Cruising the USA
Cruise lines are offering more diverse domestic itineraries. The U.S. is a popular region for cruises. Alaska and Hawaii have been popular for years, but there are new itineraries and ships in U.S. waters for 2008.
American Canadian Caribbean Line: ACCL operates two vessels - Grand Mariner and Grande Caribe - on 13 itineraries to coastal New England, the Great Lakes, and the Intracoastal Waterway and bays on the East Coast. The cruises are casual and educational, with guest lecturers, no dress code and BYOB liquor policy. Per-diems are $233 to $319 for 5 to 15 night cruises.
America Cruise Lines: This cruise line operates four small luxury ships along U.S. coastlines. The newest it the 100 passenger American Star, which entered service last June and has been "virtually sold out" on every departure.
American Safari Cruises: ASC will launch inter-island yacht cruises in Hawaii in Dec. 2008. The 7 night itineraries between the Big Island and Maui on board the 36-guest Safari Explorer, the line's newest yacht, will feature calls at Molokai, Lanai, Molokini crater and Lahaina (Maui).
Cruise West: Cruise West's 7 night "Taste of the Pacific Northwest" cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers will be on board the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery. The ship departs Portland, Ore., and sails through the Columbia River Gorge. The Spirit of Nantucket, which Cruise West recently acquired, will be renamed the Spirit of Glacier Bay and join the line's Alaska fleet in 2008. Cruise west also offers a California Wine Country cruise which takes place during the fall "crush" season.
Holland America Line: The big news for Holland America is the 2,044 passenger Eurodam, which is slated to debut in June with a contemporary design. The ship will offer 10 night Canada/New England cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line: The 2,376 passenger Norwegian Jewel will enter the Canada/New England market next fall, when it offers 3 departures of a 10 night itinerary from late Sept. to late Oct. The ship will cruise rountrip from New York. The Pride of Aloha and Pride of America will sail on 7 night Hawaiian cruises roundtrip from Honolulu.
Princess Cruises: Princess will feature the new "Alaska Conoisseur" itinerary on board the 670-passenger Tahitian Princess next summer. The 14 night cruise, sails roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C. The itinerary is available on 8 departures from May 29 to Sept. 4.
