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FT. LAUDERDALE (October 10, 2006) - Guests sailing South America aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises® in 2007 now have the option to enhance their experience through Circles of Interest,SM enrichment programs in Food and Wine; and Art, Design and Culture, featuring expert guest hosts and exclusive on board and on shore programs. Each segment of the 59-night "Circle Around South America" voyage aboard the Seven Seas Mariner® will feature at least one Circle of Interest, ranging from an Argentine tango experience to a personal introduction to southwestern cuisine by a celebrity chef.
"While each Circle of Interest is unique, the unifying thread among them is an emphasis on exploring local cultures in a more personalized and meaningful way," said Sophie Vlessing, vice president, guest strategy and marketing for Regent. "The 'Circles' also provide our guests opportunities to connect with individuals who share their interests - whether fellow guests, 'Circle' hosts or local residents in the ports of call."
Food & Wine Circles of Interest
A total of four food and wine-themed Circles of Interest will be offered, allowing guests to explore the distinctive culinary traditions of Barbados, Chile, Argentina and Peru. In Bridgetown, Barbados, guests will be treated to an on board tasting of assorted spicy sauces and local delicacies as well as a private Caribbean party with host Anne Marie Whittaker, noted Bajan chef and author of "Treasures of My Caribbean Kitchen." Whittaker will also provide a guided tour of her Bridgetown factory to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how her famous old-fashioned Bajan Pepper Sauce is prepared. This 'Circle' will culminate with a beach picnic, complete with a traditional lunch of Stuffed Flying Fish and Rum Punch, and steel-drum musical entertainment.
In Buenos Aires, oenophiles will have the option to visit the fashionable Recoleta district for a stop at the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires and its extraordinary wine library, which also houses the city's only cheese room where an award-winning sommelier and cheese expert will guide guests in an exploration of the Argentine wine tradition. On board, guests will join a representative from Mendoza's Achaval-Ferrer Winery for a sampling of its signature Malbec and other wines. Later, in Valparaiso, Chile, guests may join famed winemaker Aurelio Montes for a private on board tasting of his finest vintages and a gourmet lunch hosted by the Montes family in Santiago.
Named "Chilean Winemaker of the Year" in 1995, Montes was instrumental in driving the once overlooked Chilean wine industry to global acclaim and gaining personal recognition for his Bordeaux-style Cabernet blends, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Finally, in Peru, celebrity chef Stephen Pyles will host a hands-on cooking demonstration aboard the ship. Having created 14 restaurants over the past 22 years, Pyles was credited with "almost single-handedly changing the cooking scene of Texas," by Bon Appetit magazine, and will share his favorite secrets and tips with guests. On shore in Lima, Pyles will accompany guests to an exclusive Peruvian lunch with prominent local politician Francisco Diez Canseco and his family at their home - an 18th century hacienda featuring paintings and sculptures spanning hundreds of years. A private showing of alpaca fabrics and Pisco tasting will follow.
Art, Design & Culture Circles of Interest
Guests interested in arts, culture and history may join cultural anthropologist Terry Breen for an on board introduction to the legendary Tango, including a private instruction with guest dance instructors from Argentina. On shore in Buenos Aires, Breen will lead a visit to dance venue La Ventana in the hopping San Telmo district, where guests will not only be treated to a private tango performance and live orchestra music, but also have an opportunity to practice their moves on the dance floor.
From Puerto Montt, Circle of Interest participants can journey to Calbuco, Chile, where Breen will guide guests in exploring the lives of the indigenous Mapuche, including a glimpse into the daily life of a local family with whom guests will prepare a regional dish. Later, in Honduras, Breen will guide guests on an aerial sight-seeing tour as well as an exploration of Copán, the second largest Mayan city-state discovered, including VIP access to recently excavated tunnels.
Finally, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, local artist Jan D'Esopo invites guests to La Galeria, her personal gallery and residence (formerly an officer's quarters for the Spanish Artillery) for a personal introduction to the art of Old San Juan.
The Circle Around South America's four cruise segments include an 11-night voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Manaus (Brazil) departing January 9; 17-night voyage from Manaus to Buenos Aires (Argentina) departing January 20; 19-night voyage from Buenos Aires to Callao (for Lima, Peru) departing February 6; and a 12-night voyage from Callao to Ft. Lauderdale departing February 25. Per person prices start from $5,246 for one segment or $25,986 for the entire 59-night voyage. All fares include shipboard gratuities, all soft drinks, and select wines and liquor. Circle of Interest programs start from $165 per person. In order to maintain the intimacy of a small group, the Circles are limited to between 12 and 40 participants, depending on the Circle.
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