LEADERHUNTRESS

The Northeast’s renowned, year-round attraction continues as a favorite all-in-one, one-day package for RVers seeking a wide array of unique off-road experiences and adventures

It’s something of a “hidden treasure,” or as one enthusiast described it, a coastal vacation haven that’s been “floating under the radar.” But since 1964, more than 11 million Jersey-shore locals and out-of-towners (including foreign tourists) and, in increasing numbers, RVers—more than 5000 last year-- whatever the size of their vehicle have “discovered” the Cape May-Lewes Ferry that crosses Delaware Bay, connecting Cape May, NJ, with the historic town of Lewes, DE.

A singular appeal of the CMLF for RVers can be summed up as RC—Recreational Choice (#RVRC);  a bounty of accessible off-road outdoor pleasures that can be enjoyed in a single day or longer, all beginning with a scenic (and gas-saving) 17-mile, 85-minute bay crossing. The CMLF is a watery gateway to a host of connective experiences, allowing passengers to go historical sightseeing; hike and bike on some of the country’s best trails; go boating (or, for yachting fans, catch the America’s Cup 2016 tour, which stops at Cape May Aug. 30-31); scope out great camping sites; check the calendar for arts and crafts fairs at the terminals; or simply, after hours behind the wheel, just kick back and take a relaxingly welcome respite from the road.

For the inter-generation family, more choice gives old and young alike a chance to both share and isolate their own favorite activities. For seniors, for example, maybe it’s the more historical sightseeing. For the young, perhaps more physically taxing options (like a lighthouse climb). Mostly, however, the togetherness starts by getting off the road and onto the ferry. Plus there’s always food and drink, and the music starts immediately.

This summer’s CMLF calendar has an array of special music events, including a series of outdoor “Rock the Boat” Musical Cruises running Fridays at 5:15 PM, through Aug. 26;  low-key Sunday JAMZ at 3:15 PM, through August 26;  (featuring Tap Takeover with specials from local Microbreweries); and Sunday Concerts (earlier in the day) in both terminals that salute various musical styles and such icons as Elvis, Billy Joel, the Rolling Stones and Journey; and a number of Fireworks Cruises featuring live music. For reservations and further information:  1-800-64FERRY (1-800-643-3779).

Shipboard views of the magnificent scenery and sunrises and sunsets (and occasionally dolphins swimming alongside the vessels) are bonuses - and dogs and cats are welcome (and ride free). Why shouldn’t your pets vacation with you? (Pet friendly rentals can be found for Cape May at https://www.tripping.com.) 

Day Trips with a Concierge Touch. The Cape May-Lewes Guest Services staff, providing unmatched assistance, will help you plan a variety of daytrips; call 1-800-643-3779 (free of charge). The team provides day trip ideas on its video. 

City of Lewes (Delaware). This 17th century town offers antiques, tours, unique shopping and boutiques (no sales tax) all within walking distance. Additionally, casino, wineries, and shopping outlets are in the area. http://www.leweschamber.com/#sthash.TSAAIuYf.dpuf

Cape May (New Jersey). At the nation’s oldest seashore resort, which is a year-round community, enjoy the gingerbread architecture of the town, Washington Street Mall, golf, watersports, spas, dining and the beach.  http://www.capemay.com/play/

Beaches and National Parks. A bounty of opportunities to stroll, hike, take a nature walk, meditate, or explore at  Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, Dewey Beach Ft. Delaware State Park, Ft. Miles State Park, and Rehobeth Beach, renowned for its boardwalk and restaurants.

When you’re looking for a special RV daytrip experience, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is just the ticket. 

#RVRC _________________________________________________________________________________

DAY-TRIP BELIEVERS’ ‘ONE-STOP’ DELIGHT: THE CAPE MAY-LEWES FERRY

The Northeast’s renowned, year-round attraction continues as a favorite all-in-one, one-day package for cruisers, sightseers, hikers, bikers, kayakers, dog lovers and history buffs-

It’s something of a “hidden treasure,” or as one enthusiast described it, a coastal vacation haven that’s been “floating under the radar.” But since 1964, Jersey-shore locals and a rapidly growing number of out-of-towners (including foreign tourists) and RVers-- have “discovered” the Cape May-Lewes Ferry that crosses Delaware Bay, connecting Cape May, NJ, with the historic town of Lewes, DE.

