Princess Brings Rare Original Copy of the Declaration of Independence to Juneau

Celebrating America's Independence Day and Alaska’s 50th anniversary of statehood, Princess Cruises showcased a rare, original copy of the United States of America’s founding document aboard Coral Princess last Thursday during an onboard reception with local dignitaries and special guests. Pictured with the historic document from left to right include:

● Coral Princess Captain Justin Lawes
● Win Gruening, senior vice president of Key Bank and grandson of Ernest Gruening who was territorial governor of Alaska from 1939-1953 and U.S.senator from 1959-1969
● Senator Dennis Egan, state senator and past mayor of Juneau. His father William Egan was the first governor of the state of Alaska from 1959-1966
● Bruce Bustamante, vice president of community and government affairs, Princess Cruises and Tours.

The document was aboard Coral Princess to give passengers the unique opportunity to view the only traveling copy of the Declaration of Independence. This rare document is being showcased to more than 17,000 passengers aboard all eight Princess ships visiting Juneau during Independence week, July 1-8. Hosted in partnership with Declare Yourself, a non-profit organization founded by legendary television producer Norman Lear, this unique opportunity marks the first time the copy of the Declaration has visited Alaska, and the first time a cruise line has shown the famous document.

The only touring copy of the Declaration of Independence, Declare Yourself’s historic document is one of an estimated 200 original broadside copies (about the size of a sheet of newspaper) printed by John Dunlap in Philadelphia in 1776 after it was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, to distribute across the colonies and to King George in England. This copy’s current journey began in 1989 when a Pennsylvania shopper bought a frame at a flea market for $4.00. Later, while inspecting a tear in the back of the painting, he discovered a piece of paper wedged between the frame and painting. He pulled it out and uncovered what would soon be authenticated as the 25th remaining copy of the Declaration of Independence. The document changed hands several times and was purchased in 2000 by Lyn and Norman Lear for $8.14 million, with the goal of bringing the document directly to the American people.

Ride The Communications Wave On Your Cruise Vacation

I love my BlackBerry and have it at hand at all time. Even on cruises! Now there's no need to leave behind the gadgets that make life so easy at home when you embark on your next cruise.

The Internet, WiFi-enabled laptop computers, and cell phones deliver Tech Savvy Cruise Travel. Cruise Diva looks at the services offered by major cruise lines.

Check out what's available on board your favorite cruise line and see if you can answer CruiseDiva.com's two part techno-trivia question:

"What was the name of the first cruise ship to feature an Internet cafe and what year was it launched?"

Click here for the answer.

Carnival Dream's A Vision At Sea

The 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, Carnival Cruise Lines’ largest ship, has concluded sea trials in the Adriatic Sea in preparation for its Sept. 21 debut from Europe. Of the home video above (posted on You Tube), the folks at Carnival Cruise Lines offer, “And we while have no idea who these people are or what they are saying, we do know that this footage shows the Carnival Dream in the Adriatic on her sea trials which run through July 2. We only wish that these folks could have held their camera a little steadier! And while we’re unclear on their narration of the video, we only have one word to describe the massive 3,646-passenger ship – FABULOSO!”

The largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed, Carnival Dream carrued a full complement of technicians and engineers during her sea trials and these highly skilled individuals put the 3,646-passenger cruise ship through a variety of exercises to check the engines and other machinery on board. Following sea trials, Carnival Dream returned to Monfalcone, Italy to undergo final interior outfitting.

With Carnival Dream, Carnival Cruise Lines will usher in an exciting new era of “Fun Ship” cruising and offer a host of innovations, including Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue, cantilevered whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides, and a variety of accommodation categories, including cove balconies that are closer to the water line and five-berth, two-bathroom staterooms that will be ideal for families.

When Carnival Dream enters service in Europe Sept. 21, it will operate a series of Mediterranean cruises before repositioning to New York for 8-day cruises Nov. 15 and 23. The ship will operate a special 9-day cruise from Port Canaveral Dec. 3 then launch year-round 7-day Caribbean cruises from that port Dec. 12.

