Savings Specials On Three October Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises announces new savings for its fall
season, which includes an additional 15 percent off
two sailings to New England & Canada and new lower
fares on an October Mediterranean cruise. Adding special
enrichment to these cruises are celebrity food and wine
experts and lectures by specialists from the Smithsonian
and Sotheby’s Institutes.
For new bookings made by September 15, 2005, guests
will enjoy an additional 15 percent off all Deluxe Stateroom
accommodations (categories A through E) on two New England
& Canada cruises departing October 16 and 27 aboard
the luxurious Crystal Symphony. New fares represent
a savings of up to $400 per person, depending on cruise.
-- On October 16, Crystal Symphony’s 11-day cruise
departs from New York and visits Newport, Rhode Island;
Boston, Massachusetts (overnight); Bar Harbor, Maine;
Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Québec City (overnight) and
Montréal, Québec. Fares start at $2,851.
Guest Chef Dominique Filoni, winner of the 2004 “Best
New Chef” award by Food & Wine Magazine, and Peter
Marks, curator of wine at Copia: The American Center
for Wine, Food & the Arts, team up for cooking demonstrations,
wine tastings and a grand chef’s dinner on this Crystal
Wine & Food Festival sailing.
-- On October 27, Crystal Symphony’s 10-day voyage
departs from Montréal and visits Québec City, Québec;
Halifax, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport,
Rhode Island; New York; Charleston, South Carolina;
and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Fares start at $2,580.
Author Steven May, a frequent Smithsonian lecturer and
tour guide, will headline this Smithsonian Associates
Theme cruise and offer insights on New England art and
culture. New Lower Fares to the Mediterranean
-- New lower fares are available to the Mediterranean
for Crystal Serenity’s 11-day
October 14 cruise from Rome to Barcelona. Starting
at just $2,995, the new lower fares represent a per
person savings range of $700 to $1,200, depending on
stateroom category. Ports of call include Naples and
Livorno/Florence, Italy; Villefranche/Nice, France (overnight);
Gibraltar, UK; Málaga/Granada and Mallorca, Spain.
Old Master Paintings Expert Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe
of Sotheby's Institute of Art in London will entertain
guests with her informative lecture series on the history
and techniques of Baroque and Renaissance painters in
Europe.
Fares quoted include port charges and are based on
per person, double occupancy accommodations. A fuel
surcharge of $4.00 per person, per day will be applied
to all cruise fares.
Celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas And New Year’s On
A Crystal Cruise
This holiday season, travelers will have the unusual
opportunity to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas and New
Year’s Eve on a single two-week tropical cruise aboard
the luxurious ships of Crystal Cruises. Hanukkah dreidels,
toy soldiers, Christmas trees, New Year’s noisemakers,
menorahs, seasonal gifts and more come together for
a joyous celebration through either the Mexican Riviera
or Caribbean.
-- Round-trip from Los Angeles, the warmth of Mexico
and the luxury of Crystal Serenity beckon travelers
to escape the home-based hustle of the holidays on a
Pacific Riviera itinerary departing December 21, 2005.
The 14-day cruise journeys to San Diego, California;
Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta
(overnight), Mazatlán and La Paz, Mexico.
-- A 14-day Tropical Holiday voyage on Crystal Symphony
travels round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale on December
22, 2005, visiting Key West, Florida; Aruba, Dutch West
Indies; Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles; Barbados and
St. Lucia, West Indies; St. Barts, French West Indies;
St. Thomas, USVI; and Nassau, Bahamas.
In keeping with Crystal’s ultra-luxury vacation experience,
$100,000 of seasonal décor – such as handcrafted ornaments,
ornate sleighs, elaborate trees, twinkling menorahs
– will adorn each ship. Clergy will be aboard to conduct
a Christmas Eve Mass or a Protestant Christmas Eve service,
and a rabbi will travel with each ship to conduct Hanukkah
services. Junior activities staff will coordinate youth
events throughout. Rich seasonal foods are complemented
by low-fat, low-carb, sugar-free, vegetarian and other
dietary selections on every menu.
Holiday cruise highlights include:
Christmas: Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner of roasted
young duckling with chestnut stuffing and caramelized
raspberry sauce, among other savory specialties; Christmas
tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Captain complete
with Christmas carols, cookies and hot chocolate; Gingerbread
houses adorning the dining room, lounges and Crystal
Penthouses; and holiday gifts for all guests.
On Christmas Day, there is complimentary morning eggnog
followed by a gala Christmas luncheon; an afternoon
arrival of Santa Claus bearing gifts for Junior Cruisers;
“A Christmas Carol” performed by Crystal’s innovative
Repertory Theatre at Sea troupe;
an extravagant Christmas Day Dinner with roasted Maryland
tom turkey with bourbon-pecan gravy, cranberry-mango
chutney and orange stuffing or sugar-glazed ham with
marsala wine sauce and other traditional trimmings;
holiday-themed films (throughout cruise), shown in the
Hollywood Theatre, as well as other popular recent releases;
and,
-n-stateroom television programming (throughout cruise)
of Christmas classics for all ages.