This summer’s CMLF calendar has an array of special events, including a series of outdoor “Rock the Boat” Musical Cruises running Fridays at 5:15 PM- July 8 through Aug. 26;  low-key Sunday JAMZ at 3:15 PM – July 8 through August 26;  (featuring Tap Takeover with specials from local Microbreweries);  and Sunday Concerts (earlier in the day) in both terminals that salute various musical styles and such icons as Elvis, Billy Joel, the Rolling Stones and Journey; and a number of Fireworks Cruises featuring live music. For reservations and further information:  1-800-64FERRY (1-800-643-3779).

Shipboard views of the magnificent scenery and sunrises and sunsets (and occasionally dolphins swimming alongside the vessels) are bonuses - and dogs and cats are welcome (and ride free). Why shouldn’t your pets vacation with you? (Pet friendly rentals can be found for Cape May at https://www.tripping.com.) 

Day Trips with a Concierge Touch. The Cape May-Lewes Guest Services staff, providing unmatched assistance, will help you plan a variety of daytrips; call 1-800-643-3779 (free of charge). The team provides day trip ideas on its video. 

City of Lewes (Delaware). This 17th century town offers antiques, tours, unique shopping and boutiques (no sales tax) all within walking distance. Additionally, casino, wineries, and shopping outlets are in the area. http://www.leweschamber.com/#sthash.TSAAIuYf.dpuf

Cape May (New Jersey). At the nation’s oldest seashore resort, which is a year-round community, enjoy the gingerbread architecture of the town, Washington Street Mall, golf, watersports, spas, dining and the beach.  http://www.capemay.com/play/

Beaches and National Parks. A bounty of opportunities to stroll, hike, take a nature walk, meditate, or explore at  Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, Dewey Beach Ft. Delaware State Park, Ft. Miles State Park, and Rehobeth Beach, renowned for its boardwalk and restaurants.

TURN TRAFFIC BOTTLENECKS INTO A WATERGOING EXCURSION BY USING THE CAPE MAY-LEWES FERRY

It’s that time of year that snowbirds come home (north) for the summer, and if you are ready to take your annual  I-95 drive from Miami headed north, you can anticipate traffic snags and delays somewhere close to the thousand mile mark at the Washington D.C. Beltway. This can be avoided by plotting an alternative route to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which will allow you to cruise and sightsee through what could have been the worst part of the trip, and cut miles from the trip.

Operating 365 days a year, the ferry travels 17 miles several times a day for 85 minutes from Lewes Delaware, where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet, to Cape May, NJ (and in reverse). With capacity for 100 vehicles (RVs included), travelers with cars can expect to pay a reasonable fee while avoiding gas and toll charges,  relax on a pristine vessel, have refreshments, and take the dog for a pleasant stroll on deck. 

Yes, dogs are welcome (and free)! Visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/ to reserve your spot, request special accommodations, and discover some excellent dining, wining, shopping, hiking and biking experiences that are worth stopping for. And visiting off-season is your chance to avoid lines, have the town to yourselves (ergo, in-demand restaurants and hotel rooms with views at a value price). You can also experience:   

Day Trips with a Concierge Touch. The Cape May-Lewes Guest Services staff, providing unmatched assistance, will help you plan a variety of daytrips; call 1-800-643-3779 (free of charge). The team provides ideas on its video:   http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/daytrips/tabid/1160/Default.aspx

City of Lewes (Delaware). This 17^th century town offers antiques, tours, unique shopping and boutiques (no sales tax) all within walking distance. Additionally, casino, wineries, and shopping outlets are in the area. http://www.leweschamber.com/#sthash.TSAAIuYf.dpuf

Cape May (New Jersey). At the nation’s oldest seashore resort, which is a year-round community, enjoy the gingerbread architecture of the town, Washington Street Mall, golf, watersports, spas, dining and the beach.  http://www.capemay.com/play/

Beaches and National Parks. A bounty of opportunities to stroll, hike, take a nature walk, meditate, or explore at  Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, Dewey Beach Ft. Delaware State Park, Ft. Miles State Park, and Rehobeth Beach, renowned for its boardwalk and restaurants.

