CRUISE PLANNER
WINDSTAR CRUISES Ship
Wind Spirit, Star Wind Surf
5* OTHER CRUISE OPERATORS
Rating Type 5*
SR
Boutique Boutique
Dining Tonnage P / C 38.50 Open 5,703 150/91 47.20 Open 14,745 310/163
Although the perception is that this brand operates sailing ships, pulling ropes and scrubbing decks are not part of the daily agenda. Luxury is the by-word on these chic, small vessels that feature pleasing, well chosen-menus, plus a new alternative dining choice on the recently refurbished Wind Surf (in fact, all 3 ships will have had a major makeover by the end of 2012). Relaxed, informal and with low-key entertainment, they add friendly, efficient service, great watersports and good shore excursions, while there are some sophisticated touches in the cabins and recently-expanded WindSpas. Sailing in the Caribbean and to Central America (from Costa Rica) in the winter and in Northern Europe and the Med in summer, these vessels have computer controlled sails as well as diesel motors. Gratuities not included.
www.windstarcruises.com
ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS Ship
Clipper Adventurer Clipper Odyssey
Rating Type 4*
SR Dining Tonnage P / C Adventure 39.67 Open 4,364 4*-Plus Adventure 47.43 Open 5,218
110/79 110/73
This owner-operator of genuine adventurous vessels features a series of world-wide eco-friendly tours and expeditions focusing on the North-West Passage, Antarctica, the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus the Mediterranean and even round-Britain voyages. They short-term charter some vessels (notably in the Indian Ocean and to the Galapagos) and have long-term charters on two contrasting but high-quality ships in Adventurer and Odyssey. Both offer adventure cruising of a highly personal and small-scale nature, with a fleet of Zodiac landing boats, but Odyssey is the more sophisticated and luxury-orientated vessel, with gourmet dining and more lavishly appointed cabins. Natural history, photography, bird-watching, diving and hiking are all part of the Zegrahm style, so onboard entertainments are limited to lectures and dining. Gratuities not included.
www.zeco.com
Abercrombie & Kent (
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk): the luxury travel and tours company feature a terrific variety of cruise options, notably Adventure-style to South-East Asia, the Amazon, Antarctica, Australasia and the South Pacific, the Galapagos Islands and Alaska. All tours are fully escorted and impeccably organised, with the addition of an excellent river and canal cruise programme in Europe, on The Nile, where they have their own fleet of luxury river-boats, and the Yangtze in China. More info: 0845 485 1551 (in the UK) or 1800 554 7016 (in the US).
Alaskan Dream Cruises (
www.alaskandreamcruises.com): new in 2012 was this small-scale local operation around Alaska from their seasonal base in Sitka, or “true Alaska with Alaskans,” as they call it. With four ships taking from 42-66 passengers, they promise to get up close to the parts of this region the big ships don’t visit, with lively, energetic adventures by Zodiac and kayak. Onboard lifestyle is low- key, relaxed and educational, with at least one free shore excursion per port and a specialist Expedition Leader on each voyage. More info: call 1855 747 8100 (in the US only).
AMA Waterways (
www.amawaterways.co.uk/com): this deluxe line features the rivers of Europe and Russia, with a huge choice from Portugal and Spain to classic Rhine and Danube voyages. Their 12 vessels are all modern, well-fitted and with real touches of luxury, and the cuisine and service are among the best. European cruises feature some of the newest boats while their 12-day Russian Waterways voyage from Moscow to St Petersburg is a real highlight. More info: call 080 223 5009 in the UK, or 1800 626 0126 in the US.
American Cruise Lines (
www.americancruiselines.com): a boutique small-ship operator, ACL features a wealth of river and coastal voyages throughout the US, including an all-new Mississippi River option, the Queen of the Mississippi, a classic riverboat built in sumptuous style. Their other five ships of differing vintages sail along the north-east coast and waterways (including the Hudson River and New England), the south-east (including the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay), the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Washington and Oregon in the Pacific north-west, Alaska and even the north-west waterways of Florida. Onboard style is relaxed and informal, with good quality local cuisine, over-sized staterooms and excellent lecture programmes. The Queen of the Mississippi also adds true river-going luxury to the mix. More info: in the UK, call 0808 101 2713; in the US, call 1800 460 4518.
92 WORLD OF CRUISING I Winter 2012-13
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