Your Carnival Dream Is About To Come True — Get a sneak peek at Carnival Cruise Line's largest “Fun Ship” ever, Carnival Dream from CruiseDiva.com.

Royal Caribbean Culinary Experiences Evolve Aboard Oasis of the Seas

When cruise competitor Norwegian Cruise Line introduced Freestyle Dining (and even before that when each of their ships featured a single extra-charge restaurant), the conventional wisdom was that no one would actually pay for food on a cruise ship. Raising the bar–and setting conventional wisdom on its ear–Oasis of the Seas will set the stage for Royal Caribbean Intl’s culinary innovations when it launches in Dec 2009. Thanks to nearly two dozen distinct dining experiences, ranging from an exclusive signature restaurant, to neighborhood-specific themed venues and new twists on the global brand’s traditions, the world’s most revolutionary cruise ship will offer more variety and flexibility than ever before.

“Oasis of the Seas showcases the evolution of Royal Caribbean dining,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Intl. “Both the new concepts and the established Royal Caribbean offerings found throughout the neighborhoods are designed to meet contemporary dining standards, cater to individual preferences and schedules, and foster epicurean curiosity. With so many options, guests could choose a new place to dine for every meal.”

As passenger expectations continue to rise, Royal Caribbean has introduced new elements of variety and flexibility, such as My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining. From breakfast to late night snacks, passengers aboard Oasis of the Seas will find an extensive variety of food and beverage offerings, available at no extra charge, to satisfy any craving, providing more options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner than ever before on a Royal Caribbean ship. The culinary festival includes plenty of choices throughout the ship that are included in your fare and ten extra-charge venues with either set pricing or food items offered á la carte:

In Central Park
· 150 Central Park: The most exclusive dining venue on Oasis of the Seas will provide an intimate dining experience combining leading-edge cuisine with modern design, creating a trendy upscale ambiance. Signature features will include a tasting menu with customized wine pairings. Open for dinner; $35 cover charge.
· Giovanni’s Table: This Tuscan countryside influenced trattoria will be a more-accessible, casual Italian restaurant featuring both indoor and al fresco seating. Rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews, will all be served family-style. Open for lunch and dinner; $10 lunch and $15 dinner cover charge.
· Park Café: This casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility will be an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and made-to-order sandwiches, to paninis, crepes and hearty soups, orders will be taken directly by the chefs behind food stations. European pastries, sublime chocolates and decadent fudge will round out the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.
· Vintages: Always a popular hot spot for Royal Caribbean guests on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Vintages wine bar will evolve into a larger space on Oasis of the Seas. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, a selection of cheeses and a broad tapas menu to accompany a robust selection of fine wines will be on the menu. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.
· Chops Grille: Continuing the tradition, Royal Caribbean’s popular signature steakhouse will offer premium cut, quality meatsin an upscale, contemporary setting indoors with views of Central Park or al fresco. Open for dinner; $25 cover charge.

On The Boardwalk
· Seafood Shack: The indoor/outdoor casual family restaurant will bring the surf style of beach side amusement parks to the Boardwalk, serving a variety of seafood, as well an extensive beverage menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and over-sized desserts. Open for lunch and dinner; $7.95 lunch and $9.95 dinner cover charge.
· Boardwalk Bar: The main bar in the Boardwalk will offer on-the-go snacks and a variety of pre-packaged sandwiches, fruit and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
· Donut Shop: You can stop into the classically styled shop for a casual snack any time of day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
· Ice Cream Parlor :The 1950’s styled ice cream venue will display classic sundaes and a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from and then mixed-to-order on a frozen slab. Open throughout the day; á la carte pricing.
· Johnny Rockets: Extending the signature “eat-ertainment” hours, a diner breakfast menu will be introduced. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; $3.95 breakfast and $4.95 lunch and dinner cover charge.

