The Cruising Lifestyle Sep/Oct 2011

The

Cruising Lifestyle

Cruising Magazine of Stamford Discovery Cruise Center September/October 2011

Greek Islands

Splendors

Autumn in New England Falling in love with Fall p. 18

The Island Life p. 10

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ONBOARD How to make your cruise experience FUN! p. 8

Costa Favolosa The New Flagship of Costa Cruises p. 14

World’s Best Cruises Find out which are the best p.36

What’s INSIDE September/October 2011 14

Contents Costa Favolosa

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25 10

Foreword 4

From the Seahorse’s Mouth Mutterings of another busy cruise season

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Top 10 THINGS to DO Onboard!

How to make your Cruise experience fun!

10 Greek Island Splendors The Island Life

14 Fabulous Favolosa The New Flagship of Costa Cruises

18 Fall In Love With Fall in New England Autumn Foliage Season

25 Foodies Goodies Savor fine cuisine onboard

31 Song Saa Private Island Romance in the Sweetheart Islands

36 World’s Best Awards Cruises category

41 Cruise Ship Diary Our Staff’s Cruising Experience

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From The Seahorse’s Mouth!!

Editor’s Note Wake Me Up When September Ends Yet another busy cruise season and looking better than ever. The recent NATAS Holidays has been remarkable and we have increased our profile as cruise educators and one of the forefront pioneers of the cruise industry in Singapore. Well, on a personal level, It has been a year since I embarked on the most important trip of my life; wedding photo-shoot in picture-postcard perfect Santorini. The trip was as life-changing as my call up for national service years ago. All the expectations of blue-domed chapels, cycladic and white-washed buildings and glorious Mediterranean sunset were achieved. On the day of the actual photo-shoot, we were literally given Hollywood celebrity status with all tourists and locals cheering us on like they were our best men and bridesmaids. It was amazingly romantic and a perfect way to enter into the “Married Men’s Club”. Overall, the experience was marvellous and I could not have it any better. Long as we relive our memories and Santorini will always be a highlight in our lives. I will be back to the other islands in Greece for sure and this time round, I will have more fill of moussaka. For the moment, let’s enjoy the month of September for during this month, it’s the start of Fall and there are beautiful sights from almost every corner of the world. I’ll be having sweet dreams about the destinations and Wake Me Up only….When September Ends. =)

David Song David Song Editor david.song@stamfordtravel.net

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Disney Cruise Line celebrated the launch of its newest ship Disney Dream earlier this year in a star-studded event complete with fireworks and champagne. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson was named godmother of the ship, and took centre stage with Walt Disney chief Executive Robert A. Iger and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Thomas O Staggs. It was a sort of homecoming for Hudson; she started out her singing career on Disney Wonder, performing for passengers on board the ship before appearing on American Idol and winning and Academy Award for Dreamgirls. The ship was named on 19 January and set sail on its maiden voyage on 26 January from Port Canaveral, Florida.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ONBOARD!

Many people miss out on this as they are busy acquainting themselves with the ship, unpacking and gettting ready for dinner on the first night.

Definitely leave these things till later. This is a great way to check out your fellow cruisers, spot the likely characters of the cruise and meet people.

Ask them to take a picture of you and offer to take pictures for others. As the band strikes up and the party atmosphere gets going – try out the cocktail of the day. Sail away photos can be very picturesque with the wake of the ship and the setting sun plus they are a good measure of what you looked like at the start of the cruise.!!

You don’t have to book treatments to use the facilities of the spa but there is usually an entrance charge. Instead of booking daily you can book a spa pass for the length of your cruise to save money on the daily entrance fee. As the entrance fee keeps the crowds away – it is usually a quiet relaxing place. This is well worth it particularly if you want a tranquil wallow in the thermal pool, read a book or maybe do Sudoku in peace and quite on a lounger in a fluffy bathrobe.

Perhaps use the sauna, steam room or have one of those invigorating showers.

This is an absolute luxury and a great way to wake up in the morning. Fill out your room service card before you go to bed at night and hang it outside your door (room service is usually at no extra cost).

Even if you plan to have breakfast in one of the main restaurants – perhaps just order a cup of tea.

