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Top 10 cruises in 2009
Greek Philosophy at the source
Known for in-depth explorations of arts and culture, the British tour purveyor Martin Randall is offering a dream trip for novice historians and philosophers this October: a 12-day Ancient Greek Philosophy tour aboard the 236-passenger MS Columbus. The trip is led by Richard Sorabji, emeritus professor of philosophy at King’s College London; a medical historian, a classicist, and two wine experts will deliver lectures as well.
Passengers will start in Istanbul and visit key sites, including Miletus, on Turkey’s Aegean coast, where philosophy is said to have begun in the sixth century BC; Athens; and the northern Greek region of Thrace. They’ll also island-hop through Kos, Samos, and Chios (with opportunities for guided hikes through the varied countryside if Plato isn’t your thing) and eventually return to Turkey to visit the ancient city of Pergamon. Back on board, passengers can attend lectures on modern Greek winemaking with plenty of sampling.
From $3,850/person (double occupancy), includes all meals, wine and beer, transfers, gratuities, visa costs.
Wine cruise through the south of France
Due to its immense popularity, Peter Deilmann’s nine-day Wine Lovers cruise, aboard the MV Princesse de Provence, will again set sail on the Saône River. Passengers will visit small family estates and larger vineyards in Burgundy and Provence, where they’ll experience expert-led wine classes and tastings. Participants can expect to tour a biodynamic vineyard, visit a local olive oil mill, and take part in an amazing tasting in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. Five-course dinners, paired with local wines (for an additional fee), are served every night aboard the ship. For further explorations, there are 2-night pre- and post-trip land excursions in Bordeaux, Strasbourg, or Paris.
From $2,625/person (double occupancy), includes meals, nonalcoholic beverages at breakfast, daily excursions.
Southeast Asian adventure
Specializing in remote areas of the South Pacific, Orion, the ultraluxe Aussie cruise line, is adding two new Southeast Asia expeditions to its calendar. Our pick, The Gulf of Siam Explorer, comprises a Singapore-to-Vietnam cruise aboard the company’s eponymous vessel in late September, with stops at hidden islands in Malaysia (including Pulau Tioman, the stunning stand-in for the fictional Bali Hai in South Pacific), Thailand, and Cambodia. After a visit to the Cambodian temples of Angkor Wat, the 106-passenger MV Orion will sail up the Saigon River past floating markets and fishing boats and dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) for three days of exploration.
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From $5,915/person (double occupancy), includes onboard meals, nonalcoholic beverages, planned expeditions.
Photography lessons in Antarctica
There are few experiences more breathtaking than watching the sun rise over the icy expanse of Antarctica — and fewer phenomena as difficult to photograph well. This fall, Abercrombie & Kent offers a 21-day cruise to Antarctica that all but guarantees good photos — a photography expert will be aboard to instruct guests through intensive seminars and one-on-one sessions.
Courses (both for beginners and intermediates) will focus on changing weather and light conditions and the basics of photographing wildlife. The 200-passenger Minerva departs November 22 from Buenos Aires and sails around Antarctica, the island of South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. During frequent shore excursions, passengers will shoot pristine snow and breaking ice, dramatic austral sunrises and sunsets, seabirds in flight, and vast penguin colonies.
From $10,295/person (double occupancy), includes all onboard meals and beverages, guided expeditions, photography coaching, gratuities (save $1,000 per passenger by booking before March 31).
Black Sea Discovery
Mark your calendars: In June, Seabourn introduces the newest (and largest) member of its fleet, the 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey. The first new luxury vessel to debut in six years, the Seabourn Odyssey will come with all sorts of perks, including a sprawling spa (11,400 square feet on two levels), oversize private balconies on the “grand suites,” and 100 new menu items from Charlie Palmer.
The ship’s 14-day maiden voyage in June is almost sold out, but there are still spots available on the 10-day Black Sea Discovery trip. Departing July 8 from Istanbul, the ship will visit lesser-known (and less crowded) ports such as Sochi, Russia; Batumi, Georgia; Odessa, Ukraine; and Varna, Bulgaria. Several options are available at an extra cost, such as guided excursions to Crimean battlefields or the Odessa catacombs.
From $7,871/person (double occupancy), includes onboard meals and beverages, unlimited neck massages on deck.
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