Columnist Muriel Stevens: Travel treats in troubled times

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003 | 8:18 a.m.

If you unravel at the thought of travel during these uncertain times, you're not alone. Most travel mags and newsletters are filled with information on how to cope with cancelled flights and bad weather and what to do in case of an unexpected emergency (leave the duct tape at home).

The very circumstances that have changed our lives have encouraged promotions and special packages for every mode of travel.

Crystal Cruises is letting youngsters 12 and under sail free (sharing the same stateroom with two adults) all summer long to Alaska. Sail aboard the 940-guest Crystal Harmony and be treated to an "ambitious" Crystal Cruises Junior Activities Program.

The children's programs, led by a qualified staff of Junior Activities Directors, includes a variety of activities for toddlers to teens. There will be at least one counselor for each of the 12 participants.

Crystal's Alaska season kicks off May 23 with a 10-day Vancouver-San Francisco sailing priced from $1,995. Crystal Harmony is the only six-star rated ship cruising round-trip from San Francisco to Alaska.

The remaining eight voyages, all 12-day round-trip sailings from San Francisco, depart June 2 and July 14; July 8 and July 20; Aug. 1, Aug. 13 and Aug. 25 and Sept. 6. For a complimentary brochure on the 2003 Alaska season or any Crystal Cruise call 800-820-6663. For more about the Junior Activities Program visit Crystal's website -- crystalcruises.com.

Economy air fares to Singapore: Singapore Airlines is offering round-trip economy class flights to Singapore or Manila for $619. Available from Las Vegas only, tickets are nonrefundable. Maximum stay is 30 days. Price does not include international departure taxes, customer user fee or passenger facility charge. Rates are subject to change and some restrictions may apply. Book space through a professional travel agent or Singapore Airlines -- (800) 742-3333. Book early. Once a ticket is issued fares do not change.

Moose watching: May 18 through June 24, Grand Teton Lodge Company, operator of the Jackson Lake Lodge is offering a "Moose Lovers" room for $128 for a standard nonview room for two. This early season rate is 20 percent lower than the price during the regular season, $160. The special rate coincides with one of the peak moose-watching times when young calves, some just days old, and adult moose wander very close to Jackson Lake. This special rate is not available to groups. Wildlife lovers will enjoy the 90-minute Wildlife Photography Bus Tour ($15 per person). For reservations call (307) 543-3100.

Cruise with Chef Charlie Palmer and friends: Chef/restaurateur Charlie Palmer has invited a number of his talented friends to join Seabourn Cruises as guest chefs. Chefs Michel Richard (Citronelle, D.C.), Andrew Carmellini (Cafe Boulud, NYC), Rick Moonen (rm, NYC), David Burke (Park Avenue Cafe, NYC), Jean Alberti (Kokkari, San Francisco) and David Pasternack (Exca, NYC). These new "Chef's Circle Guest Chefs," will give cooking demos and share their signature dishes one night during the cruise. Call (800) 929-9391 for more information.