As we all know there is nothing like a cup of tea in bed!

Ahhh – Only on a cruise!! As your fellow cruisers are running off back to their cabins to get ready for dinner – chill out and head for the hot tub by the pool instead. Try out another of those cocktails of the day and watch the sunset for a relaxed start to an unhurried evening.

This can be as fun as an unofficial bar crawl. On many ships it is a challenge with up to 20 bars onboard. This is for a bit of lively entertainment in the evening if you don’t fancy the show – plus you have not got far to go home!!

This is great for filling up spare moments during the cruise and can be rather hilarious.

Photographers around the ship will offer to take your picture before dinner when you are dressed in your finery with no obligation to buy. There are usually an ever changing variety of back drops.

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ONBOARD!

Many people prefer to limit the formality of the main restaurant to dinner only – choosing to have breakfast and lunch in the casual buffet restaurants and cafes. Because of this, the main restaurants are not as busy as they normally are for dinner and the atmosphere is surprisingly tranquil. During breakfast and lunch the main restaurant have open seating where breakfast is cooked to order and the choice of menu at lunch time is excellent.

This one is a bit naughty – but if you have ever attended a cocktail party on board ask yourself; “How many times have you been asked to see your invitation?”

Most people are too tired to go to the nightclub on the first night of the cruise. But lots are tempted to explore the atmosphere on the 2nd night – however if it’s quiet many do not return.

Therefore take the opportunity to be a night owl for once, put your dancing shoes on and let your hair down. By this time of the night people are much more relaxed and it’s a great way to make friends. Similarly on the last night of the cruise the nightclub tends to be virtually empty as everyone has packed and are getting ready to depart early the following morning. So the penultimate night of the cruise is when things really get going – inhibitions are thrown aside, the dad dancing is hilarious, request for popular tunes are in abundance and it’s the perfect way to celebrate an enjoyable cruise

The cruise lines are keen to encourage you to try out their alternative dining venues for dinner instead of the main restaurant. Quite often there is a charge for these of around $20 - $30 per person.

It is well worth trying them out particularly if you have received bonus on board credit. If there is a steakhouse or Asian restaurant on board – definitely go for it. However – there are also FREE alternative evening dining options on many cruise lines which they do not generally advertise. Cruise lines such as Cunard and Celebrity usually convert a part of the self service buffet restaurant in the evening to waiter service with set tables, tablecloths and menus. These are very good and give you even more variety to your evening meal choices on board.

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Greek Islands Splendors The Island Life

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Life on a Greek Island The Greek Islands, an ancient volcanic archipelago has amazed with its sheer beauty, rich volcanic soil for agriculture and a great variety of fishes and served the locals with an abundance of resources benefited over generations.

Today, the islands continue to thrive in a different way. We explore in depth into one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic cluster of islands – The Greek Islands.

Greece has over 2000 islands ranging from tiny atolls to huge land masses like Crete. These part of Greece is virtually unmatched for its variety; beaches, history, water sports, festivals, food and weddings. YES! Each of the islands has its own unique characteristics, cultures, history.

It’s not a surprise if you find how islands a short ferry boat ride away from each other are as different as heaven and earth.

By default and years of over-marketing, the most popular islands that comes to mind are the islands of Santorini & Mykonos with Ios not far behind. These popular Greek Islands are the entertainment and lifestyle centers of the Aegean. Domestic and continental tourism thrives as much as international and especially so during the shoulder and peak Summer months between June – September. The mood is festive and Euro dance music can be heard from dawn till dusk. Never too quiet a moment.

Water sports are the activities to look forward to with diving, snorkeling, parasailing the choices of many. There will be many who will enjoy the iconic black, red, white sand beaches. The ancient volcanoes have indeed created a modern day Atlantis for our generation.

The Island Life…

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Myths & Legends Greece is a fantasy land of myths and legends and the Greek islands certainly has its fair share of fables spanning generations. It had changed the way we think, feel and do. The islands of Rhodes used to hold one of the most precious ancient wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhode, a huge iconic statue of Greek god, Helios guarding the waters of Rhodes from invaders but has since been destroyed completely by a mega earthquake. Crete is another island world famous for the iconic mythical creature Minotaur, with the head of a bull on a body of a man.