-- Hanukkah or “The Festival of Lights” (December 25-January
1) includes traditional and nostalgic festivities include
the nightly lighting of the Menorah; traditional fried
foods such as potato latkes; a Hanukkah dinner with
gefilte fish, home-made chicken soup with matzo balls,
roasted kosher chicken and potato pancakes with all
of the seasonal accompaniments; Hanukkah “gelt” chocolate
coins for all ages; and story-telling of Hanukkah traditions
and singing of Hanukkah folk songs.
-- New Year’s celebrations features an opulent, gala
New Year’s Eve Dinner, followed by drinks and dancing;
a New Year’s Eve live show; and a festive New Year’s
Eve Countdown and balloon drop in the elegant two-story
atrium.
New Year’s Day features complimentary Bloody Mary parties;
and brunch with champagne and mimosas.
For reservations and additional information, please
contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit
the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.
Queen Mary 2 Joins Cunard’s Grand Heritage Of World
Cruising In 2007
Queen Mary 2 continues Cunard’s time-honored liner
tradition as she embarks on her very first world cruise
in 2007. Even more history will be made as the “grand
dame” of world cruises, QE2, sails on her 25th voyage
around the world – and the two ships sail simultaneously
on their global adventures. The two iconic liners will
depart Fort Lauderdale together on January 10, 2007,
initially sailing on a southward journey that will see
Queen Mary 2 circumnavigate the globe in 80 days while
her sister QE2 celebrates her Silver Jubilee World Cruise
with an exotic 108-day itinerary.
Both world cruises are also available as a series of
liner voyages from 22 to 102 days in length, recreating
some of the most famous liner voyages of old. Passengers
will enjoy a special $300 per person, per segment discount
when booking two more of these shorter journeys.
-- Queen Mary 2 Sails Around the World in 80 Days
Queen Mary 2‘s maiden world cruise will transport guests
on an 80-day voyage visiting 20 of the world’s most
famous cities (including 13 capitals), such as Athens,
Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Cairo, San
Francisco and Rio de Janeiro.
The 26-day Ft. Lauderdale to San Francisco voyage features
QM2 cruising the Atlantic Ocean for several days before
arriving in the dazzling Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.
From there, the ship sails deeper into South America
to the bottom of the world via scenic cruising in Uruguay
and around the historically renowned waters of Cape
Horn. Santiago, Chile is the next highlight before sailing
the Pacific Ocean en route to Acapulco, Mexico. The
ocean liner makes its much-anticipated, first-time arrival
in San Francisco two days later.
From Northern California, the 14-day San Francisco
to Sydney journey features Queen Mary 2 continuing to
sail the Pacific Ocean on her way to Honolulu, Hawaii
and another maiden call, Pago Pago in American Samoa.
Crossing the International Dateline, she will sail two
days in the storied South Pacific as the ship ventures
into more new territory in Auckland, New Zealand, and
Sydney, Australia.
From deep Down Under into the mysterious Far East,
Queen Mary 2’s 19-day Sydney to Dubai segment traverses
the Pacific Ocean, South China Sea, Indian Ocean and
Arabian Sea. Transporting guests to some of the world’s
most exotic locales, travel enthusiasts will be enchanted
with stops in bustling Hong Kong, shopping-central Singapore,
multi-cultural Kuala Lumpur and for some, the piéce
de resistance: an overnight visit in Cochin, India with
an optional trip to the famed Taj Mahal.
Next, the exotic oasis of Dubai is the launching point
before cruising the high seas again – the Gulf of Oman,
Arabian Sea, Red Sea and transiting the Suez Canal –
on the 15-day Dubai to Southampton voyage. Another first-time
highlight will be the ship’s arrival in Alexandria,
Egypt. Europe awaits with calls in Athens, Rome (Civitavecchia)
and Paris (Le Havre), before journeying to Southampton
and the seven-day voyage home to Ft. Lauderdale.
Double occupancy early booking fares for Queen Mary
2’s complete Around the World in 80 days world cruise
start from $21,195 per person, with individual segment
fares starting from $4,199 per person. Website: www.cunard.com
QE2 Celebrates Silver Jubilee World Cruise
The Queen Elizabeth 2 has sailed more than five million
nautical miles, carried more than three million people
around the world and has long been the gold standard
for world cruises. Celebrating her 25th round-the-world
sailing, QE2 will continue to showcase this legendary
vessel’s global appeal during the 108-day journey. The
grande dame of world cruising will depart roundtrip
from New York (January 8) or Ft. Lauderdale (January
10).
