The Avid Cruiser

Cruises make it possible to see much of the best of America — from a ship.

Traditionally, we Americans take to the highways when vacationing in our own country — and with good reason: In such a large landmass, we find scenic beauty, historic sites and cultural diversity. But you also can count on high gas prices, traffic jams and the hassle of moving from one hotel to another each day. Continue Reading »

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Viking River Cruises’ Wendy Moriarty convinced me. If China isn’t in your immediate cruise future, it needs to be.As an Avid Cruiser and a world-aware traveler, you likely know a good bit about China itself. What was interesting for me to learn was just how much Viking River Cruises shows you on a China cruise.Of course, you’ll spend time cruising on one of two sister ships, built in 2005 and in 2006. These are deluxe, five-deck ships. On board: English-speaking staff and meals that alternate between Western entres and Chinese food tailored for the Western palate. Ashore: Experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Cruises are all-inclusive, so that you won’t have to pay extra for tours or meals ashore.

The cruise portion is either three, four or nine nights. Each program also includes three nights in Beijing, one night in Xian and two nights in Shanghai - all in 5-star accommodations. Also, the “Roof of the World” itinerary features three nights in Lhasa, Tibet. And, if time is of no consequence, you can add three nights in Hong Kong and one night in Guillin.

You may want to time your visit to coincide with the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

Cruising China’s greatest challenge: the long-haul flight. “It’s certainly one of the larger hurdles that people need to get over,” says Lisa Juarez, vice president of marketing for Viking River. “The best way to make it is business class, and there are a number of air offers that make the price attractive enough.”

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Just as the airlines have frequent-flyer programs, the cruise lines have frequent-cruiser programs. In this interview, Victoria Gallegos, a cruise consultant on Regent Seven Seas Voyager, outlines the five tiers of Regent Seven Seas Cruises loyalty program, known as Seven Seas Society. Particularly impressive: Free internet and one hour free phone service after accumulating 21 nights on Regent. 1) Seven Seas Society Member, 4 - 20 nights

* Seven Seas Society cocktail reception
* Access to Seven Seas Society cruises, including exclusive events ashore
* Seven Seas Society savings on select sailings
* Personalized newsletter
* Access to Online Personal Profile
* Communications with advanced access to itineraries and special offers
* Upgrade and referral opportunities on select sailings

2) Silver, 21 - 74 nights

Everything from Seven Seas Society Member tier PLUS the following items
* Complimentary Internet access on board
* One hour complimentary phone time per suite
* Complimentary pressing on formal and/or informal nights (up to two items per 7-night cruise segment)
* Invitation to participate in Seven Seas Society Advisory Board (on select sailings)
* Invitations to exclusive Regent cruise and hotel events in select cities

3) Gold, 75 - 199 nights

Everything from Seven Seas Society member and Silver tiers PLUS the following items
* Priority disembarkation at cruise completion in select ports
* Additional two hours of complimentary phone time per suite
* Choice of newspaper service from around the world
* Complimentary pressing of up to two additional items per 7-night segment
* Complimentary upgrade to hardcover of personalized commemorative album at soft cover price on select voyages
* Exclusive Gold & Platinum activity aboard or ashore on every sailing
* Priority reservations at restaurants and spas

4) Platinum, 200 - 399 nights

Everything from Seven Seas Society Member, Silver and Gold tiers PLUS the following items
* Complimentary air deviation services (one time per sailing)
* Additional six hours of complimentary phone usage per sailing
* Complimentary pressing
* Complimentary laundry services
* Invitation to Customer Advisory Panel (on select sailings)

5) Titanium, 400 + nights

Everything from Seven Seas Society Member, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers PLUS the following items
* Complimentary transfers to and from your home to the pier (within a 50 mile radius). OR complimentary transfers from the airport to the pier on embarkation and disembarkation day
* Complimentary dry cleaning