In retrospect, the Trojan wars, historical relics from ancient times from the Persian Empire, Hellenistic Period and more all contributed to what Greece are today, a fusion of classical intrigue and modern splendor. It is the essence of the Mediterranean & Aegean Sea which creates that an almost perfect visual treat and auto anticipation of what the islands brings.

Today, the descendents and current generation are profiting from the tourism dollar but yet it is not overexploited. Tourism is still Greece’s top-generating industry and will continue to be......

Theseus slaying Minotaur

“For Mythology is the handmaid of literature; and literature is one of the best allies of virtue and promoters of happiness” ~ Thomas Bulfinch

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Another Day In Paradise in the Greek Islands‌!

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New Flagship

Costa Cruises’ new flagship, Favolosa set sailed on its maiden voyage departing from Venice on July 7 on a 11 days inaugural itinerary which included calls at Bari, Izmir, Istanbul, Mykonos, Piraeus, Olympia and Dubrovnik.

As the name suggested, Favolosa in Italian is translated as “Fabulous” and that is what the new flagshiip of Costa Cruises is all about. A masterpiece of talent and engineering and a floating castle of endless entertainment and fine delectable Italian and world cuisines. The Favolosa experience is the perfect testament to Italian hospitality.

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Costa Favolosa making its way into Venice

Chairman & CEO of Costa Cruises, Mr Pier Luigi Foschi along with Ms Margareth Made, godmother of the flagship

The event goes up in value during Pier Luigi Foschi’s speech – Chairman & CEO of Costa Cruises

Fireworks celebrations as a new chapter is written into the annuls of Costa Cruises

On its maiden voyage, the city of Venice erupted into cheers and great anticipation

Favolosa officers take part to the solemn ceremony of the showing flag

The elegant guests watching attentively

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Ship Info •1,508 cabins in total, including 103 with direct access to the spa, 594 with private balcony, 56 suites, all with balcony, 1 suites with direct access to the spa • 5 restaurants, including the Club Favolosa and the Samsara Restaurant at an additional charge* and by reservation only. 13 bars, including a Cognac & Cigar Bar and a Coffee & Chocolate Bar • 5 Jacuzzis, 4 pools, two with a retractable covers, children’s pool and Water slide. Samsara Spa, 6,000 square metre on two levels, with gym, baths, thalassotherapy pool, treatment rooms, sausa, Turkish bath and UVA-ray solarium • Multi-purpose sports court, Pool deck with retractable glass roof and giant screen and 4D Cinema • Theatre on three levels, Casino and Disco, Grand Prix Simulator, Golf Simulator and Playstation World Area • Lunch & dinner at Samsara Restaurant are included in the price for guests in the Samsara Cabins & Suites

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Fall In Love with Fall in

New England

Autumn is one of the most underrated yet highly spectacular in its sightseeing offerings. The autumn foliage with its recognizable myriad of colors offers a tranquil setting and a different approach to many things. Subtlety thrives during fall and reading a book sitting down against a tree bark in the autumn forest set you into a mood of peaceful contentment and serenity. We take you to New England to sample nature’s extravaganza.

In fall (autumn), New England is famous for its glorious foliage as billions of leaves change from green to a kaleidoscope of colors. The air is crisp and cool – perfect for hiking, biking or a classic fly-drive break along back roads, where farm stands are piled high with crunchy apples and orange pumpkins. The leaves start turning colors in the northern regions of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire typically around mid-to-late September and peaking around mid-October. In the more southern states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and along the coast of New Hampshire and southern Maine, color starts later and often lasts up until November.

One Red Leaf, the last of its clan, That dances as often as dance it can, Hanging so light, and hanging so high, On the topmost twig that looks up at the sky ~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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“Leaf peepers” from around the world turn up by the numbers every year and accommodations are in high demand although there are more variety of options these days with even international cruise ships offering travelers the opportunities to experience the famous New England fall foliage while also touring Northeastern Canada along with the states and regions of New England. One such cruise line is Holland America Line which places two ships, the MS Maasdam and MS Eurodam at this time of the year to savor the beautiful season. Most of its ports of calls included the likes of Bar Harbor, Halifax, Gloucester and Prince Edward Island which are perfect destinations of fall foliage viewing and a plethora of other activities to indulge in.