In addition to the 108-day adventure, guests can also
book segments to best suit their interests and travel
schedule. Voyages from New York or Ft. Lauderdale to
Los Angeles or San Francisco are available in 12, 14
and 16-day segments. QE2 will visit Grand Cayman and
Costa Rica, transit through the Panama Canal, and call
in Acapulco, Mexico before arriving in Los Angeles,
or in San Francisco two days later.
Guests can enjoy the 30-day Los Angeles to Sydney or
28-day San Francisco to Sydney legs as the ship continues
across the Pacific Ocean and heads to Hawaii; Tahiti
and Moorea, French Polynesia; Tonga; Fiji; Auckland,
Wellington, and Christchurch, New Zealand; and Tasmania,
Melbourne, and Sydney, Australia.
Next, the 27-day Sydney to Singapore voyage includes
visits to Brisbane and Port Douglas for the Great Barrier
Reef/Cairns (Yorkey’s), followed by calls to Papua New
Guinea; Yokohama and Osaka, Japan; Shanghai, China;
Hong Kong; Da Nang (Chan May) Vietnam; and Bangkok,
Thailand.
The 31-day Singapore to Southampton voyage takes the
ship to Sri Lanka; India; the Seychelles Islands; Mauritius;
Durban and Cape Town, South Africa; Namibia; Canary
Islands; and Madeira before arriving in Southampton.
From Southampton, a westbound transatlantic crossing
to New York (6-day) or Ft. Lauderdale (8-day) concludes
the 108-day world cruise.
Double occupancy early booking fares for QE2’s 108-day
Silver Jubilee World Cruise start from $16,845 per person,
with smaller segments priced from $1,899 per person.
The early booking fares for these voyages represent
a 15 percent per person savings off brochure rates.
As an extra bonus, guests will save an additional 5
percent when bookings are made by January 31, 2006.
New for 2007, Cunard is offering all World Cruise voyages
as non-air which translates to lower fares and increased
flexibility for travelers. For those who prefer air
inclusive packages, air add-ons from 161 gateways are
available at an additional cost. Website: www.cunard.com
Savings On Select Autumn Cruises on Hebridean Spirit
Save up to £1500* per person on the following cruises
from the Hebridean Spirit 2005 Summer and Autumn
program. For A, B & C grade cabins, save £1500,
and for D & E Grade cabins, save £1000 per person.
Hebridean Spirit Cruises available are:
-- An Adriatic Autumn - From Palermo to Trieste from
September 21 to 28, 2005
Destinations: Otranto, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Rovinj.
Price per person now from £3580
-- Paradise in the Adriatic – From Trieste to Dubrovnik
fro September 28 to October 5.
Destinations: Portoroz, Sezana, Piran, Porec, Veli
Brijun, Rab, Sibenik, Primosten, Trogir, Mljet.
Price per person now from £3090
-- Voyage to Olympia – From Dubrovnik to Kalamata from
October 12 to 19.
Destinations: Dubrovnik, Trogir, Vis, Hvar, Budva,
St Stefan’s Isle, Katakolo, Olympia
Price per person now from £3080
-- Realms of the Gods – From Kalamata to Thessaloniki
from October 19 to October 26.
Destinations: Katakolo, Olympia, Itea, Delphi, Corinth
Canal, Kavala, Kea, Samothraki
Price per person now from £2530
-- Levantine Odyssey – Thessaloniki – to Kusadasi
from October 26 to November 2.
Destinations: Lesbos, Chios, Istanbul, Canakkale, Ancient
Troy
Price per person now from £2310
-- Westward from the Aegean – From Kusadasi to Catania
from November 2 to 9.
Destinations: Ephesus, Patmos, Delos, Mykonos, Corinth
Canal, Itea, Delphi, Syracuse.
Price per person now from £2250
*Terms and Conditions. This offer cannot be combined
with any other offer, and applies to new bookings only.
Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.
Subject to availability.
2005 Autumn Cruises available on the Hebridean
Princess
-- Footloose along the Drove Routes from September
29 to October 6.
Visiting: Torridon, Shieldaig, Gairloch, Inverewe,
Loch Alsh, Plockton, Rum, Skye, Eigg, Iona, Ulva, Mull
Save £1000 per person – prices now from £1550
-- Sea Lochs and Sounds from October 6 to 13.
Visiting: Plockton, Torridon, Gairloch, Inverewe,
Ullapool, Loch Alsh, Salen, Ardnamurchan, Skye, Mull
and the Summer Isles.
Save £1000 per person – prices now from £1630*
-- Inner Hebridean Prospector from October 13 to October
20.
Visiting: Inverie, Plockton, Shieldaig, Torridon,
Gairloch, Inverewe, Salen, Ardnamurchan, Skye, Rum,
Mull and Lismore.