In honor of National Family Caregiver Month, the Caregivers Service presents…

“Celebrating The Caregiver: A Free Symposium for Family Caregivers of Older Adults 60+”

Featuring:

Ronald Adelman, MD – Co-Chief of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center

Jane Gross, Author & Founder of the New York Times’ New Old Age Blog

Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project, United Hospital Fund

Saturday, November 1, 2014

12 PM – 4 PM

Griffis Faculty Club at 521 East 68^th Street (private entrance – East of York Avenue)

A light lunch will be served.

This event is for family caregivers only. Registration is Required. Please call (212) 746-4365.

~Sponsored by the Caregivers Service of HealthOutreach at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center~

2015 STAR PERFORMERS REVEALED BY 30^TH ANNIVERSARY

BERLITZ CRUISING & CRUISE SHIPS GUIDE

New York, NY, September 2014—And the envelope, please!

While 2015 Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships (to be published Nov. 1, 2014) reveals the top ranking ships, with Europa 2 and Europa achieving the highest rankings, this latest 30^th anniversary edition introduces a broader focus on the star performers. New categories making their debut in the seafaring equivalent of the Oscars include Best in Class for: families, teenagers, water slides, most luxurious suites, spas, child-free cruising, foodies and the longest swimming pools. These categories make the guide even more indispensable for veteran or first-time cruise-goers.

“Small used to be beautiful, but size doesn’t seem to matter anymore, with some high scores being awarded to all sizes, from boutique ships right up to the large resort ships,” says author Douglas Ward. What’s different about routes for the coming season? Ward explains, “Some of the cruise lines, like Princess, Celebrity and Carnival are adding longer trips and sending their ships further afield, to destinations such as Australia and the Pacific Ocean. The South East Asian market is also a tempting one for the cruise lines.”

Family cruising is the major growth area, and there are increasing numbers of superb cruise ships available for families that represent great value for money. New kid on the block, Mein Schiff 3 (from rapidly-expanding cruise line, TUI Cruises) is one of the best new vessels for families and, with a 25-metre pool, it also receives the crown for longest swimming pool, plus the most highly rated large resort ship. What Ward describes as ‘gimmickry’ is another trend, such as robots that can make the drinks, as all the big resort ships try to outdo one another. Amusingly too, brochures of the major cruise lines now include behavior sections on how to act appropriately on board – something that would not have been necessary in the earliest days of cruising.

BEST IN CLASS 2015*

5 Best Ships for Families – Chosen for family-friendly facilities, activities and entertainment:

Allure of the Seas/Oasis of the Seas; Disney Dream/Disney Fantasy; Mein Schiff 3, MSC Preziosa, Norwegian Breakaway/Norwegian Getaway

5 Best Cruise Lines for Teenagers - Teenagers like space away from adults to hang out and meet others. Some ships get it, others don’t. These do:

Disney Cruise Line (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy); Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Getaway); Princess Cruises (Royal Princess, Regal Princess); Royal Caribbean International (Quantum of the Seas), TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff 3).

5 Best Water Slides - Children can’t wait to go for a ride once they are on board:

DrainPipe (Carnival Cruise Lines); Aquaduck (Disney Cruise Line); Vertigo (MSC Cruises)

Epic Plunge (Norwegian Cruise Line); Parthenon Slide (Star Cruises).

5 Most Luxurious Suites - Suites are not just about size and space but also the furnishings, service and all the little details:

5 Best Cruise Ship Spas - Wellness and pampering on board have become major attractions for people who want to take care of their bodies, even when on holiday:

AIDA Cruises (AIDAprima); Cunard Line (Queen Mary 2); Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (Europa 2); MSC Cruises (MSC Fantasia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Splendida); P&O Australia (Pacific Pearl);

5 Best ships for Child-free Cruising – One from each of five different cruise lines:

Adonia (P&O Cruises); Grande Mariner (Blount Small Ship Adventures); Island Sky (Noble Caledonia); Minerva (Swan Hellenic Cruises); Saga Sapphire (SAGA Cruises);

5 Best Cruise Lines for Foodies - chosen for the quality and variety of ingredients, their creativity and presentation:

Crystal Cruises; Hapag-Lloyd Cruises; Oceania Cruises; SeaDream Yacht Club; Silversea Cruises;

5 Longest Swimming Pools - Most cruise ship pools are small considering the size of the large resort ships today, but that’s because water can slosh around when the weather’s bad. Here are the longest:

Mein Schiff 3 (25.0 meters); Europa (17.3 meters); Europa 2 (14.0 meters); Asuka II (13.5 meters); Crystal Serenity/Crystal Symphony (13.5 meters).

