American Safari Cruises Ready For Hawaii Debut

Hawaii-bound holiday-makers have an extra incentive to book an inter-island yacht cruise aboard American Safari Cruises’ 36-guest Safari Explorer in the next month or so. To celebrate its inaugural season in the islands, the line is offering a $150/person travel credit for reservations made before July 29.

Sailing week-long or 10-night active, adventure itineraries between Maui and the Big Island from November 2011 through April 2012, the all-inclusive Explorer visits the islands of Moloka’i, Lana’i and Molokini.

The $150 travel credit is intended to help guests defray air costs to the Hawaiian Islands where they will embark on their adventure cruise.

Flexible yacht itineraries focus on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands. The unstructured itinerary allows time for seeking wildlife such as Manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales. Outfitted for active adventures, the yacht’s well-stocked water sports equipment includes kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling gear, wet suits, sailboats and inflatable skiffs for up-close excursions. Guided snorkelling tours are a highlight throughout the trip. Two knowledgeable expedition leaders guide hiking and kayaking tours. Bicycles are also available for guest use on Moloka’i and Lana’i.

Fares start at $4,995 for the seven-night cruise and $6,495 for the 10-night voyage, both per person, double occupancy. Itineraries feature exclusive excursions and include all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1 and includes Hawaii residents who have personal knowledge of the islands.

For more info, visit www.americansafaraicruises.com or contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal To Go All-Inclusive in 2012

This is some pretty surprising - but very welcome - news from Crystal Cruises that should make them even better value from spring 2012. Here is their official press release:

Crystal Cruises is enhancing its already expansive host of luxury services and amenities. Effective spring 2012, holidays on the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will include free fine wines and premium spirits in all restaurants, open bar service in all lounges and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff. The complimentary gratuity amenity includes butler service and service in all of Crystal’s fine specialty restaurants and sushi bar.

“Our ‘All Inclusive’ is an evolution of Crystal’s luxury services and responds to the desires of today’s upmarket cruisers,” says Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. “As many lines throughout our industry have itemised their services for additional charges, Crystal is maximizing the guest experience by eliminating additional transactions -- further enhancing the ease and luxury of a Crystal cruise. We believe this service will offer greater convenience, simplicity and comfort.”

The new benefits begin with each ship’s first Trans-Atlantic cruise next year: Crystal Symphony’s “Beyond the Sea” sailing from Miami to Lisbon on March 19, 2012, and Crystal Serenity’s “New World to Norway” voyage from New York to Dover on May 8.

A complete list of 2012 Crystal itineraries are available on www.crystalcruises.co.uk and all are ready for wait-list.

Since its inception, Crystal Cruises has added to its experience each year with more and more complimentary amenities, services, workshops and dining opportunities.

Always included at no additional cost are: all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, speciality coffee drinks, soft drinks and fresh juices; all meals, including dining in speciality restaurants that feature the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio; high tea; ice cream and frozen yoghurt bar; gym, steam, saunas and whirlpools; numerous fitness classes such as Spinning and group Pilates Reformer instruction; golf lessons with PGA pros; Walk-on-Water weighted vests and Nordic Pole walking equipment; Yamaha keyboard classes; Berlitz language classes; paddle tennis; dozens of computer/technology classes; art classes; Crystal Visions lecture series, featuring Crystal Visions lecture series featuring distinguished speakers; award-winning entertainment; in-stateroom movie and CD rentals; film screenings in the onboard cinema; dance lessons; dedicated junior cruiser facilities; early embarkation luncheon; welcome champagne; comfortable shuttles to town; pillow menus; self-service laundries; twice-daily housekeeping with nightly turndown service; and 24-hour room service.

Penthouse accommodations also include personal butler service, pressing, stocked bar and other amenities and services.

All guests enjoy Six-Star service from European-trained waiting staff, concierges who belong to the prestigious “Les Clefs d’Or,” and sommeliers certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers. Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk