Two more cruise lines jettisoning trans-fats

Royal Caribbean's announcement a few weeks ago that it was moving away from unhealthy trans-fats in its cuisine spurred a response from Carnival, a direct competitor in the contemporary cruise market segment, and ultra-luxury line Crystal.

Carnival's press release is amusing, if you read between the lines. Its first sentence declares, "Carnival Cruise Lines, which led the cruise industry by initiating measures two years ago to remove trans fats from its menus, is taking that program to the next level." The clear message to the across-town rival? You kids at Royal Caribbean may have gotten press first on this subject, but we at Carnival were quietly way ahead--two years ago.

While both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have reduced trans-fats, and have plans in place to continually reduce their usage, Crystal is further ahead of the curve.

Crystal put an upscale twist on their announcement, saying not only that trans-fats are totally eliminated effective immediately, but also that a new "oil sommelier" will offer flavored, infused oils to diners to complement their meals. You know how a cruise ship wine sommelier will frequently wear their silver tasting cup as a necklace? What do you suppose an oil sommelier would wear?

Experts say that trans fatty acids are not required and provide no known benefits, increase LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and also lower levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), increasing the risk of heart disease.

So, good riddance!

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Conde Nast Traveler readers name Regent Seven Seas top dog

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine has announced the results of its 19th annual reader's poll, awarded based on the answers of over 21,000 participants.

Among the surprises this year was the choice of Regent Seven Seas as the top pick in the Large Cruise Ship category. The cruise line (formerly Radisson Seven Seas) edged out nine-time winner Crystal Cruises for the honor.

The number three pick in the Large Cruise Ship category is Disney Cruise Line. The top three choices in the Small Ship Cruise Lines category are SeaDream Yacht Club, Grand Circle Cruise Line, and Regent Seven Seas (again), respectively.

Other winners include San Francisco as the top US destination city, Florence as the top European city, and Bangkok as the top Asian city.

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Crystal announces World Cruise artists and speakers

A figure skater, a Grammy-Award-winning songwriter, a former presidential press secretary, and more: the guest artists and speakers to be featured on Crystal Cruises' world cruise, departing January 12, 2007 are a diverse bunch.

Among the featured special guests will be Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill; former NFL coach Don Shula; former presidential press secretary Marlin Fitzwater; NBC medical correspondent Dr. Art Ulene; and singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka.

In addition to the headliners, there will also be added speakers to complement the destinations, such as writer/photographer Hallam Murray, who has bicycled the 17,000 miles between Los Angeles and Tierra del Fuego and has lived among Chile's Mapuche tribespeople. In total, more than 200 artists, experts, and speakers will travel on the 109-day voyage.

Crystal's 2007 world cruise on the Crystal Serenity sails from Miami and calls at 44 ports in 27 countries before docking in Southampton. The cruise is available in total or in one or a combination of seven segments.

Join the excitement! Contact SureCruise today for more information, expert advice, and to book.

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Cruise ship Webcams and Bridgecams: cruise live from your desk!

The ongoing Internet-enabling of cruise ships now brings live cruising to your computer. Many ships offer near-real-time Webcams and Bridgecams with views from their ships' bridges and elsewhere onboard.

Admittedly, port areas aren't always the most scenic part of cruising, but every once in a while you'll get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, or the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, or picturesque Villefranche on the French Rivera. It's a fun diversion for any cruise lover.

Among cruise lines offering Webcams are:

• Princess Webcams
• Crystal Webcams
• CostaWebcams
• Carnival Webcams (Liberty and Valor only)
• Norwegian Webcams (select ship of interest, then Webcam option)
• Cunard for the QE2 Webcams and QM2 Webcams
  
• Royal Caribbean only on Voyager of the Seas Webcams
• Celebrity Webcams
  

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Cruise with big bands, comedy, and cabaret on Crystal in 2007

Big bands, comedy, and cabaret are just a few of the theme cruise sailings announced by Crystal Cruises for their 2007 season. Crystal, known for its onboard enrichment programs, offers 12 different theme cruise topics in 2007. Among them are...

• Big Band and Ballroom Dancing - a ten-day Trans-Atlantic cruise with dance instructors and lots of dance music, reminiscent of cruising's Gilded Age.
• Cabaret at Sea - celebrating the songs of great American composers
• Mind, Body, and Spirit - featuring guest instructor in yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and overall wellness
• Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute - new study courses in language, art, music, and computers
• Crystal Comedy Club at Sea -– showcases talented comedians from America's top comedy clubs
• Film and Theatre Festival - a Trans-Atlantic film festival with guest speakers and film screenings.
• Golf -– sail with PGA instructors and golf celebrities as well as enjoy special golf outing on shore.
• Jazz -– enjoy a variety of jazz performers and experts as you sail through the Caribbean.
• President's Cruise -– a special Canary Islands cruise with Crystal Cruises President, Gregg L. Michel, and his family.
• Smithsonian Journeys - a five destination-rich sailing coordinated with the Smithsonian and featuring guest lecturers from the Institute.
• Tall Ships Cruise -– be part of the world's largest sailing event in Stockholm, which spotlights more than 80 tall ships.
• Crystal Wine and Food Festival - offered on 10 different voyages, this event features world-renowned chefs, wine experts, and lots of tastings.

Crystal Cruises operates the 940-passenger Crystal Symphony and the 1080-passenger Crystal Serenity, which sail throughout the globe. Crystal has been voted "The World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines for 10 and 11 years, respectively. Contact SureCruise for more information and to book! Crystal's theme sailings invariably sell out early, so act now.

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