Holland America Line recently earned its 13th straight
designation as Best Overall Cruise Value from the World Ocean &
Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS).
“It’s an honor to receive the recognition of the World Ocean and
Cruise Liner Society for the 13th year in a row,” said Stein Kruse,
president and CEO. “It speaks to the consistency of our product as
the best premium cruise experience and recognizes our efforts to
continually enhance Holland America Line in ways that offer even
greater guest satisfaction and value.”
WOCLS is a 24-year-old organization comprised of more than 7,000
cruisers who average two cruises a year. The society reviews all
cruise lines annually and noted that: “Holland America Line has
consistently offered their passengers more than any other
comparable cruise lines, though often priced much less than
comparable cruise lines.”
www.hollandamerica.com
Orion Expedition Joins NCMA
Seattle-based Orion Expedition Cruises has joined the Niche
Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA). Orion offers expedition sailings
to Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania and Antarctica on
board the 106-passenger, German-built M/V Orion.
Orion joins the nine other members of the NCMA that provide
destination or experiential cruise products not offered by the
mass-market cruise lines. NCMA is designed to promote these
programs to the travel agent distribution system in North America,
and offers travel agent training and certification.
Built in 2003, the Orion features 53 exterior staterooms and
suites with Internet access, twin/queen-size beds, refrigerators,
sitting rooms or living areas and marble bathrooms.
Fares for seven-night voyages (not including air) on Orion
Expedition Cruises range from $3,510 to $7,555 per person, double
occupancy.
www.orioncruises.com.au
www.nichecruise.com
Seabourn’s Chefs’ CircleSeabourn Cruise Line will feature a stellar lineup of celebrity
chefs for its third annual Chefs’ Circle series of cruises.
The four chefs participating this year come from various regions
of the world. Rob Feenie, from Lumiere, in Vancouver, will join
Seabourn Spirit on a seven-day Mediterranean cruise departing Rome
on Aug. 28.
Chef Robbin Haas has launched three of South Florida’s hottest
eateries, including Baleen and Raku and his latest, Chispa. He’ll
sail on the Seabourn Legend Aug. 28 from Rome to Monte Carlo.
Fans of the Food Network will recognize the name Mary Sue
Milliken, who, with her partner Susan Feniger, pioneered “Nuevo
Latino” cuisine at the Border Grill restaurant in Santa Monica,
Calif. Chef Milliken will join the Seabourn Legend on Oct. 2, from
Monte Carlo to Barcelona.
Finally, Anne Desjardins from L’Eau à la Bouche in Ste-Adele,
Quebec, will join Seabourn Spirit on an Asian cruise from Singapore
on Nov. 25.
www.seabourn.com