New England is also bustling with activities at this time of the year as a whole host of events takes place such as the famed International Oktoberfest, Giant Pumpkin Regatta Festival to the bizarre North American Wife Carrying Championship. Arts display are in full flow and a wide showcase of community events dedicated to one of New England’s favorite pastime, “apples-eating”. There’s the Apple Fritter and Apple Pie Eating contest to celebrate New England locals’ love for the fruit.

Holland America Line offers travelers 7 & 10 Night Cruising along the states of New England & Canada in Autumn

Autumn In My Heart One of the iconic festivals in New England in Autumn. Apple pie eating contests

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New England will continue its focus on tourism but not to overexploit its natural landscape, rugged but beautiful coastlines. The Autumn foliage will always be a feature of New England etched deep into the hearts and perhaps it’s best exemplified with the popular song, “True Colors”.

But I See Your True Colors Shining Through I See Your True Colors And That’s Why I Love You So Don’t Be Afraid To Let Them Show Your True Colors True Colors Are Beautiful Like A Rainbow ~ True Colors by Cyndi Lauper

Booked Your Autumn Vacation?

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Join Us on Facebook or log on to www.acres.org.sg

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ONLY AT STAMFORD TRAVEL – THE GAPPERS!

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Adventures

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Adventures

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Foodies Goodies

Food…An essential and important aspect on cruises these days and what separates the very best from the average and downright unacceptable is attention to details, experience and…perhaps the price tag of your cruise fare. We take a look at the gastronomic side of cruises.

Well, we all love food don’t we? We all wish to tuck into a savory and mind-blowing dish every now and then but the fact is that we don’t normally get that opportunity everyday. However, the opportunity presents itself when you are sailing on the seas in the comfort of your cruise vacation. Onboard a cruise ship, you literally get your wish fulfilled and depending on how long your cruise itinerary is, you may fine dine from a week to as long as a year on a World Cruise. How’s that to make your peers envious?

On a cruise ship, you can have the international buffets if you like to have a bit of everything or you can dine at the specialty restaurants specializing in Italian, Asian, French cuisines and more… Some, like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offers its passengers an All-Included value where the cruise fare covers all meals including specialty restaurants and its signature Le Cordon Bleu inspired cuisines.

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Some like MSC Cruises offers delectable and some of the best Cuchina Italiana inspired from the different regions of Italy such as Tuscany, Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria. The L’Oasi restaurant onboard MSC Magnifica features signature dishes designed by two star Michelin chef Mauro Uliassi. This will soon be made available on all Musica class a la carte restaurants.

With globalization, international cruise ships offers a wide variety of cuisines onboard to cater to the growing international guests demographic. While it is unspeakable to have Japanese cuisines or Thai cuisines several decades ago, you can now find these cuisines available in most cruise lines these days. This is to allow the passengers to have their choice of food closest to their hearts and of course…where they come from but also to allow them a different choice every other day onboard.

Great attention is also brought onto desserts and beverage as well when you are onboard. You do not want to tuck into something you will enjoy at your nice quiet neighborhood café offerings. Emphasis is of the highest standards when you order your dessert or the rich creamy scent of your favorite latte.

Petit Gâteau – a famous French dessert composed of a small chocolate cake with crunchy rind and mellow filling served hot with vanilla ice cream.

Taste the best coffee onboard

Savor international cuisines

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In addition, international cruises depending where you are sailing offers much more than just the regular fares or default cuisines brandished about by the cruise ship’s headquarters. Cruising is a huge business and as such, the current cruising business now offers passengers authenticity to accompany the destinations that it sails to. For example, when you are sailing on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, brace yourself for some savory delights from Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos.

If you are sailing away on the Danube River in Eastern Europe, then you can expect an evening of local beer to accompany your Schweinebraten roast pork. When you are in India, expect a variety of masala dosai and curries. It’s designed to add authenticity to your overall cruising and travelling experience so that you do not lose out the cultural aspect.

