The last Voyager ship to begin sailing the Caribbean

Mariner of the Seas, the fifth and last of the Voyager-class ships for Royal Caribbean, is now sailing to Port Canaveral where it is expected to arrive next Tuesday. The 138,000-ton, 3,114-passenger cruise ship will soon begin a pattern of alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries on Nov. 16. The most significant difference between the Mariner and the Navigator of the Seas, the previous ship in the series, is basically visual. Artists Romero Britto designed “an outdoor art museum,” said Royal Caribbean Cruise Line COO Jack Williams. “Britto has transformed it into a one-of-a-kind art experience,” he said. The other areas that have been enhanced on Mariner is the Vintages wine bar, with the partnership with Robert Mondavi and Beringer Blass Wine Estates, on the Royal Promenade. For more information call Helen at Let’s Travel (408) 972-0773.

New Empress of
the North to start sailing Alaska

The newly American built Empress of the North will operate eight-day cruises round trip from Sitka and 11-day trips between Seattle and Sitka beginning next year. The Empress of the North is the only overnight sternwheeler cruising in Alaska.  The ship attempts to blend historical charm with the most modern passenger conveniences and spaciousness. The three-story paddlewheel fully propels the vessel up to 10 knots. To steer the vessel, the ship employs two Z-drive propeller pods, which rotate 360 degrees to provide maneuverability. When used with the paddlewheel, these Z-drives propel the Empress of the North at speeds of up to 14 knots, providing time to include all the major attractions of the Inside Passage.

Music was a defining feature of early American sternwheeler cruising, which is also presented on the new Empress. Onboard musicians and vocalists provide a variety of easy listening, toe-tapping all-time favorites, plus nightly dancing with different themes each night.

Historian/naturalists provide interpretation of the historic and cultural points of interest and the fascinating wildlife encountered during the cruise. The historian is also the curator of the extensive collection of historic artifacts and exhibits that line the corridors of the Empress of the North. For more information, call Sharon at the Travel Desk 408.723.0283

—By Sean Eastwood