Luxury Cruise News

QM2 expands wireless connectivity
Queen Mary 2’s recent drydock work included enhancing connectivity on board with the addition of in-stateroom Wifi plus mobile phone and handheld device connectivity while at sea. To use mobile phones, customers must have a device that allows international roaming and a service provider with a roaming agreement with Maritime Communications Partner such as AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile or Sprint. Cunard Line said mobile phone service will not be available in the Royal Court Theatre, Illuminations, the Queens Room or in the ship’s dining rooms.

Silversea expands free air to Europe
Silversea Cruises is offering North American customers free round-trip economy air from Montreal, New York, Miami and 24 additional eastern cities on 16 new voyages to Europe and the Mediterranean next summer. In total, 28 departures in 2009 offer the special incentive. Discounted economy round-trip air is also available from select central and western gateways. The incentives are provided for a limited time on new bookings made on or before March 31. Already on offer are Silver Shadow’s June 26, July 8 and July 20 Alaska voyages, with free air to San Francisco from more than 70 cities across the US and Canada. Discounted air is also available on three voyages to the Caribbean and five in South America.

What’s cooking at Oceania?
Top Oceania Cruises executives including president Bob Binder were spotted at some of the best restaurants and boutique wineries in Napa Valley last week. Rumor has it corporate executive chef Franck Garanger even rolled up his sleeves in the kitchen of Thomas Keller’s world-acclaimed restaurant, The French Laundry. The Oceania party, also seen at San Francisco’s Slanted Door (modern Vietnamese cooking) and Boulevard (contemporary American), was accompanied by Susie Heller, the producer for master chef Jacques Pépin, who oversees Oceania’s culinary programs. What’s up? Spokesman Tim Rubacky says Oceania’s relationship with Pépin is strong as ever. Beyond that, he’ll add only that the line built its reputation on the culinary experience ‘and we are always looking for new trends and ways to elevate the experience to even loftier heights.’ Perhaps all the wining and dining is research for Oceania’s newbuild, Marina, which will sport six open-seating restaurants, up from the four on each existing ship.