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P&O Cruises is famous for its quality of dining and choice of fine dining restaurants on its fleet of ships. It works with three iconic British chefs, each of whom have restaurants on board and who travel regularly to uphold the quality, meet and entertain the passengers as well as holding question and answer sessions, book signings, demonstrations and exclusive cookery sessions.

Gary Rhodes has Oriana Rhodes and Arcadian Rhodes – fine dining restaurants on Oriana and Arcadia.

Marco Pierre White has the Mediterranean restaurant and al fresco terrace, The White Room on Ventura as well as the authentic French brasseries, Cafe Bordeaux on Aurora and Cafe Jardin on Oceana

Michelin starred Indian chef Atul Kochhar has Sindhu on P&O Cruises newest ship, Azura serving the finest Asian-fusion cuisine for which he has won great acclaim.

As part of the P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular, passengers booking on one of the following cruises in 2011 on which the chefs will be travelling, could be in with a chance to win a voucher for £150 to dine at selected Gary Rhodes, Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar restaurants across the UK, including Rhodes 24, The Yew Tree and Benares.

For further details see www.pocruises.co.uk/cruiseanddine.

Gary Rhodes travel dates:

* Oriana cruise no.X106. May 3 Western Mediterranean
* Oriana cruise no. X115. Sep 4 Spain, Portugal & France
* Arcadia cruise no J102 March 29 Western Mediterranean
* Arcadia cruise no J106. July 21 Spitsbergen & Fjords

Marco Pierre White travel dates:

* Ventura cruise no N107 March 27 Western Mediterranean
* Aurora cruise no R107 June 20 Central Mediterranean
* Oceana cruise no E119 July 23 Western Mediterranean
* Ventura cruise no N123 Sep 3 Western Mediterranean
* Oceana cruise no E130 Nov 9 Canary Islands

Atul Kochhar travel dates:

* Azura cruise no A111 May 12 2011 Central Mediterranean
* Azura cruise no A115 July 3 2011 Baltic
* Azura cruise no A121 September 18 2011 Spain, Portugal, Morocco
* Azura cruise no A125 November 11 2011 Caribbean

Participating restaurants are:

Marco Pierre White

Marco Pierre White at The Yew Tree, Newbury
Marco Pierre White at Wheeler’s of St James, London

Atul Kochhar

Benares, Berkeley Square, London
Vatika, Wickham Vineyard, Hampshire

Gary Rhodes

Rhodes Twenty Four, Tower 42, London
Rhodes W1, Great Cumberland Place, London
Rhodes South, Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Dorset

Santa Clarita, Calif. – Sun, sand, swaying palm trees, the scent of topical flowers in the air and breathtaking island scenery set the stage for a South Pacific cruise vacation. Princess Cruises will take passengers on a variety of island voyages in 2011-2012 with a full schedule of cruises to Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific. The company will offer 43 sailings of 10 itineraries to 33 ports throughout these idyllic islands.

Cruise passengers will find that each of these island destinations has its own charms. In Hawaii they’ll enjoy the spirit of Aloha throughout the island chain, while Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia showcase a unique mix of South Seas appeal and French culture. Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu each offer their own style and island allure, and all feature the stunning vistas found throughout the South Pacific.

Travelers interested in the convenience of a roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles can choose to sail aboard Golden Princess or Sapphire Princess to the Hawaiian Islands or on a new 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific cruise aboard Sapphire Princess. Cruisers to Tahiti will enjoy the small ship ambiance of Ocean Princess on several itineraries, and Princess’ Aussie-style sailings from Down Under feature Sun Princess, Dawn Princess  and Sea Princess sailing roundtrip from Sydney or Brisbane.

“Everyone dreams of running away to an idyllic Pacific island,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Our cruises can bring these wonderful islands to life, with more choices than ever to find the perfect vacation.”

The Hawaiian Islands each have their own personality. On Oahu, the state capital of Honolulu offers a wealth of historic, cultural and scenic attractions, including famous Waikiki Beach, America’s only royal residence the Iolani Palace, and Pearl Harbor. The Big Island, the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, has the most varied in landscape – with striking black sand beaches, tropical rain forests, and the famed Volcanoes National Park, home to three volcanoes, including the actively erupting Kilauea.

Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai offers lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and geological wonders, such as the dramatic Nã Pali Coastline, and spectacular Waimea Canyon. The second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui boasts some of the world’s most superb beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes. Visitors can also explore the port town of Lahaina which was once King Kamehameha’s capital.

Made up of more than 130 islands, French Polynesia includes some of the most dreamed about South Seas islands, such as Tahiti and Bora Bora. This is the South Pacific of Melville, Gauguin and Michener. Particularly immortalized by Gauguin’s paintings, Tahiti evokes exotic island images and the South Seas state of mind. Nearby Moorea boast precipitous mountains that reach for the sky, creating picture postcard views. No name captures the imagination of paradise as well as Bora Bora. Perhaps the most stunning island in the South Pacific, its majestic landscape was sculpted by ancient volcanoes, showcasing a shimmering lagoon and barrier reef. Passengers on Ocean Princess’ 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia itinerary will enjoy a full Two-Day Experience in Bora Bora with extra time to enjoy the island’s charms.