Along The Royal Promenade
· Mondo Cafe: This addition to the Royal Promenade will feature coffee, sandwiches and pastries native to countries such as Italy, Spain and Cuba. Steps from Boleros and open around the clock, it is sure to be popular after an evening on the dance floor. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.
· Sorrento’s Pizzeria: The New York style pizzeria will feature a more extensive menu with made-to-order pizza pies and slices, in addition to the ready-made selections introduced with the Freedom-class ships. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacks.
· Café Promenade: Located on the opposite end of the Royal Promenade from the Mondo Cafe, the popular café will continue serving Seattle’s Best Coffee, fruit shakes, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and night. Open 24 hours; á la carte pricing.

Beside The Pool and In The Sports Zone
· Solarium Bistro: The contemporary bistro located in the Solarium will offer health-conscious dining for breakfast and lunch in a casual setting. In the evenings, Solarium Bistro will transform into a romantic and intimate dining setting for specialty healthy-fare dinner and dancing under the stars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner has a $20 cover charge.
· The Wipe Out Café: The casual self-service buffet will offer a variety of options from pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches and fresh salads to quick snacks and desserts, for young cruisers on-the-go. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
· The Vitality Café: At the entrance of the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the café will feature healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps and fruit, in addition to refreshing juices and smoothies from the Vitality spa menu for the calorie conscious guest. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

New Twists on Fleet Fixtures
· Opus Dining Room: The 3-level main dining room will revive the grandeur of the 1920s and feature French art deco design. Catering to varying preferences, the newly introduced My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining, as well as the traditional main and late seating options will be offered. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
· Windjammer Marketplace: Offering the utmost flexibility for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this next generation of the brand staple will feature multiple islands, each serving a variety casual buffet fare.
· Izumi: The new Asian cuisine restaurant will feature a sushi bar and hot rock cooking, as well as other Asian fare in a more formal setting. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.
· In-Stateroom Service: Should you want to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your stateroom, you will be able to choose from the complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as well as the recently introduced Dine in Delights menu, which offers name-brand culinary options ranging from the Original Johnny Rockets hamburger to Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookies. Available 24 hours; á la carte pricing for Dine In Delights and $3.95 service charge for in-room deliveries between 12:00 am and 5:00 am.

Upon announcing the dining options last week, Goldstein hosted a live chat focusing on Oasis of the Seas’ dining offerings. Afterwards he said, “There was a lot of interest in understanding which dining opportunities will be free and which will be for a charge and how much of a charge. Our goal is to offer a wider range of opportunities to eat ‘for free’ than ever before and also provide numerous additional choices at a range of price points that we would only offer for a charge.”

The day after the chat Goldstein was joined by other executives to have lunch in Royal Caribbean’s test kitchen to taste some of the menu items from 150 Central Park, the new fine dining concept that will carry the highest per person charge aboard Oasis of the Seas. According to Goldstein, “It was outrageously delicious. Anyone who has dinner there will be very happy they did.”

Happily, I might add, at $35 the extra charge is only $5 more than fine dining options aboard many other cruise ships.

In just a few days, on July 7th, in addition to booking shore excursions, wine packages, etc, you will also be able to book Oasis of the Seas specialty dining meals at RoyalCaribbean.com.

More about Oasis of the Seas from CruiseDiva.com:

• Oasis of the Seas — Beginning to take shape.
• More Oasis of the Seas Details — A second Oasis of the Seas reveal, includes more neighborhoods and surprises.
• Oasis of the Seas — Two more neighborhoods make a splash when Royal Caribbean takes "the beach" to sea.

Lanai Staterooms Are A Hit On Holland America's Veendam

Holland America Line's latest Signature of Excellence innovation has received rave reviews by guests on ms Veendam. Similar in size to the premium line's spacious outside-view staterooms, the new, unique lanai accommodations were recently added to the ship and feature large sliding glass doors covered with a one-way mirrored coating to ensure privacy. Why is privacy so important? Because the "lanai" is the Lower promenade wrap-around teak walking deck. In addition to direct access to the outdoor deck, the staterooms also feature reserved deck chairs right outside. Lanai staterooms will be added to ms Rotterdam this year and three other ships by 2013.

