Balmoral Boost For Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic port city of Santo Domingo has set out to make itself a major Caribbean cruise destination in the months and years to come, and it seems the cruising world is taking notice.

 

Only last month, we reported here on Time Spent At Sea about a major conference by the country's tourism leaders to boost their cruise profile and attract new traffic, highlighting the many attractions of the city and its tour options.

 

And, while they have a long way to go, with only a handful of cruise lines currently scheduled to call, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are the latest to arrive, with an inaugural visit from their classic ship Balmoral (above).

 

The call was marked with a traditional Plaque & Key event, with the exchange protocol being made by Victor Stoica (Balmoral's captain) and Sharon Mei, the Commercial Director of Santo Domingo's Sans Souci Ports organization, as well as other executives of the Port and the shipping agency Maritima Dominicana.

During the event, Ms Mei, gave a formal welcome to the boat authorities at the same time giving a big vote of confidence in Santo Domingo as a cruise destination, where MSC

Cruises' MSC Musica is already a regular visitor (right).

Balmoral made its first call at the Sansouci Terminal, bringing some 1,175 visitors from the UK and 515 crew members. This cruise is scheduled to visit Ponta Delgada, St. Maarten, Tortola, Grand Turk, St. Lucia, Saint Vincent, Granada, Barbados and Madeira as well as Santo Domingo.

More info: for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com or call 0845 421 2661; for Santo Domingo, visit www.godominicanrepublic.com.

And don't miss our new-look January issue when we'll have more about Santo Domingo and it's many attractions.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this month ONLY - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

 

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Santo Domingo's Caribbean Flourish

The Dominican Republic port of Santo Domingo is looking to re-position itself as the Cruise Capital of the Caribbean following a travel initiative to showcase the destination’s facilities, hotels and attractions.

Bearing the slogan "Santo Domingo has it", the, showcase highlighted the history and culture of the oldest capital in the New World, which has long been considered an elite Caribbean destination for its potential and uniqueness.

Orfila Salazar, Director of Cruise Industry for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, explained: "Santo Domingo has the most active cultural agenda of the Caribbean, with rich and fascinating history and culture, and a world-class selection of entertainment, dining, shopping, sports and beaches."

Jaime Castillo, Executive Director of Santo Domingo's Sans Soucí Ports, highlighted the operational capacity of the two terminals, insisting: "Sans Soucí and Don Diego terminals offer all the comforts and meet the highest requirements for high volume cruise ships, either for transit or as a home port."

The presentation was made to the beat of Dominican jazz and a set depicting Santo Domingo’s charm and feel. The potential of the Dominican capital was showcased in detail, highlighting its allure: beaches, natural attractions, history, entertainment, music, golf, dining, shopping, hotel accommodations, events and conventions, and the two modern cruise terminals

There were also features on the exclusive excursions programme offered for cruise travellers, with views of the city and historical, cultural, ecological, adventure and sports tours.

More info: visit www.godominicanrepublic.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!



 

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SeaDream Opens for Early 2013 Bookings

SeaDream Yacht Club - with its mega-yachts SeaDream I & II, rated as the top Boutique Ships in the world by the 2011 Berlitz Guide - has released its early 2013 itineraries.

The twin, 112-guest vessels will spend January-April 2013 sailing the Caribbean, visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbours that large ships cannot reach. In addition, SeaDream II will be sailing the Amazon River in February and March.

2013 Amazon Highlights

SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages; Bridgetown, Barbados, to Iquitos, Peru, and the return. Ports of call include Devil's Island, French Guiana; Parintins, Brazil; Manaus, Brazil; Panelas, Brazil; Leticia, Colombia, and more.

A naturalist will be aboard the Amazon voyages providing in-depth information about the great river wilderness. Excursions will feature the jungle’s exotic plants and animals, Amazonian tribes, museums and markets. On one of Brazil’s best beaches, in Alter do Chao, SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar Splash™. Optional pre and post-voyage over-land adventures feature one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

Voyage-only fares for the two 20-night Amazon voyages, departing Bridgetown on February 10, 2013, sailing to Iquitos, Peru; and departing Iquitos on March 23, returning to Bridgetown, lead in at $16,999 per person with $1,220pp govt/port taxes.

2013 Caribbean Highlights

SeaDream II offers voyages in the lush & unspoiled Grenadines, including the islands of Mayreau and Bequia.

There are new calls in Puerto Rico to Fajardo Bay (calm, coral-rich water), Ponce (beautiful neoclassical buildings) and Caja de Muertos (superb snorkelling); more calls to Tortola and Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands; visits to the ports of La Samana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; and continued overnight stays in St. Barts, where guests enjoy the island’s entertainment after dark.

Caribbean, 7-night voyage-only fares lead in at $3,199 per person, plus $392pp govt/port taxes, sailing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico to San Juan.

These voyage-only fares above are based on two people sharing Yacht Club Deck 2 accommodation and include all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yachts' “water toys” and Marina (weather conditions permitting).

For more information, visit www.seadream.com or the UK's leading luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Sea Cloud Classic Voyages Under Sail

There’s no getting away from it - the kudos of taking your cruise holiday on a sailing ship is a big draw.

And, for pure spectacle, it doesn’t come much more eye-catching and genuinely original than Sea Cloud Cruises’ fleet of luxury tall ships.

The original Sea Cloud (above) was built in 1931 and has been lovingly restored and updated. Some even say this is a more intellectual cruise, as the trips revolve around pleasant social gatherings with a casual and relaxed informal lifestyle on board. Here is a quick look at a handful of their Mediterranean offerings this summer:

SEA CLOUD Cruise July 10–17,
Nice (France) to Barcelona (Spain)

SEA CLOUD II Cruise March 18–28
Santo Domingo (Dominican Rebublic) to St. John’s (Antigua)

SEA CLOUD II Cruise May 4-12
Lisbon (Portugal) to Barcelona (Spain)

You can read more about the company by following this link to the online edition of World of Cruising winter edition.

For more information, visit www.seacloud.com.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.