Video by Princess Cruises
Regal Princess is making her debut next year ahead of schedule, and Princess Cruises added two new sailings to her maiden schedule. The ship’s first voyage, which was previously scheduled for June 2, will now be May 20, 2014. New Regal Princess Mediterranean cruises include a seven-day maiden voyage on May 20, 2014 from Venice to Athens, stopping in Corfu, Mykonos and an overnight call in Istanbul; and a six-day May 27, 2014 cruise from Athens to Venice calling in Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Santorini, Katakolon (for Olympia) and Dubrovnik.
Both voyages can be combined into a 13-day Grand Adventure or added on to the previously announced June 2 cruise for a full 20-day Mediterranean escape. Passengers previously booked on Regal Princess’ maiden voyage will automatically receive a duplicate booking on the new May 20 maiden voyage. They have until Nov. 15, 2013, to decide if they want to take the new cruise instead of, or in addition to, their existing reservation.
Windstar Cruises is launching its new guest loyalty program November 1, 2013. Renamed Windstar Yacht Club (formerly Foremast Club), program members will enjoy benefits when they book, while they are on board, and every time they share the Windstar experience with friends and family. Yacht Club member benefits become effective on November 1, 2013.
Windstar Yacht Club members will receive savings of 5 percent on standard cruise fares for most voyages; upgrades to the next highest cabin category at no cost, or an upgrade from a standard stateroom or suite to a premium suite starting at $500 per person; a private member cocktail party; dining with the Captain or other ship Officers; a commemorative Welcome Aboard gift; savings of 10 percent on any purchase made in the onboard gift shop; and referral rewards.
Alaskan Dream Cruises is offering a new itinerary for the 2014 season: three departures of the nine-day “Point Adolphus, Frederick Sound & Stephens Passage Explorer” cruise. This itinerary was developed to add an additional day of exploration in the northern waterways of the Inside Passage to the eight-day “Alaska’s Glacier Bay & Island Adventure” cruise. Starting at $3,399, cruise departures on May 15, May 16 and August 11 will sail round-trip from Sitka, calling at the Tlingit village of Kake; Petersburg; Juneau; and the Orca Point Lodge and Hobart Bay adventure camp destinations.
Alaskan Dream Cruises will also offer a dedicated 2014 family cruise after their debut of the family-only departures in the 2013 season. The nine-day “True Alaska Family Cruise” will sail roundtrip from Sitka on July 19. Staffed with expedition leaders for both adults and kids, the cruise offers learning opportunities ranging from kayaking and Native crafts to scavenger hunts and game nights. Families learn about geology, wildlife identification, nautical navigation and knot tying.