Save £1000 per person –prices now from £1490*
--A Taste of the Highlands from October 24 to 27.
Visiting: Inverie, Knoydart, Salen, Ardnamurchan, Rum
and Mull
Save £300 per person – prices now from £640*
-- Sea Lochs and Sounds from October 27 to November
3.
Visiting: Plockton, Torridon, Gairloch, Inverewe, Ullapool,
Loch Aslsh, Salen, Ardnamurchan, Skye, Mull, Summer
Isles.
Save £1000 per person – prices now from £1050*
*Terms & Conditions: These offers cannot be combined
with any other offer and apply to new bookings only.
Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.
Subject to availability. (Note: 1 British Pound = 1.7996
American Dollar as of 8/28/05)
HAL Unfolds Three 56- to 105-Day Grand Voyages in
2007 Aboard Two Ships
The ms Amsterdam will circle the globe and the
ms Prinsendam will explore select regions when
Holland America Line expands its prestigious Grand Voyage
program to two ships and three epic cruises in 2007.
This will commemorate the company's 43rd year of featuring
globe-spanning sailings and mark the return of the popular
1,380-guest flagship Amsterdam to world cruising.
Offering three distinctive ways to enjoy in-depth cruising,
the Amsterdam will make a true circumnavigation of the
globe in 105 days, while the 793-guest Prinsendam reveals
beguiling icescapes and cities on a circumnavigation
of South America and Antarctica for 66 days followed
by a 56-day sojourn traversing the Atlantic to the classic
and provocative ports of Europe and North Africa. The
two ships will chart different courses to city and island
destinations, and will cross paths docking the same
day in picturesque Dubrovnik, Croatia, on April 11,
with a special celebration planned for guests on both
ships.
-- Amsterdam’s World Voyage in 2007
Returning to sailing the Grand World Voyage itineraries,
the Amsterdam will chart a westward course through 17
oceans, encompassing three maiden ports, daylight passing
through the Panama and Suez canals as well as two- and
three-day stays in Callao (Lima), Peru; Sydney, Australia;
Hong Kong, China; Mumbai, India; and Dubai, U.A.E. On
her third world voyage, the Amsterdam will make three
maiden visits to the resort town of Nha Trang, Vietnam;
the vast, pearl-rich harbor of Tuticorin, India; and
chic Salalah, Oman, with its lingering aromas of Frankincense.
The Amsterdam will depart Ft. Lauderdale Jan. 15, 2007,
on a 33,400-nautical-mile journey to 38 ports in 26
countries and six continents. Onboard, staff will help
guests celebrate the Panama Canal transit with an evening
deck party, and the crossing of the Equator with a charming
King Neptune Ceremony initiating guests into south-seas
sailing. An overnight in Callao (Lima) provides an opportunity
to visit the mystifying Incan world of Machu Picchu.
Two days become one when the Amsterdam crosses the International
Date Line and glides toward the fascinating worlds of
Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
More overnights, including two in Hong Kong and Mumbai,
add time for enjoying a range of beaches and famous
temples of the world's religions. Other highlights include
"center-of-the-world" Easter Island, Cairns,
Australia, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef; Singapore;
Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, home of Mount Sinai; transit
of the 101-mile Suez Canal; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
and the great marble Temple of Artemis; Piraeus (Athens),
Greece; and Livorno, Italy, providing options to visit
Florence or Pisa.
--Circle South America & Antarctica Highlights
On her first of two region-specific voyages, the Prinsendam
will cruise 17,400 nautical miles to 33 ports in 14
countries. This 66-day roundtrip sailing, departing
Jan. 5 from Ft. Lauderdale, combines travel down the
captivating Amazon River with four days of scenic cruising
around the white wonders of Antarctica. The ship calls
at nine ports in Brazil -- including tropical Recife,
culturally diverse Salvador and three nights in Rio
de Janeiro -- and seven Chilean ports, featuring the
beautiful Bavarian lake district of Puerto Montt, the
Emerald forests of Puerto Chacabuco, and fascinating
Antofagasta, with its myriad lakes, geysers, deserts
and volcanoes. The cruise also offers overnights in
Buenos Aires, Argentina; Callao (Lima), Peru; and Manaus,
Brazil. Other highlights include Devil's Island, known
for the expansive prison where Napoleon banished political
prisoners, Caribbean Turks and Caicos, and the charming
San Blas Islands, inhabited by the Cuna Native Americans.
-- Grand Mediterranean & North Africa Voyage
Opulent cathedrals, ancient ruins, world wonders, colorful
souks, amber deserts and legendary art underscore travels
on the Prinsendam's second 56-day roundtrip journey,
departing Ft. Lauderdale, March 12. The ship lingers
in the Caribbean, calling at French-chic St. Barts and
lush Dominica before crossing the Atlantic and visiting
the volcanic archipelago of the Cape Verde Islands,
Dakar, Senegal, boasting fashionable cafes and markets,
and Banjul, Gambia, where guests may take a camel safari.
They may select the high-speed train excursion in Marseille,
whisking them to Paris, and tour options in Livorno,
Italy, leading to Tuscan countryside and Florence grandeur.
Additional highlights feature the Moroccan cities of
Rabat and Casablanca; Tarabulus (Tripoli), Libya, home
to Roman ruins and the colossal Red Castle; millionaire
playground Santorini, Greece; Valletta, Malta, full
of Baroque architecture; and idyllic Palma de Majorca,
Spain.
Guests who prefer a longer voyage can combine both
cruises for a 122-day journey around South America and
across the Atlantic to Europe and back. Guests sailing
on the combined journey will receive additional savings
on cruise fares.
Holland America Line affords guests the opportunity
to book the full voyage, or abbreviated segments of
these sailings. Guests may experience a diversity of
shore excursions, including the company's Off-the-Beaten-Path
adventures, luxury private-car touring and exclusive
Medallion Collection excursions. Culinary staff will
lead cooking classes and demonstrations in the onboard
Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine.
For information and bookings, contact a travel agent
or 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425).
Special Offer: Book by September 16 For Savings
On Mexican Riviera Cruises
Take an exquisite catamaran ride through the sparkling
turquoise waters of Mexico's Baja Coast. Watch majestic
gray whales breach off Cabo San Lucas. You'll enjoy
miles of glistening, sandy beaches and the colonial
villages of Mazatlán. Or shop the colorful, bustling
open markets of Puerto Vallarta. Experience the spaciousness
of the ms Oosterdam, with over 85 percent of
the staterooms offering ocean views and more than two-thirds
with private verandahs. And, enjoy the convenience of
Saturday departures from San Diego.
Book by September 16, 2005, and you can save up to
$150 with our Early Advantage program.
All sailings aboard the ms Oosterdam on seven days
roundtrip from San Diego.
2006 Sailing dates: Jan 7*, 14, 21, 28; Feb 4, 11,
18, 25; Mar 4, 18, 25; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 2006 (Inside
cabins from $679; outside from $749; and verandah from
$899)
To book, contact your travel professional or call 1-877-SAIL
HAL (877-724-5425).
Ask for Promo #185 or Promo LS.
More 10-Day Cruises From New York Mark HAL’s 2006
Caribbean Program
With more 10-day cruises than ever before, four convenient
homeport departure cities and 22 different itineraries,
Holland America Line offers savvy travelers unprecedented
choices to explore the Caribbean in 2006. Several itineraries
showcase a new port call at Grand Turk, Turks &
Caicos Islands, and nearly all cruises visit the line’s
award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay.
-- In 2006, the premium cruise leader offers a varied
collection of 5- to 14-day Caribbean cruises aboard
10 ships with 152 total departures. More than half
of the itineraries represent voyages of 10 days or longer.
In February 2006, the ms Noordam arrives as the
fourth in the line’s series of 81,769-ton Vista-class
ships.
Adding a shot of flavor to the ms Volendam’s
January 22, 2006, departure is Marko Karakasevic, an
artisan vodka maker of the Domaine Charbay Winery and
Distillery in St. Helena, Calif. Johnny Iuzzuni, executive
pastry chef at New York’s famed Restaurant Jean Georges,
is the icing on the cake aboard the Noordam’s April
5, 2006, cruise. And Anthony Giglio, wine expert and
sommelier, will sail on the November 25, 2006, cruise
on the Noordam. All are part of the line’s Culinary
Arts Program presented by Food & Wine magazine.
-- Twenty-eight cruises to the Eastern, Western and
Southern Caribbean feature a first-ever call at Grand
Turk. Renowned for its spectacular diving, snorkeling
and fishing, Grand Turk is consistently rated one of
the top ten dive sites in the world. Nearly every itinerary
also features a day at Half Moon Cay, the line’s acclaimed
private island. With its new horseback riding and swimming
excursion, guided AquaTrax watercraft tour, stingray
adventure, and fun-filled family aqua park, Half Moon
Cay continues as the line’s highest rated Caribbean
port of call.
Caribbean Escapes from New York, Norfolk, Tampa
and Ft. Lauderdale
The February 22, 2006, maiden voyage of the Noordam
heralds Holland America Line’s return to New York City,
the company’s former headquarters and the newest North
American homeport for 13 Caribbean cruises. With a
focus on convenience and choice, the line offers Caribbean
escapes round trip from Norfolk, Virginia, providing
easy access for many eastern seaboard residents; Tampa,
Florida, highlighting 7-, 10-, and 14-day itineraries;
and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, showcasing the most extensive
portfolio of Caribbean departures.