The two islands of Huahine are surrounded by a deep lagoon encircled by a coral necklace. Connected by a bridge, both islands boast white-sand beaches, vanilla and banana plantations, and some of Polynesia’s most significant cultural sites. The largest atoll in French Polynesia, divers from all over the world flock to Rangiroa, to explore the undersea world of its 42-mile aquamarine lagoon filled with unique marine life and magnificent underwater scenery.

Samoa and American Samoa lie at the heart of the South Pacific. Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, the southernmost territory of the United States. Here abundant rain creates a lush green landscape marked by ancient volcanoes and thriving coral atolls. Apia, the main township of Samoa, personifies the fa’a Samoa (the Samoan Way), and conjures up images of the perfect South Seas island town.

Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific cruises:
Princess Cruises ships sail to the Hawaiian Islands, between Hawaii and Tahiti and throughout the island paradises of the South Pacific.

Hawaiian Islands Cruises – Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess will sail from Los Angeles on a 14-day roundtrip voyage to the Land of Aloha with calls at Hilo on the Big Island, Honolulu, Kauai, and Lahaina on Maui, plus Ensenada, Mexico. The ships will sail between September 28, 2011 and April 25, 2012.

Tahiti & Polynesia – This classic Princess itinerary sails roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti for 10 days among the islands of Polynesia, with two overnight visits. Ocean Princess starts with an overnight in the Tahitian capital and then calls on Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (Two-day Experience includes two full days and an overnight), and Moorea. Sailings depart on December 17, 2011; January 18 and 28, 2012.

Hawaii & Tahiti – Travelers can enjoy the intimacy of a small cruise ship on a voyage that features both the Polynesian paradises of Hawaii and French Polynesia. These 11-day sailings between Papeete and Honolulu on Ocean Princess include calls at Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Maui, and Kauai. Sailings depart December 27, 2011; January 7, February 7 and 18, 2012.

Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa – This new 28-day itinerary aboard Sapphire Princess offers an unusual roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles, to three island groups in one convenient roundtrip sailing. The ship calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Pago Pago, Apia, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete. The sailing departs on October 22, 2011.

South Pacific & New Zealand Cruises – Sailing between Sydney and Papeete, Ocean Princess offers a 16-day voyage including Tauranga, Auckland, Suva (Fiji), Apia, Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The ship departs on December 2, 2011 and February 29, 2012.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific – Sea Princess sails across the Pacific between San Francisco and Sydney on a 29-day voyage to Honolulu, Maui, Moorea, Papeete, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Suva, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park scenic cruising. The sailings depart on September 17, 2011 and April 15, 2012.

Aussie Experience Voyages
Sailings aboard Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess head to the islands from Sydney or Brisbane and feature onboard amenities to appeal to Australian tastes.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific – Dawn Princess will sail on a 35-day roundtrip voyage from Sydney, with calls at Nuku’Alofa (Tonga), Apia, Hilo, Kilauea Volcano scenic cruising, Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, Kona, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Suva and Nouméa (New Caledonia). The ship sets sail on April 13, 2012.

New Caledonia & Vanuatu – Dawn Princess takes a 12-day jaunt roundtrip from Sydney to call at Nouméa, Isle of Pines and Lifou in New Caledonia; and Vila, Wala and Champagne Bay in Vanuatu. The ship sails on May 13, 2011.

Fijian Jewels – Sun Princess sails roundtrip from Brisbane on an 11-day journey to Nouméa and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia; three Fiji ports, Suva, Port Denarau, and Dravuni Island; and Vila (Vanuatu). The ship sails on January 11 and February 5, 2012.

Fiji & South Pacific – A popular roundtrip sailing from Sydney featuring 14 days with calls at Lifou, five ports in Fiji: Vila, Port Denarau, Suva, Savu Savu, and Dravuni Island; plus Nouméa. Available on Dawn Princess, Sea Princess and Sun Princess, sailings depart October 5, November 1 and 28, 2011; February 6 and March 16, 2012.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Marblehead, MA – Zone Diet creator Dr. Barry Sears will set sail with Zone devotees on the Zone Cruise aboard a luxury liner through Alaska’s Inside Passage on a May 8 through 15, 2011, journey combining five-star Zone dining, scenic attractions and lectures by the acclaimed best-selling author of “The Zone.”

Departing from Seattle on Holland America’s ms Oosterdam, Zone cruisers will sail along Alaska’s majestic coastline to visit the capital city of Juneau, head inland to the picturesque city of Sitka and the small village town of Ketchikan and on to Canada’s beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle.