Hu tieu kho rice noodle Vietnam

Traditional Sadya from Kerala

Schweinebraten from Bavaria

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BEST DINING ONBOARD Onboard dining is widely regarded as some of the finest in the world, with big name chefs like Marco Pierre White, Nobu and Charlie Palmer opening restaurants on board. Many cruise lines are pushing the boat out when it comes to dining experiences – but which cruise lines has the best dining onboard?

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Romance in the

Sweetheart Islands

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Indulgence & Luxury

Sweethearts

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Yes, the eagerly anticipated lists is out for 2011. Here we run through the lists of the Top cruises as voted by travelers all over the world. There are some expected entrants and some surprises as well. Hold your breath‌!!

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Cruise Ship Diary

This issue, we profile the experience of Joanne Soh, our Cruise Consultant who went onboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’s Voyager and left with it unforgettable memoirs.

Tell us how exciting are the features of Regent Seven Seas Cruises JS: The sophistication of its interior décor certainly sets the mood for luxurious rejuvenation. Imagine riding up the atrium of Voyager’s 11 decks in large bubble glass elevators! The L’occitane bath salts are just some of the finer details Regent Seven Seas Cruises look into to provide luxurious enjoyment for passengers. I was most impressed by enjoying a cruising experience in a fully equipped suite on the high seas and having breakfast customized to my own selection and enjoying it in my balcony overlooking new ports of call every morning. I’m also able to order to my fancies without worrying and fretting over exploding credits!

“Should you choose to venture to a place on your own, there is a local guide stationed onboard to provide you with first-hand info and maps if you need” – added Joanne

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Joanne suggested the MUST-TRYS of Prime 7 American Steakhouse onboard the Regent Voyager (from left to right) – The mini burger entrée, Crab cake appetiser, “Surf and Turf”

How does Regent Seven Seas Cruises compare to other cruise lines in your opinion?

JS: “WORRY-LESS ENJOYMENT”! – You don’t have to worry about spending more each time you place an order for a service. Everything is ALL INCLUDED in the cruise fare that is paid before the trip. The crew serves you from the dining room to the theatre, casino, club and more. The smaller ship experience also allows me reach my favorite hangouts onboard conveniently . I love the daily feed of the “Regent Passages”, a daily newspaper, where you can find all the info you need onboard, offshore and more. There’s also the exciting “Salsacise” (Salsa & Exercise) in the daily planned schedule which I can boost my fitness and learn salsa dance moves.

How much have you benefitted from you experience onboard a luxury class cruise line as Regent Seven Seas Cruises?

JS: It’s more than what I had expected or imagined. The experience was hassle-free, and there was nothing left to fret about during the cruise vacation. I love the “ALL INCLUSIVE” Regent Cruise Experience, where your needs onboard and offshore are well-covered. I get to enjoy absolute freedom and get to have what I like at will. My conclusion on my Regent Experience: LUXURY CRUISING = PURE INDULGENCE ALL INCLUSIVE = WORRY-FREE VACATION AND FREEDOM Onboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises, you can relax, enjoy and have it the way you like it. I also strongly recommend to spend at least a day onboard the ship for a complete and sensational experience to enjoy the activities and facilities that are available.

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MasterCard cardholders enjoy exclusive privileges with Stamford Discovery Cruise Center

Stamford Discovery Cruise Center has a network of 48 worldwide reputable cruise lines to sail to dream destinations. MasterCard cardholders can now enjoy exclusive privileges off three cruise packages

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: •2-for-1 fare plus additional savings of up to USD10,000 per suite • FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions • FREE Beverages including fine wines, beer and premium spirits • World MasterCard cardholders receive additional S$200 shopping voucher per cabin

~ All terms & conditions applies

10 Days Norwegian Coastal Voyage FlyCruise on Hurtigruten •ENJOY $400 OFF PER CABIN • World MasterCard cardholders receive additional S$100 OFF per cabin

Costa Cruises * First 50 World MasterCard cardholders receive S$50 shopping vouchers

Chase The Spectacular Northern Lights!

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