami

Disney Cruise Line will now leave from Miami for the very first time on Dec. 23, 2012. One six- and one seven-night Caribbean Cruise Voyages onboard the Disney Wonder plus four or five night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean between Jan. 5, 2013, and May 2, 2013. The four- and five-night cruises have a range of itineraries. Ports of call to such destinations as Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for four and five night cruises departing from Miami start at $440 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy plus extra incentives when booked at Cruisedealership.com

Five-night Caribbean
Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Jan. 5, 19, Feb, 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 27

Five-night Caribbean
Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Departure dates: Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22

Four-night Bahamas
Ports: Miami, Key West, Nassau, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2

Western Caribbean Cruises from Galveston

The Disney Magic, will also begin departing from Texas in 2012, from the Port of Galveston through May 2013, to the Western Caribbean.

Rates start at $750 per person for six-night cruises and $920 per person for eight-night cruises departing from Galveston for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy plus added incentives when booking at CruiseDealership.com

Six-night Caribbean:
Ports: Galveston, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Departure dates: Dec. 15 and 29, 2012, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 6, 20. May 4

Eight-night Caribbean:
Ports: Galveston, Key West, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel
Departure dates: Dec. 21, 2012, Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26, May 10

Alaska from Vancouver

Starting May 27, 2013, the Disney Wonder will cruise seven-nights from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Rates for seven-night Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver start at $1,015 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy plus added incentives when booking online at www.Cruisedealership.com

Seven-night Alaska:
Ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan
Departure dates: May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept. 2

Caribbean and Bahamas Cruises from Port Canaveral

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will also be departing from a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries leaving from Port Canaveral.

The Disney Fantasy will depart out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean Sailings, alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Also Eastern Caribbean Cruises, January through April 2013, with stops at San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy Cruises include Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for seven-night Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy start at $1,085 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy plus Special Deals atCruiseDealership.com

The Disney Dream will cruise three, four and five-night voyages from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Rates for three and four night Bahamas cruises on the Disney Dream start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy which include incentives when booked online at CruiseDealership.com

CruiseDealership is one of 16,000 North American travel agencies and agent members of CLIA, whose 25 member lines represent over 97% of the cruise berths marketed in North America. According to CLIA statistics, the wide majority of travelers – about 90+% – book cruises through travel agencies, and for good reason: agents excel at finding the perfect cruise to match their client’s vacation needs, lifestyle and budget. CruiseDealership is part of  CLIA’s certified cruise counselors programs which are the cruise industry’s premier professionals, providing the best service and value for travelers’ vacation dollar

Avalon will introduce the 64-cabin Avalon Artistry II in April 2013, operating its popular eight-day Romantic Rhine itinerary between Amsterdam and Zürich.

It will follow the river cruise operator’s introduction of Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary at a double christening in May this year, and last year’s launch of the revolutionary new Avalon Panorama whose inaugural season was a sell-out success.

Designed with Australian travellers in mind, each of the Suite Ships offers two entire decks of all-suite accommodation and wall-to-wall panoramic windows that turn the entire cabin into an open-air balcony.  They will join seven other Avalon ships in 2013 to form the most modern river cruise fleet in Europe.

Until June 30, 2012, Avalon Waterways is offering savings of $1000* per couple on select 2013 European river cruises, with more than a dozen different itineraries to choose from and 50 available departures.  Savings of $500* per couple are available on all other European cruises.

Avalon Waterways’ new 2013 preview brochure is the first offered exclusively online as an e-brochure and allows readers to browse, search, share and print more than 20 different cruise itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Rhône and Seine rivers.

Other features of the preview brochure include Avalon’s popular selection of Christmas cruises, as well as its exotic itineraries on the Nile, Yangtze and Mekong rivers and among the Galapagos Islands.

Under Avalon’s special offer, cruises are available from $1459* per person twin share for the eight-day A Taste of the Danube between Vienna and Budapest.  Other discounted cruises include the 15-day Magnificent Europe between Amsterdam and Budapest (from $4383* per person twin share), the eight-day Romantic Rhine between Amsterdam and Zürich (from $1974* per person twin share) and the 11-day Burgundy and Provence (from $3053* per person twin share).