“On the Zone Cruise, I will preview my next book, which explains that for the past 50 years Americans have increasingly consumed cheap, refined carbohydrates, leading to increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, both at crisis levels,” Dr. Sears said.

The underlying cause of the obesity and diabetes crisis is not lack of willpower about dieting, but over-consumption of omega-6 fatty acids, which leads to an increased level of inflammation that turns on the genes that make us fat and keep us fat, he said.

“The implications for the American health-care system are dire as diseases related to obesity continue to rise. Fortunately, the anti-inflammatory Zone Diet enables people to reverse the process and lead a healthier, fit life, reversing the dietary patterns of the past half century,” Dr. Sears said.

First-time Zone cruisers will learn how easy it is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, as Zone meals will be served onboard, and Dr. Sears will personally advise the group members about overcoming dietary challenges. Those cruise members who join Dr. Sears each year on his cruise will learn about the latest related scientific developments.

The economically priced 2011 Zone Cruise features power-packed seminars, exquisite Zone cuisine, a magnificent Vista-class ship and spectacular ports of call, as well as seminars, a cocktail reception, Zone Drop-In Centers, consultations, the Zone Cruise Essentials Pack and a photo session with Dr. Sears.

For more information, call Cruise Holidays at 1-800-772-0847 and ask for the Zone Desk, or e-mail the Zone travel coordinator at Joe@CruiseHolidaysUS.com.

On the cruise, Dr. Sears will also unveil the latest Zone foods, each made with one part fat for every two parts of protein and three parts of carbohydrates and designed to alter the body’s hormonal responses to cause appetite suppression for four to six hours.

“If people can lose excess weight eating the foods they enjoy, then that’s the ideal foundation for long-term weight control. Our Zone foods, such as, pasta, bagels, rolls, bread, croutons, bagel chips and cookies, make the loss of excess body fat easy, inexpensive and delicious,” Dr. Sears said.

Seattle, WA – For Seattle area residents considering an Alaska cruise, a $400 savings could be reason to take action. That’s the benefit of living near the nation’s top embarkation port for Alaska cruises. Cruise vacations are the perfect getaway for many reasons. Options range from The Bahamas, The Caribbean, and Hawaii, to South America, and Europe. When the clouds blanket Seattle and the raindrops fall, sunshine and palm trees could be just what’s needed. But what about sunshine and the snowcapped mountains of the Last Frontier? Enter Alaska as a top cruise destination.

One of the biggest benefits of cruising from Seattle to Alaska is avoiding the airfare. While cruises to warmer destinations like The Bahamas or Caribbean are still high on the list, those destinations require a flight from Seattle and often additional hotel stays. Without the airfare, a cruise from Seattle to Alaska can be an automatic savings of at least $400. Personal Cruise Counselors Eleonor Oshitoye and Aubrey Williams of Cruise Holidays are aiming to help their Northwest neighbors take advantage of the situation. “Many people in the area still aren’t aware that Seattle is a busy cruise port”, says Williams. “While some people recall seeing cruise ships docked in Seattle, few know where they come from or where they are going”.

“In recent years, several cruise lines have initiated service from Seattle to Alaska, and the options are still growing”, explains Oshitoye. Carnival Cruise Lines provided the most recent addition; The Carnival Spirit, a 2,000+ passenger ship with a 7 day itinerary. Other cruise lines departing Seattle to Alaska include Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Norwegian Cruise Lines. For those who prefer premium and deluxe cruising options, Alaska itineraries from Seattle are also offered by Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.

June through September is the most popular time for an Alaska cruise vacation, but several cruise lines offer service from May to October. Since Alaska cruises are also popular with kids on summer vacation, the timing works great for those who choose to take them along. The July and August sailings are recommended for maximum sun and warmth, and Cruise Holidays recommends booking at least seven to nine months in advance, as availability is often limited.

Any book or website will reveal that Alaska’s beauty is absolutely breathtaking. Travelers can experience huge glaciers, lush forestry, towering mountains, and waterfront towns rich with culture. Experienced Alaska cruisers often refer to the calving glaciers as one of the best sightings, so prepare yourself to be in awe! If you’re lucky, that loud noise you’ll hear is the sound of enormous glaciers splitting off and crashing into the water.

While Cruise Holidays doesn’t focus entirely on cheap cruises, they are committed to helping their customers plan quality cruises that offer maximum value. According to Williams, “ads boasting cheap cruises and low-priced cruise deals are not always the best value. Experienced cruisers know to focus on value by getting the most included in the price they pay”, says Williams, as cruises might or might not include personal cruise consulting, onboard ship credits, cabin upgrades, travel insurance, and other important features.

Our goal, explains Oshitoye is to get the word out to people in the Pacific Northwest who are interested in Alaska cruises. “Considering that we’re based in Seattle, this focus is a natural fit for us, but we also offer cruises to most worldwide destinations and cater to clients nationwide”.