August 26, 2004

TIMES TRAVELS

NCL to offer at-sea cell phone service

Norwegian Cruise Line has teamed up with Wireless Maritime Services—a new joint venture between AT&T Wireless and the Maritime Telecommunications Network—to offer passengers on North American cruises the ability to use their cell phones at sea. NCL’s new service allows passengers to use their cell phones even when communications towers are literally an ocean away. Because the system combines satellite and wireless services, cruisers can chat away in international waters on their own cell phones, using their own phone numbers. For more information and reservations, call the Travel Desk in Almaden at (408) 723-0283, or visit their Web site at www.traveldeskonline.com.

Carnival donating $1M to hurricane relief efforts

The multi-brand cruise company Carnival Corporation is making a $1 million donation to aid victims of Hurricane Charley. Half the money will be directed to the disaster relief fund established by the Volunteer Florida Foundation and the other half to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. For more information and reservations, call the Travel Desk in Almaden at (408) 723-0283, or visit their Web site at www.traveldeskonline.com.

Silversea enhances 2005 Africa schedule

Silversea Cruises, recently recognized as the “World’s Best” Small Ship Cruise Line by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, is partnering with Micato Safaris, also voted the highest-rated Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter by Travel + Leisure, to bring its guests the “World’s Best” cruise and land programs in Africa.

Next year the 296-guest Silver Wind offers six distinctive cruises that call in Cape Town, South Africa, plus 15 other colorful and fascinating ports, on voyages ranging from 11 to 18 days. In addition to award-winning optional land programs by Micato, on each sailing guests will be treated to a complimentary Silversea ExperienceÒ, the line’s exclusive shoreside cultural event, offered in Walvis Bay, Namibia, and East London, South Africa. Each Africa voyage features one of the line’s signature Silversea

In Walvis Bay, guests embark on an adventure through the Namibian Desert, where they are treated to an unforgettable evening of music, fine dining, and champagne by campfire, as they witness the majesty of windswept sand dunes and the grand expanse of the desert sky. From East London, Silversea has arranged an exclusive journey through the homeland of the Xhosa people. In Mdantsane township, guests are entertained by a children’s choir and traditional Xhosa tribal dancing. At a local shebeen, an informal tavern, guests have an opportunity to meet and socialize with local residents.  For more information and reservations, call the Travel Desk in Almaden at (408) 723-0283, or visit their Web site at www.traveldeskonline.com.