For full details and travel agent bookings visit www.globusfamily.com.au/onlinebookings or contact the Globus Family of Brands travel agent support team on 1300 130 134. To view and download the new Avalon Waterways 2013 preview brochure  click here or follow the links from the Avalon Waterways home page, www.avalonwaterways.com.au.

*Prices subject to availability and conditions. Offer on sale to June 30, 2012, or until sold out.

From January 30 through February 18, 2012, guests booking any seven-night sailing will receive a special gift package, including Leonidas chocolates, flower turndown service, and a $100 per-person credit at the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm, compliments of Paul Gauguin Cruises (a $230 value)*. As with all 2012 sailings aboard The Gauguin, guests also receive 50% off standard cruise fares and FREE airfare from Los Angeles.

At the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm, expert therapists and aestheticians offer an extensive menu of massage, skin care, and facial treatments, including such authentic Polynesian treatments as Monoï Tradition Massages by Hei Poa, Black Sand Body Scrubs, and MoeMoea Massages, among a variety of other signature therapies and tropical treats,

There is no place as tranquil and romantic as the picturesque islands of French Polynesia. Designed and decorated to sail the seas of the South Pacific, the cozy 332-passenger ship offers the perfect setting to celebrate love or commemorate a wedding, renewal of vows, anniversary—or simply each other. Couples can take in the beauty of the South Pacific from the privacy of their suite or stateroom, sway to the sounds of a chanteuse at La Palette Lounge, explore paradise on island excursions, dine al fresco under a starry sky, and enjoy a Polynesian blessing ceremony performed by Les Gauguines – the ship’s own troupe of Polynesian entertainers. With one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea, The Gauguin is renowned for the extra touches and attention to detail that make every occasion special.

Paul Gauguin Cruises also offers a Gift Registry, where guests celebrating their honeymoon, anniversary, or other milestone event can choose a “wish list” of gifts, ranging from shore excursions to dining and spa options. Friends and family can visit the gift registry quickly and conveniently to select the gift (or gifts) they would like to give, and Paul Gauguin Cruises takes care of the rest.

For rates and reservations for Paul Gauguin Cruises, contact a professional travel agent, call  800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

*One Valentine’s Day gift package per booking. Valid for new bookings on 7-night sailings only. Not combinable with groups, two-week sales, and other select reduced-rate offers. Please mention code “Valentine’s Package.” Offer expires February 18, 2012. Call for details.

The new nightly cafe debuts in April on Crystal Symphony and June on Crystal Serenity, shortly after the ships go all-inclusive.

The Bistro has long been a meeting place for cruisers due to its central location and quick, easy access to continental breakfast, fresh fruits, afternoon snacks, and wide selection of teas and coffee drinks, from morning to late afternoon.  Signature Guy Buffet china and Six-Star service remains at night, but gastronomic offerings greatly expand:

• 6-8 pm: Charcuterie of cured meats, prosciuttos, and pates, plus international cheeses paired with premium wines and champagne.
• 8-11 pm: Artisanal cheeses, with complementary accompaniments such as truffle honey and fig chutney, plus an assortment of fresh fruits and desserts, including a chocolate fountain and petit fours handmade by onboard pastry chefs, with fine wines, digestifs, and hot drinks.
• 11 pm-12 am: Late-night munchies such as mini-sandwiches, freshly-baked pizzas, quiche, tandoori chicken, and trendy beef “sliders.”

“In traditional Crystal luxury fashion, our evening Bistro brings aboard the elegance and international panache of a European cafe experience—a central place to meet, people-watch, and enjoy a glass of wine or espresso and a snack,” says Vice President Food and Beverage Operations Toni Neumeister.  “In addition, this expansion really enhances the culinary and social options for guests who spend a full day sightseeing and/or like to mix up their evening dining.”

Casual dining on deck is also offered most evenings with a new Chinese “Comfort Food” menu augmenting choices on Crystal Serenity.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation.  The ultra-luxury line’s extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio’s specialty restaurants; and, starting this spring, all-inclusive premium spirits, fine wines, and champagnes throughout the ship.

Until February 28, couples can receive $1,000 to $4,000 in “Book Now” Savings on 48 remaining 2012 worldwide itineraries, including 25 seven- to 15-day voyages visiting the Mediterranean from March through December.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, visit www.crystalcruises.com.