Princess Cruises’ new Discovery At Sea cruise vacations will feature themed tours, science activities, hands-on programs and games based on Discovery Communication’s brands and programming. Debuting on Princess Cruises’ ships in early 2015, the interactive experiences are designed to bring to life the nature, wildlife and history of the regions guests are sailing.
Discovery At Sea content will be based on Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Science Channel programming, such as Shark Week, Mythbusters and Deadliest Catch. Among the new programs are Discovery Under the Stars – a cosmic voyage from the ship’s top deck – and Shark Week at Sea – challenging adults and kids alike, testing their knowledge of the ocean with trivia games and a variety of themed activities. Info: princess.com.
Vietnam programming
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will host Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Rory Kennedy for a preview of her latest project, “Last Days In Vietnam,” aboard Seven Seas Voyager during the 18-night Dynasties and Dragons sailing in Asia on Feb. 21. The filmmaker will have a question-and-answer session at the end of the screening and provide insight into the making and significance of the film.
Kennedy’s documentary chronicles the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War as the North Vietnamese Army closes in on Saigon and the South Vietnamese resistance crumbles. Artful Travelers is partnering with Regent Seven Seas Cruises on this series showcasing PBS programming and personalities.
As the ship sails from Beijing to ports in China, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, guests will have the opportunity to join panel discussions, question-and-answer sessions and special presentations in the ship’s signature showplace, the Constellation Theater. Additionally, private dinners and cocktail receptions will take place during the voyage. In addition to Kennedy, scheduled guests to appear on this voyage include Steven Johnson, author, technology expert and host of PBS’ “How We Got to Now with Steven Johnson”; Mark Bailey, Emmy Award-nominated screenwriter and best-selling author (“Of All The Gin Joints: Stumbling Through Hollywood History” and “Last Days In Vietnam”); and Lauren Prestileo, series manager of the PBS series “American Experience.” These special activities are available to guests at no additional cost. At the time of booking, guests or their travel agents need to request the promotional code “ARTFUL” to be added to the guest’s reservation.
Info: RSSC.com, artfultravelers.com.
Holland America’s Europe season
Holland America’s 2015 Europe voyages range from seven to 50 days on eight ships. The 62 cruises include three new itineraries, four maiden calls and overnight visits to 21 of the continent’s most popular and culturally rich cities. The diverse fleet that will explore the region includes ms Eurodam and ms Nieuw Amsterdam — Holland America Line’s two Signature-Class ships — as well as ms Maasdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Ryndam and ms Veendam.
New to Europe in 2015 is the 1,916-guest ms Zuiderdam, which will sail in the Mediterranean. Several roundtrip options will be available from eight ports: Fort Lauderdale; Barcelona, Spain; Boston, Mass.; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Venice, Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark; Harwich (London), England; and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages ranging from 14 to 35 days, which offer the ultimate European experience. These longer journeys combine back-to-back itineraries, enabling guests to visit more ports and spend extra time exploring centuries of art, history and culture. Visit hollandamerica.com.
Sail with Jacques Pepin
Master chef, cookbook author and Oceania Cruises Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin will host a special sailing onboard Riviera in 2015. The chef’s daughter Claudine, co-host of the award-winning “Cooking with Claudine” television series, and his granddaughter Shorey will join Pépin and his wife, Gloria, on the 10-day Iberian Inspiration departing Lisbon for Rome on July 7. The sailing will feature cooking demonstrations, specially designed signature menus, book signings and more. Making the sailing even more special, guests can share in an 80th birthday celebration for Chef Pépin. Info: OceaniaCruises.com.