With thirty-eight 10-day journeys to the Eastern and
Southern Caribbean, and 31 cruises of 11 days and longer,
Holland America Line offers longer itinerary and homeport
choices (New York, Norfolk, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale) than
any other premium line cruising the Caribbean. The
inaugural season of the Noordam spotlights the collection
of longer voyages with seven cruises to the Eastern
Caribbean and six to the Southern Caribbean.
Eastern ports offer Bridgetown, Barbados; Grand Turk,
Turks & Caicos Islands; Half Moon Cay and Nassau,
Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, British
Virgin Islands; Roseau, Dominica; San Juan, Puerto
Rico; St. John’s, Antigua; and, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin
Islands.
To the south, itineraries feature varied port visits
to: Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe; Basseterre, St. Kitts;
Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries and Soufrière, St. Lucia;
El Buamache, Isla de Margarita, Venezuela; Fort-de-France,
Martinique; George Town, Grand Cayman; Grand Turk, Turks
& Caicos Islands; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Kralendijk,
Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba; Philipsburg, St. Maarten;
Port of Spain, Trinidad; Road Town, Tortola, British
Virgin Islands; Roseau and Cabrits, Dominica; San Juan,
Puerto Rico; St. George’s, Greneda; St. Thomas, U.S.
Virgin Islands; St. Barts; and, Willemstad, Curaçao.
Seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean – From
Ft. Lauderdale
Featuring Saturday and Sunday departures, Ft. Lauderdale
serves as Holland America Line’s main gateway to the
Eastern and Western Caribbean. From January through
April 2006, and again from October through the end of
the year, sister Vista-class ships ms Westerdam and
ms Zuiderdam explore the Caribbean waters on 36
itineraries that balance enriching port calls with rejuvenating
sea days. Eastern Caribbean itineraries features the
following port calls: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
Islands; Nassau, Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten;
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and, St.
Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. All feature a visit to
Half Moon Cay.
The Western Caribbean is revealed on 12 journeys that
may include stops at Costa Maya and/or Cozumel, Mexico;
George Town, Grand Cayman; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
Islands; Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios or Montego Bay,
Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Seven-day Western Caribbean – From Tampa
The ms Veendam travels roundtrip from Tampa
on a Western Caribbean itinerary featuring stops in
Belize City, Belize, and Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala,
as well as Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida. The
ship also offers an alternate itinerary to Costa Maya,
Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and, Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
The 20 Tampa departures operate from January through
April 2006, and again from October through December
2006.
Ten- and 13-day Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a must-see on many world traveler
lists and Holland America Line’s history in exploring
this engineering marvel is without peer among premium
cruise lines. The ms Zaandam and ms Amsterdam travel
round trip from Ft. Lauderdale showcasing the canal
on 16 Southern Caribbean itineraries, entering at Cristóbal
and cruising to Gatun Lake with a stop in Colón, Panama,
before sailing to Puerto Limón, Costa Rica.
Special Cruises Feature 5-day Getaway and Tropical
Holidays
On January 3, 2006, the Westerdam sets sail from Ft.
Lauderdale on a 5-day itinerary with visits to Half
Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas; and, Key West, Fla. Holiday
sailings at the end of the year offer up Christmas in
the Caribbean, Hanukkah at sea, or New Year’s Eve in
Mexico. Departing from its four Caribbean homeports
– Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Norfolk and New York, travelers
can choose 14 holiday itineraries of seven, ten, 11,
or 14 days.
Caribbean cruise fares begin at $699 per person, double
occupancy, for a 7-day cruise, and $599 per person,
double occupancy for the 5-day cruise. Website: www.hollandamerica.com
MSC Cruises Offers Extraordinary Experiences In
Europe This Fall
Travelers who believe fall is an ideal time to vacation
and explore will find MSC Cruises’ Europe/Mediterranean
itineraries offer many romantic and intriguing destinations
as well as several itineraries that are ideal for those
who like to hit the links or the dance floor. With ships
departing from a variety of European embarkation points
this fall, guests will experience the adventure and
romance of the region’s ancient splendors and natural
beauty found in rustic villages, magnificent beaches,
ancient ruins and sophisticated cities.
Theme Cruises
-- “Smooth Dance” is the spotlight on MSC Opera’s
seven-night sailing that departs Venice October 1.
In the evenings, guests can dance the night away to
music provided by a renowned Italian orchestra. During
the day, they can explore ancient civilizations and
beautiful beaches, as the ship calls in Bari, Katakolon,
Kusadasi, Istanbul and Dubrovnik before returning to
Venice.