TOP 3 SHIPS IN EACH SIZE CATEGORY

The Top 3 Large Resort Ships (2,001–6,500 passengers) All 4-star Plus

1^st Place: Mein Schiff 3

2^nd Place: Queen Mary 2 (Grill Class)

3^rd Place: Queen Elizabeth

The Top 3 Mid-size Ships (751–2,000 passengers)

1^st Place: Crystal Serenity (5-star)

2^nd Place: Crystal Symphony (5-star)

3^rd Place: Riviera (4-star Plus)

The Top 3 Small Ships (251–750 passengers)

1^st Place: Europa 2 (5-star Plus)

2^nd Place: Europa (5-star Plus)

3^rd Place: Silver Whisper (5-star)

The Top 3 Boutique Ships (50–250 passengers) - All 5-star

1^st Place: Hanseatic

2^nd Place: SeaDream I

3^rd Place: SeaDream II

Fully updated and revised, Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2015 ($25.99, 704 pages, with hundreds of color photographs) publishes in the U.S. Nov. 1. Also forthcoming will be the guide in e-book format.  For further information visit www.insightguides.com/berlitz/berlitz-cruising.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: *Some sister ships in the same series with identical or close to identical, features and facilities have also been included.

For those interested in an interview with the author or a review copy, please contact:

In the U.S:                    Melissa Lande or Alan Appel, Lande PR

                                      O: 212-706-9003 /M: 646-315-3608

                                      mlande@landepr.com             

In the UK:                     Julia Spence, Annabel Owen or Natalie Postlethwaite,

             Julia Spence Public Relations

                                      T: 01491 824524 / M: 07802 443113

 juliaspence.pr@gmail.com

News Release

Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships 2015: 30th Anniversary Edition

The eagerly awaited guide by Douglas Ward also reflects on how cruising has evolved over the years and 30 of his most memorable cruises

The first edition, evaluating 120 ships, appeared in 1985, when, he says, cruising seemed to most people an expensive and rarefied experience. Since then, “some of the romance surrounding ocean travel seems to have floated away and along with it various traditions (like, for example, a more formal elegance in dining rooms, bon voyage sail-away festivities,  everyday contact between senior officers and passengers, and, thankfully, the midnight buffet).” Plus in those days, he writes, “there were no lines for security checks, and immigrations checks were minimal. Today it’s a different story.”

And that story, he says, is that as ships have become increasingly more sumptuous as self-contained resorts, the choices and standards have all increased dramatically. “A vast range of destinations and accommodations, more lavish entertainment, a burgeoning number of theme cruises, more sophisticated  dining choices, top-end sports and fitness facilities, high-tech (and, alas, far too high cost) onboard digital communications and of course, stringent safety regulations. Of course,” he says, what was true back then and is still true today is “that is a huge difference in terms of quality depending on the specific ship and the consumer’s price point. And that, if I may say so, has for 30 years been the book’s central objective—helping consumers pick the right cruise for the right price and with the right expectations.”

The anniversary edition would not be complete without Ward reflecting on 30 of his most memorable cruise experiences, and they could, he says, “serve as an ocean-going bucket list for cruisers who seek the trip of their lifetime.” They’re not listed in a particular order, but two have particular resonance:

Titanic Pose

Standing with outstretched arms, just like Kate Winslet in the movie “Titanic”, at the very front of Braemar as the ship glides through the Swedish archipelago towards Stockholm.

Happily Ever After

Looking for a partner? I met my future wife aboard a Japanese cruise ship some years ago, and we married several years later. You, too, could meet the person of your dreams aboard a cruise ship—it happens all the time.

