Silversea Expeditions has launched new specialty cruises, each offering a focus on activities such as birding, photography, scuba diving, wellness and gastronomy. Offered on select sailing dates, the specialty expedition voyages are as follows:
Birding & Ornithology Expedition Voyages: Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos and Silver Discoverer cruises offer birding opportunities that can be enjoyed by casual bird enthusiasts, serious birdwatchers with a “life list” of bird sightings, and just about anyone who loves interacting with nature.
Wellness Expedition Voyages: A team of wellness specialists onboard Silver Discoverer in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific hosts a program of fitness training, including stretching, yoga and Pilates. Other highlights include daily lectures and cooking demonstrations focused on balanced nutrition, plus guests may enjoy a complimentary spa massage treatment.
Photography Expedition Voyages: Photo walks, onboard lectures and workshops with a professional photographer enable the passengers of Silver Explorer and Silver Discoverer to get the best out of their photography equipment in some of the world’s most exotic destinations.
Diving Expedition Voyages: The underwater worlds of Indonesia, Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia are revealed on a scuba diving trips on Silver Discoverer.
Culinary Expedition Voyages: Designed for the adventurous traveler who is a gourmet at heart, these cruises aboard Silver Explorer offer culinary events on board and ashore – in addition to explorations of the natural, cultural, and historic landmarks visited along the way.
Six mini-brochures are available in traditional print format and as digital flip books, ranging from six to eight pages. Each provides an overview of a particular specialty cruise program and a calendar of sailing dates. They can be requested or downloaded at silversea.com/brochures.
Jazz at sea
Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, will debut a new partnership with Blue Note Records on Oct. 29. The special trans-Atlantic crossing will feature intimate jazz performances by the Blue Note 75th Anniversary All Star Band, Our Point of View. The band — keyboardist Robert Glasper, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland, guitarist Lionel Loueke, bassist Derrick Hodge and drummer Kendrick Scott — draws from their own solo catalogs as well new spins on Blue Note classics. President of Blue Note Records, Don Was, himself a musician and Grammy-winning producer for Bonnie Raitt and the Rolling Stones, will also sail on the voyage and participate in Q&A sessions. Jazz lovers can look forward to two more special cruises in 2016. Info: cunard.com.
Alaska on Princess
Princess Cruises has launched North to Alaska!, a series of new onboard offerings created in partnership with local experts, featuring a variety of authentic Alaska culinary, educational and entertainment experiences. The program includes expanded Alaska seafood offerings, with signature dishes from local chefs and restaurants; unique interactions with Alaskans; and onboard festivals to allow guests to eat like a local, learn from the locals, and celebrate like a local. The program debuts in May 2015 on Princess cruises to Alaska. Info: princess.com.
New culinary center
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is adding a new venue to its Seven Seas Explorer. The ship will feature the luxury line’s first culinary instruction center called the Culinary Arts Kitchen, and will debut a new social venue, the Meridian Lounge. The Culinary Arts Kitchen will provide guests with all the ingredients to expand their skills in an environment reminiscent of prestigious cooking schools in France in both layout and design. Eighteen individual cooking stations sit atop three long curved rows with white quartzite countertops and stainless steel accents. The work stations are equipped with induction cooktops, stainless steel sinks and a comprehensive collection of cooking essentials. The instruction at the Culinary Arts Kitchen will cover a wide array of topics including healthy cooking, fish and shellfish preparation, perfect food and wine pairings for entertaining, delectable mini-desserts, high-heat grilling, and classes inspired by the destinations visited. The Culinary Arts Kitchen will debut on Seven Seas Explorer with more than a dozen unique classes. Seven Seas Explorer is slated to join the rest of the fleet in summer of 2016. Info: rssc.com.
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