-- MSC Sinfonia’s October 9 and October 23 Western
Mediterranean itineraries are sure to score holes in
one, particularly with golfers who appreciate the opportunity
to enjoy their favorite sport while on vacation. In
addition to the already expansive slate of onboard activities,
MSC Cruises offers golf-oriented programs that are designed
to help both experienced golfers and novices improve
their game.
With a special golf package on the seven-night roundtrip
sailings from Genoa, guests can hone their skills at
clinics and competitions conducted by golf professionals
or at the virtual golf simulator, putting and pitching
greens. Onshore, guests will have the opportunity to
play at some of the world’s most renowned courses. The
itinerary includes calls at Naples, Palermo, Tunis,
Palma, Barcelona and Marseille.
Fall Itineraries
With 62 ports of call in 24 countries from which to
choose, MSC Cruises has more Mediterranean and Northern
Europe options than ever, including the following:
-- MSC Lirica— seven-night roundtrip cruises
from Rome through October 30, calling at Messina, Tunis,
Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Marseille and Genoa; six-night
Rome-to-Genoa cruise November 6; 11-night November 12
roundtrip itinerary from Genoa that calls at Naples,
Alexandria, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Messina and Capri; a 17-night
westbound transatlantic cruise that departs Genoa November
23 and calls at Malaga, Funchal, Martinique, Grenada,
Antigua, St. Thomas and San Juan before arriving in
Fort Lauderdale Dec. 10 to begin the Caribbean season.
-- MSC Opera—seven-night Greek Isles and Turkey
roundtrip cruises from Venice through October 22 (calling
at Bari, Katakolon, Kusadasi, Istanbul and Dubrovnik);
11-night Venice roundtrip October 29 (Split, Corfu,
Piraeus/Athens, Port Said, Limassol/Cyprus, Rhodes and
Dubrovnik); an 11-night Venice to Genoa sailing November
9 that calls at Piraeus/Athens, Alexandria, Tripoli,
Valetta and Naples.
-- MSC Armonia— seven-night roundtrip itinerary
from Venice through October 23, calling at Bari, Corfu,
Santorini, Piraeus/Athens, Katakolon and Dubrovnik;
five-night Venice-to-Genoa cruise October 30, calling
at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Catania and Naples.
-- MSC Sinfonia seven-night roundtrip cruises
from Genoa through October 23, calling at Naples, Palermo,
Tunis, Palma, Barcelona and Marseille; 11-night roundtrip
from Genoa October 30, calling at Barcelona, Casablanca,
Arrecife, Tenerife, Funchal and Malaga.
MSC Melody seven-night roundtrip cruises from Genoa
through October 24, calling at Naples, Malta, Tunis,
Ibiza and St. Tropez.
-- MSC Rhapsody 11-night roundtrip cruises
from Genoa September 12, October 4 and 26, calling at
Naples, Piraeus/Athens, Yalta, Odessa, Istanbul, Catania
and Capri; 11-night Genoa-to-Genoa cruise September
23 and October 15, calling at Barcelona, Casablanca,
Arrecife, Tenerife, Funchal, Malaga and Almeria.
For more information about MSC Cruises, visit a local
travel agent or visit www.msccruises.com.
Celebrate A Scandinavian Christmas On Special 12-Day
NCV Cruise
Traditional Christmas celebrations in Copenhagen and
Norway are the focus of a Norwegian Coastal Voyage 12-day
cruise tour from December 18 to 29. The special departure
combines festively decorated Copenhagen, Bergen and
Oslo with a 1,250-mile voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes
aboard the MS Trollfjord, a 674-berth Millennium
ship. The ship sails the dark sea along snow-clad landscapes
with lights glowing from villages, towns and lighthouses
and, when atmospheric conditions are right, Northern
Lights shimmer across the sky.
The package costs from $4,010 to $6,075 per person,
double occupancy, for cabins and suites. AARP members
receive a $100 per cabin discount and travelers age
67 and up qualify for a senior savings of $115 per person.
Cruise rates include round-trip flights from New York,
two night-stays at first-class hotels with breakfast
daily in Copenhagen and Oslo, Danish and Norwegian Christmas
buffet dinners, farewell dinner, Yuletide church concert
and visits to the Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn Christmas
markets in Copenhagen and the Fish and Flower Market
in Bergen, three city tours, the six-night coastal voyage
with all meals and cabin or suite category selected,
port taxes, air taxes and transfers. Optional shore
excursions and add-on airfares from other U.S. cities
are available.
Activities aboard the Trollfjord include making old-fashioned
Yuletide decorations; a Norwegian Christmas Eve with
holiday specialties at dinner, Christmas gospel reading,
passengers and crew singing carols by the tree and a
visit from Santa Claus; a lavish Scandinavian smorgasbord
on Christmas Day; a Boxing Day dinner dance; live music
and talks on Norwegian culture and history. Christmas
Eve church services can be attended in Bodo. A floating
gallery of contemporary Norwegian art, the winter-themed
ship has a two-story, glass-enclosed panoramic lounge,
restaurants, bars, Internet Café, Jacuzzis, saunas,
fitness room and 21 suites.