  

For those interested in an interview with the author or a review copy, please contact:

In the US:

Melissa Lande or Alan Appel, Lande PR

O: 212-706-9003 / M: 646-315-3608

mlande@landepr.com

In the UK:

Julia Spence or Annabel Owen, Julia Spence Public Relations

T: 01491 824524 / M: 07802 443113

juliaspence.pr@gmail.com

Fully updated and revised, Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2015 ($25.99, 704 pages, with hundreds of color photographs) is published in the U.S. on November 1, 2014. Also forthcoming will be the guide in e-book.  For further information visit,  www.insightguides.com/berlitz/berlitz-cruising.

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News Release

2015 Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships Publishes in US November 1, 2014;

30^th Anniversary Edition Features the Influential Author’s 30 Extraordinary Cruise Experiences

NEW YORK, N.Y., September 2014— As the popularity of global cruising continues to surge—22.8 million passengers in 2013, more than half of them Americans—the choices for veteran cruisers and first timers alike have never been as plentiful and varied, and even overwhelming.    There are over 30,000 cruises from which to choose, and “picking the right ship for the right reasons and with the right expectations,” says Ward “is what this annual guide is and has always been about for the past three decades.”

This special anniversary guide (US PUB DATE: NOV 1, 2014; $25.99), widely considered the most trusted and comprehensive book on the topic, is also a fascinating and nostalgic study of how cruising has evolved into “one of the biggest success stories in the travel world.” Ward also gives the lowdown on his own favorite cruise experiences– a compilation, he says, “that could serve as a veritable seagoing bucket list for cruisers seeking memorable trips of a lifetime.”

So thorough and comprehensive is Douglas Ward’s meticulously painstaking investigation each year that the Guide sets the internationally recognized ratings system for almost all cruise ships in the world (270 of them covered in the book), designating the author as the most feared critic in the business.   

Cruisers, who are often overwhelmed by the number of vessels and voyages available, would be advised not to book a cruise vacation without first consulting the guide, the only completely independent handbook that can identify the cruise and cruise ship that is best suited to an individual. However, the annual Berlitz Cruise Guide is not just for vacationers; cruise industry executives, travel agents, and others in the cruise industry look to it as an invaluable resource of comparative information.

Its strength and enduring popularity lie not only in the annually updated, independent and candid reviews of the cruise ships but the warts-and-all advice on every possible aspect of cruising, whether budgeting families, singles, older travelers or honeymooners. For example, readers can check out which cruise line does what best, how the major cruise lines score on cuisine, facilities and service, or see how the expedition ships compare in their adventure offerings. Those planning luxury cruises can compare the crème de la crème of cruise ships at a glance: find out whether tips are included, which ships have the biggest and most sumptuous suites and which toiletry brand is supplied. Confused by the advantages and disadvantages of the different sizes of ships? No problem. Ward cuts through the hype for a more informed decision.

The guide doesn’t only point readers to the most appropriate cruise for themselves, but it helps with a variety of choices.  For example, some ‘private balconies’, while expensive, are not so private, and mattress sizes vary enormously, depending upon whether the cruise ship is British, European or from the US/Canada.

Other highlights of the guide include:

THE WORLD’S TOP AUTHORITY ON CRUISING AND CRUISE SHIPS

The author has completed over 6,000 days at sea, participated in more than 1,000 cruises, 158 transatlantic crossings, and countless Panama Canal transits, shipyard visits, ship-naming ceremonies and maiden voyages. Often described as a maritime Sherlock Holmes, Ward leaves no stone unturned for up to 200 sea days each year, from the fluffiness of the towels to the quality of the china and silverware, and from the welcome aboard to the disembarkation process.

Fully updated and revised, Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2015 ($25.99, 704 pages, with hundreds of color photographs) is published in the U.S. on November 1, 2014. Also forthcoming will be the guide in e-book format and the 2015 Berlitz Cruise Ships app.  For further information visit www.insightguides.com/berlitz/berlitz-cruising.

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For those interested in an interview with the author or a review copy, please contact:

In the US:

Melissa Lande or Alan Appel, Lande PR

O: 212-706-9003 / M: 646-315-3608

mlande@landepr.com

In the UK:

Julia Spence or Annabel Owen, Julia Spence Public Relations

T: 01491 824524 / M: 07802 443113

juliaspence.pr@gmail.com