2004 Bermuda Cruise: sailing May 12-19 on Radisson Seven Sea Cruises' MS Navigator with former Education Secretary William Bennett, former CIA Director James Woolsey, and NR editorial all-stars Rich Lowry, John O'Sullivan, and Jay Nordlinger

National Review, Feb 9, 2004

Here's your special opportunity to take part in one of the most exciting seafaring adventures you will ever experience: the National Review 2004 Bermuda Cruise Featuring an incredible cast of All Star speakers (and some incredibly affordable rates!), this truly special trip will take place May 12-19, 2004, aboard Radisson Seven Seas Cruises's MS Navigator--the acclaimed ship of the world's highest rated cruise line.

This is a unique opportunity to meet preeminent conservatives and policy-makers: "Definites" for this voyage are former Education Secretary and celebrated author William Bennett, former Central Intelligence Agency director James Woolsey, and National Review editorial heavyweights Rich Lowry, John O'Sullivan, and Jay Nordlinger. All (other top speakers have been invited-we're awaiting their replies) will be along for the seven luxurious days of political shop-talk, conservative revelry, and world-class cruising.

Make that top-of-the-world-class cruising. For those who demand the very best, the Navigator is custom-made for you. But with prices starting at an incredibly low $2,999 a person, the National Review 2004 Bermuda Cruise is "custom-made" for just about anyone! Unsurpassed service, sumptuous cuisine, spacious accommodations, and luxury, luxury, luxury are the hallmarks of this acclaimed ship.

You can't do better than the Navigator, or Radisson. Says who? Says Conde Nast Traveler's experienced and discriminating readers--they voted Radisson the "World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" this year! That's remarkable, and a testament to the fact that the National Review 2004 Bermuda Cruise will be a superior experience.

Fine crusing aside (more on that below), meeting top policy-makers and leading conservatives is the highlight of NR's voyages, and, as with our past trips, on the National Review 2004 Bermuda Cruise you'll have great opportunities to spend "quality time"--whether at the six seminars we have planned (each two hours long, and featuring scintillating discussions of current events, plus your participation via lively Q&A!), or at the exclusive three cocktail receptions or two late-night smokers (featuring H. Upmann's truly superior cigars and a complimentary cognac) that are in store, or over a gourmet dinner with our editors and speakers (our goal is to schedule you to dine intimately with our sailing dignitaries on two nights).

This will be NR's second trip to Bermuda, and we're happy to be returning to this beautiful island. It never gets old: Sauntering through these charming cities of Hamilton and St. George (still steeped, like the customary afternoon tea, in the traditions of British colonial life) during the day, enjoying the nightlife, relaxing on the rose-blushed sands of Bermuda's gorgeous beaches-all of this and more (like the numerous excellent excursions Radisson will provide) awaits you. Oh yes: The Navigator will also make a lengthy visit to Norfolk, from which fascinating tours to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, and other Virginia landmarks are available.

Fascinating too will be your sumptuous cabin--all of the Navigator's staterooms provide an ocean view, nearly 90 percent feature private balconies, and none is smaller than 301 sq. ft. (at 1,173 sq. ft., the Master Suites are simply huge!). All staterooms feature European king-size beds (convertible to twins), separate sitting areas, marble baths with tub and separate shower, large walk-in closets with safe, terry robes, hair dryers, refrigerators (stocked with soft drinks), TV/VCR, in-suite bar set-up, and so much more. Oh yes: The Master, Penthouse, and Navigator suites offer Butler Service, and there are even 10 suites that can be interconnected (that's great for families!).

As wonderful as the cabins is Radisson's renowned and pampering "Above and Beyond" service, which takes care of every nuance or housekeeping chore so you can spend your time in more pleasurable pursuits. And for those staying in selected staterooms, your butler will unpack your bags and the Pressing Service will iron out every wrinkle on every shirt. With the Navigator's outstanding 1-to-1.4 crew to guest ratio, you're assured matchless personal service. So relax--let your butler arrange that cocktail party in your suite, schedule your dinnerat the (reservations-required) Portofino Grill, get you a private car at the next port of call, and so much more!

A week of very fine dining will also be in store: The Navigator offers the best food on the high seas. Imagine enjoying your intimate, gourmet dinner (with a guest speaker!) at the Navigator's elegant Compass Rose restaurant, or dinner-for-two with your spouse at the Portofino Grill, where sumptuous Italian cuisine is the fare. (Wherever you dine, a choice of fine, complimentary wine will be poured nightly! And soft drinks, hot beverages, juices, and mineral water are complimentary throught the cruise!)

Aside from the fine dining, the spectacular seminars we're planning, and the numerous tours and excursions, there's so much else one can do on the Navigator. With one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, there's plenty of room for many pleasurable pastimes (don't forget lounging on a deck chair!). On board you'll find a world-class spa, fitness center, and salon, duty-free boutiques, intimate bars and lounges, a swimming pool and two whirlpools, two golf driving cages where you may practice your swing, a well-stocked library with a full-fledged computer center (so you can receive or send e-mail or browse the Internet), and a card room where a master bridge instructor ready to teach you his art. There's "High Tea" every afternoon and other happy diversions (art auctions and ballroom dance classes), and at night, ah ... you'll be tempted to abandon any thoughts of going to bed at a sensible hour. There are dazzling live performances in the Seven Seas Lounge, thrilling games of chance at the elegant casino, romantic cabaret acts, plus dancing until you tell us when.