"We are very pleased with the lanai staterooms and the enthusiastic response from our guests," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "They have a nice layout and direct deck access and enhanced views are a major benefit. On the Statendam-class ships we have fewer verandah options than on our Vista or Signature ships. So lanai staterooms offer a great value with outside deck access."

The addition of 38 lanai staterooms on Veendam are a key feature in the latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line. Thirty-two new verandah staterooms also were built on the aft portion of the ship, along with eight new inside staterooms. All staterooms aboard Veendam received new decor, modern wall sconces, carpeting, drapes, pillows and bed runners and resurfaced desks and vanities. Bathrooms saw an "extreme" makeover with new vanities and cabinetry.

A final stateroom enhancement was the creation of 15 spa staterooms--12 outside converted to verandah in drydock and three other inside--featuring a variety of exclusive spa amenities. The rooms offer their own ambiance with a decor reflecting natural elements and soft earth-tones. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments and a spa room service menu are offered only in these staterooms.

Completion in Two Phases on Five Ships: Except for Veendam, completed at the end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in December 2009, stateroom enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam, and Ryndam will receive stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add lanai staterooms and new accommodations on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms.Veendam's capacity increased to 1,350 as a result of the stateroom additions. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404. Capacity on Statendam, Maasdam, and Ryndam will increase to 1,350 during future drydocks.

This next phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam, and Rotterdam. Additional highlights include the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea, and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line's popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced on ms Eurodam in summer 2008. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.

For additional information, visit HollandAmerica.com.

Develop Your Personal Fashion Style On A Crystal Cruise

If you've ever felt frustrated when packing your maybe-not-so-chic wardrobe for a cruise, help is on the way. To channel your inner fashionista, veteran wardrobe stylists and designers will host a complimentary "Style Desk" aboard Crystal Cruises' new "Sun, Sea and Euro-Style" sailing this fall. Setting the stage for Crystal's new Fashion & Style cruise is Crystal Serenity's 12-day Mediterranean itinerary from Venice to Barcelona on October 20.

Crystal's Experiences of Discovery program promises an experience to remember as fashion experts offer one-on-one consultations, answer fashion dilemmas, and help travelers enhance their own personal sense of style. Stylist/costume designer Anna Wycoff, a Los Angeles-based costume designer and personal wardrobe stylist who has styled runway shows on both coasts, and designer Gayle Davis, the co-owner of the M Stevens dancewear company who also custom designs and styles under her own label, will also provide an insider's look at the fashion world, with a strong emphasis on European style. The team will present a colorful look at the evolution of European fashion and cinema costuming, culminating in a fanciful afternoon tea themed with a 1950's vintage fashion show.

Fashionable highlights of the voyage include:
-- Fashion & Style Desk: Stylists offer personal consultations to perfect your look.
-- Personal Style: Embracing Authenticity as a Virtue, From Bardot to Bogart—A discussion of signature styles.
-- European Cinema Costuming: Learn how costumes enhance a film's story, and examine iconic characters from films like La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday set in the ship's destinations.
-- A European Fashion Evolution: Explore the 1950's to 60's, when a radical ready-to-wear European revolution replaced manicured couture.
-- Fashion Show Tea : "Riviera Rendezvous," a vintage fashion show created exclusively for Crystal guests.

"The Mediterranean provides a chic backdrop to an insightful look at memorable European fashion," says Christopher Escamilla, Crystal's entertainment coordinator. "Always open and accessible, with infectious enthusiasm, Anna and Gayle are fashion cheerleaders for men and women."

The 12-day Crystal Serenity cruise visits Venice, Dubrovnik, Catania, Civitavecchia/Rome, Livorno/Florence, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. For more information, visit the line's website at CrystalCruises.com.

Cruise Vacation Shopping

It's your duty to shop, but it won't be free!

