The New York Times has announced the launch of Times Journeys, "an educational travel program that connects readers and lifelong learners with Times journalists while they enjoy the pleasures of travel." 

The maiden voyage, in partnership with Insight Cruises, is set for October 5th, 2012. A 12-day round tour of Eastern Mediterranean aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, will start in Venice, Italy, and stop in Montenegro, Greece, Turkey and Dalmatian city of Split in Croatia. 

Confirmed speakers so far include Op-Ed columnist Joe Nocera, film critic A.O. Scott and the science editor Barbara Strauch. More journalists are expected to join the speaker program in the coming months.

"Times Journeys provides our readers and like-minded travellers an opportunity to learn from and interact with some of The Times’s most celebrated journalists," said Alice Ting, the Times' Executive Director of Brand Development.

"Our first event provides an intimate setting where guests can absorb and explore The New York Times’s perspectives on relevant issues, events and pursuits while contributing to the exchange of ideas," added Ting.

The cruise costs range from $1,799 per person for an inside cabin to $6,099 for a deluxe suite (plus taxes). The conference fee, which includes approximately 30 hours of programming and two cocktail receptions, is priced at $1,575.

Earlier this week, the New York Times included Dubrovnik in its "The 45 Places to Go in 2012" list, describing the city as "the St. Tropez of the Balkans".