Ensemble's Hosted Cruise Program

The luxury and romance of cruising is further enhanced by Ensemble's Hosted Cruises. These select sailings offer specially negotiated fares plus additional amenities called ‘Ensemble Exclusives'. Read on for more details of these extra special voyages.

Available Sailings

Ensemble Travel® Group has selected a wide range of sailings for the Hosted Cruise Program which are offered at special reduced rates.

There are currently over 300 hosted sailings to choose from on a variety of worldwide itineraries. Departures into 2011 are currently available with more to come.

Included in the program are sailings on some brand new ships:

  • Silversea's Silver Spirit, sails her inaugural voyage in January, 2010 adding a new and larger design to the fleet.
  • Holland America Line's second Signature Class ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam, enters service in July, 2010
  • Seabourn's ultra-luxurious sisters Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn, set sail June 2009 and 2010 respectively.
  • Celebrity's new sister ships, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, joined the fleet in December, 2008 and July, 2009 respectively.

Cruise lines participating in the Hosted Program for 2010 are:

  • Azamara Cruises
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Crystal Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • The Yachts of Seabourn
  • Sea Dream Yacht Club
  • Silversea Cruises
  • Uniworld
  • Hosts & Travellers
  • Exclusive Cocktail Party
  • Complimentary Excursion
  • Additional Savings

Ensemble Hosts & Ensemble Travellers

Every cruise in the program is hosted by an experienced member of an Ensemble Travel agency in either Canada or the United States. The host is available to assist you with any special requests, issues or questions you may have while on board.

As an Ensemble traveller, once you are onboard the ship and settled in your stateroom, you will receive a welcome letter from the Ensemble host to introduce him/herself and give their contact information.

Note that this is not a fully escorted cruise. You are not travelling with a group or dining together. You are free to do as you please with the knowledge that an Ensemble host is on board should you want to contact them or join in the Ensemble Exclusive events.

Many travellers do enjoy the host's company for dinner or drinks during the cruise but this is a personal choice and not compulsory. Sometimes, Ensemble travellers themselves become good friends and spend time together both on board and ashore during the cruise.

Ensemble Exclusive Cocktail Party

You will also be invited to a private cocktail party. This event takes place early in the cruise so you can meet the host in person as well as other Ensemble travellers. It is a fun and friendly get together with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and lively conversation in anticipation of the exciting cruise vacation ahead.

Complimentary Ensemble Excursion or Bonus Opportunity

The host will be on hand to escort the Ensemble group on the day of the complimentary excursion. This is a private tour at one of your ports of call – a very personalized experience with a dedicated local guide and driver for the day.

New aboard Silversea, Seabourn, Regent and Crystal is this Bonus Opportunity: In lieu of the Ensemble Experience shore excursion you may select a $150 per person shipboard credit (maximum $300 per stateroom) OR work with your travel agent to create a customized event or hotel stay valued at up to $175 per person (maximum $350 per stateroom). Your selection must be submitted at least 75 days prior to your cruise departure.

Those wishing to take the Ensemble Excursion will find an extensive line-up from historical tours to active adventures, each giving you an excellent perspective on the port visited. Here are some examples:

  • Odessa, Ukraine - Spend a fantastic day seeing the sights of Odessa and learning about daily life and the culinary traditions in the Ukraine with a visit to a private home.
  • Monte Carlo, Monaco - Enjoy a delightful day visiting Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Eze, two of the loveliest towns along the Riviera. Lunch included.
  • DaNang, Vietnam - Enjoy the DaNang Countryside Experience and visit the ancient village of Hoi An. Lunch included.
  • Walvis Bay, Namibia - Experience the Namib Desert, its wildlife and the area known as the Moon Landscape. Lunch included.

Additional Savings

In addition to the specially negotiated fares on hosted cruises, you may find special amenities offered by the cruise lines when you book. These are some of the current offers:

  • Crystal Cruises - Prepaid gratuities on all Ensemble sailings and shipboard credits of $500 or $1,000 per person.
  • Holland America Line - Reduced deposit on some sailings.
  • Regent Seven Seas - Free Business Class air to Europe.
  • World Cruises - Several complimentary excursions. On full world cruises cruise lines offer a long list of extras like free air, generous shipboard credits, pre-cruise gala event, baggage valet service and more.

When looking at booking a cruise, be sure to check with your Ensemble agent for hosted departures which provide added value to enhance your vacation experience.

By Susan Milne