Before you board your ship, get Cruise Diva's strategies for smart Shopping on Your Cruise Vacation.

Also learn how to snag some No-Cost Souvenirs during your cruise.

About these grass-soled flip flops... you'll have to sail on Celebrity Cruises' Solstice to sink your toes into them.

Oceania Cruises & Canyon Ranch Spa Join Forces at Sea

Cruise Diva predicts that spa connoisseurs will soon be lining up to go to sea on an Oceania Cruises vessel. The world famous Canyon Ranch®, leading operator of destination health resorts, will design and operate the spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness facilities on board Marina, which is set to debut in late 2010. In Addition, Canyon Ranch SpaClub will debut fleet-wide on Marina's sister ships Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica by Sept 1st of this year. "We wanted to bring this world-renowned experience to the guests on our existing ships as soon as possible as it presented us with the perfect opportunity to enhance our acclaimed product and further the evolution of our brand," announced Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises. Binder added that the facility will be a Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, from the Canyon Ranch at Sea division.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Marina will feature a visually stunning state-of-the-art spa, wellness and fitness facility, plus a luxurious full-service beauty salon. SpaClub will offer the most desirable spa amenities available: there will be 16 massage, body and skin-care treatment rooms, a gym and weight room with more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight training equipment, a juice bar, men's and women's locker rooms, and two whirlpools. Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Marina will also incorporate unique water features throughout, emphasizing the healing and therapeutic benefits of water and heat. A thalassotherapy pool will feature airbed recliner lounges, neck fountains, deluge waterfall, air tub and body massage jet benches. The pool area also will have a whirlpool. Adjacent to the pool will be an extensive co-ed Thermal Suite featuring an herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room. Also on board will be the exotic Rasul Ceremony, a Canyon Ranch SpaClub signature treatment. This medicinal mud and steam treatment, which takes place in an ornately tiled steam chamber, is derived from an ancient cleansing ritual.

Canyon Ranch certified fitness instructors will conduct daily group and private fitness, yoga and tai chi classes for guests. In addition, on select voyages Canyon Ranch healthy living experts will offer on-board presentations and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and a variety of other topics. The Canyon Ranch SpaClub beauty salon will offer complete beauty services for women and men. The extensive Salon menu will feature hair design and nail care treatments, including luxurious spa manicures and pedicures, makeup consultations and makeovers. SpaClub's array of rejuvenating spa treatments also will include massages and therapeutic bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, ayuvedic and seaweed treatments, facials and masks, conditioning body scrubs and therapeutic body cocoons.

In addition, Oceania Cruises will feature a full range of culinary offerings from Canyon Ranch's incomparable Spa Cuisine which is both nutritious and created with the highest gourmet standards. This array of healthy cuisine will be available at breakfast, lunch and dinner in both the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café. Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine will debut aboard Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica in April and May, 2010 and aboard Marina in late 2010. "Canyon Ranch shares our passion for fine cuisine and our Executive Chefs will be working with their culinary team to create a unique and diverse array of healthy, gourmet meals," Binder said.

Cruise Diva has experienced a Canyon Ranch SpaClub first-hand and can vouch for their facilities and the quality of their services. This is big news indeed for those of us who enjoy spa-going without pressure.

How Popular Are Carnival’s West Coast Shorter Cruises?

They are very popular with Isaac Levy, who certainly knows a good thing when he sees it.

If you think you’ve accumulated an impressive past passenger record with Carnival Cruise Lines, think again. Isaac Levy, a 90-year-old resident of Redondo Beach, California, has been sailing on Carnival Cruise Lines’ 4-day Baja Mexico itinerary once a month for the past 14 years, dating back to when the cruise ship Holiday first began the program from Southern California in 1995.

Aside from taking an annual break from Carnival cruising during the summer, Levy has sailed on nearly one hundred 4-day “Fun Ship” Baja cruises, most recently on the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise which currently operates the program.

Levy (third from left) is pictured here with several members of the Carnival Paradise’s management team. Obviously they don't need to see his Platinum Sign and Sail card to know who he is! Carnival Paradise sails year-round from Long Beach, CA, offering 4-day cruises departing Mondays to Ensenada and Catalina Island and 3-day cruises departing Fridays to Ensenada.

Just in case you’d like to challenge Mr. Levy’s Carnival record, the cruise line is currently offering some exceptionally attractive rates on its shorter itineraries departing from Long Beach and San Diego. Carnival’s West Coast shorter cruise options, which start at an eye-popping low fare of $43 a day, include:

• 3- and 4-day Baja cruises aboard the Carnival Paradise year-round from Long Beach. 3-day cruises departing Fridays call at Ensenada, while 4-day voyages departing Mondays visit Ensenada and Catalina Island. Early Saver rates start at $219 per person for 3-day cruises and $169 per person for 4-day cruises.
• 3-, 4-, and 5-day Baja or Cabo sailings on the Carnival Elation year-round from San Diego. The 4-day cruises depart Fridays and visit Ensenada. 4-day cruises departing Mondays call at Ensenada and Catalina Island, while 4-day weekend cruises depart Thursdays and feature Cabo San Lucas. 5-day cruises departing Saturdays offer two full days in Cabo San Lucas, while 5-day cruises departing Mondays stop at Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Early Saver rates start at $169 per person for 4-day and 4-day mid-week cruises; $259 per person for 4-day weekend cruises; and $299 per person for 5-day cruises.

Rates are based on double occupancy, reflect category 4 (interior) accommodations for select fall sailings, and are subject to change without notice. If you live in southern California, can you really afford to stay home?

Silversea's "Silver Shore Concierge" Service Customizes Shore Experiences

Part of the allure of a cruise vacation is the ability to travel effortlessly from destination to destination and luxury line Silversea is making it even easier when you arrive. Guests may now design their own unique experiences ashore with the introduction of its new "Silver Shore Concierge" service. With the launch of this innovative program, guests or their travel agent need only to call the dedicated toll-free phone line, 1-800-968-9518, or email concierge@silversea.com, to request assistance in making personalized, private onshore arrangements. The Silver Shore Concierge desk can be reached from 8:00am to 6:00pm (East Coast time, U.S.), Monday through Friday.

"The new Silver Shore Concierge desk has been created to provide our guests with one-to-one consultations and creative assistance," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's director of land programs. "Our team of destination experts are happy to set up arrangements to meet a guest's specific requirements, tailored to their personal interests, or help guests design their own one-of-a-kind onshore experience."

The Silver Shore Concierge arrangements could include not only sightseeing but also sporting activities and securing behind-the-scenes or after-hours access to exclusive designer shops, museums, cathedrals, and more. Other possibilities might include a champagne picnic and hot air balloon ride over Tuscany, access to a designer's atelier in Venice, or a journey through Juneau's glacier-carved fjords by private catamaran. Additionally, guests can call upon the Silver Shore Concierge to plan pre- and post-cruise land adventures that include accommodations at some of the world's best hotels, flights, ground transportation, and guided tours of historical sites and other attractions.

To take advantage of the new service, Silversea guests will need to have a deposited or fully-paid booking. Payment for confirmed arrangements is made in advance of sailing and includes a service fee. The Silver Shore Concierge is also offered aboard ship, where the shore concierge manager and team, together with the destination specialist, are available to assist guests with suggestions, planning and coordination of all their independent touring needs. The Concierge service is the centerpiece of an array of new Silver Shore tour and hotel offerings designed to make the destination experience more personal and authentic.

All Silver Shore tours are available for guests to pre-book online as early as 120 days prior to sailing. Silver Shore Land Adventures and hotel options can be booked as add-ons to the cruise vacation through Silversea reservations. Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and—launching in Dec 2009, Silver Spirit—all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. For more information on Silversea Cruises and Silver Shore tour details, visit Silversea.com.

Photo above: Silver Wind in Cape Town, South Africa