Each NCV vessel is a unique combination of a first-class
cruise ship, a working ship that carries local passengers
and cargo at 34 ports, and a lifeline to remote coastal
towns and villages. Norwegian Coastal Voyage is at
(800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; for brochures 24 hours
a day, (800) 666-2374; or click www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.
Orient Lines adds 25 European Ports For 2006/07
Orient Lines has just announced its cruise itineraries
for 2006/2007 on the Marco Polo. More than 20
new European ports have been added to the cruise itineraries.
Also new in 2006 is a 20-day voyage to Antarctica &
The Falklands, and a 21 day trip to Brazil and Chile
in February, 2006; a 31 day exotic Americas and Panama
Canal voyage in March; and a 21-day repositioning cruise
from Barbados to Barcelona in April. For complete cruise
listing, visit www.orientlines.com.
Princess Announces Southeast Asia Cruises On ‘Pacific
Sky’ In 2006
Princess has announced that a full season of Southeast
Asia cruises aboard Pacific Sky, operated by sister
company P&O Australia, will be marketed in North
America. The February through November 2006 sailings
will feature a more casual Australian-style cruise experience,
and will take passengers to some of the most renowned
ports on both sides of the Malay Peninsula. Two distinct
seven-day Southeast Asia itineraries will sail roundtrip
from Singapore, and the alternating itineraries can
be combined for a full 14-day exploration of the Malay
Peninsula that calls at nine ports in Malaysia and Thailand.
During Pacific Sky's February to November Southeast
Asia cruise season passengers can choose from 38 seven-day
departures or 37 sailings on the 14-day itinerary, with
airfare included in the cruise pricing.
The ship's two alternating seven-day itineraries both
depart from Singapore.
-- The Eastern Sunsets route visits the tropical island
of Ko Samui (Thailand), tranquil Kuantan (Malaysia)
with its picturesque fishing villages, and includes
an exciting overnight stay in Bangkok.
--The Western Tropics itinerary features historic Melaka
(Malaysia), Malaysia's bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur,
the stunning island of Langkawi (Malaysia) with its
hidden coves and deserted beaches, Asia's most popular
holiday resort Phuket (Thailand), and the colonial outpost
of Penang (Malaysia). Both itineraries can be combined
for a complete 14-day adventure.
The 1,200-passenger Pacific Sky offers a fun-filled
Australian-style vacation. The ship features a variety
of dining and entertainment features including two main
dining rooms, a 600-seat Broadway-style show lounge,
nine bars, and a deckside nightclub for dancing under
the stars. Additional dining options include a 24-hour
pizzeria and ice cream parlor, lunchtime hamburger,
hotdog and pasta bar on deck, plus steaks and snacks
at the outdoor grill. The ship's children's activity
center offers a fun-filled youth program, and other
features include a cinema screening recent release movies,
two large outdoor swimming pools plus a special pool
for children, a health center and spa, fitness center
and outdoor jogging track, Internet facilities and a
library. Currency onboard will be in Australian dollars.
Early booking fares begin at $1,995 (USD) for seven-day
sailings and $2,690 for 14-day cruises and include air
transportation from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver
or Honolulu. Low air add-on rates are available from
other gateway cities.
Information and reservations are available by contacting
a professional travel agent, or by calling 1-800-340-7674.
Website: www.princess.com/news.
Seabourn Pride Hosts Third Annual American Food
& Wine Fest
The intimate, all-suite Seabourn Pride will
host its Third Annual Great American Food & Wine
Festival on a 14-day cruise departing New York on October
16, 2005 bound for Nassau. Guests on board the ultra
luxury ship will enjoy cooking demonstrations and dinner
menus featuring signature dishes by some of America's
most acclaimed chefs, as well as wine tastings and pairings
featuring award-winning American vintages. Optional
shore excursions will also highlight the regional cuisines
in many of the ports of call.
Guest chefs scheduled to appear include Charlie Palmer,
one of only three chefs elected to this year's Forbes'
Celebrity 100 list of movers and shakers. Also appearing
will be chef Sue Torres, whose Mexican-inspired Sueños
in New York has garnered praises from the New York Times,
New Yorker and Vogue, among others, and Jean Marie LaCroix,
whose eponymous restaurant on Philadelphia's Rittenhouse
Square was named the "Best new restaurant throughout
the United States" by Esquire Magazine in 2003
and "Philadelphia's best new restaurant*in a decade"
by Philadelphia Magazine.
Wine consultant Rita Faires of Intervine will join
the cruise to host tastings and present pairings of
American wines to accompany dinner on board.
The yacht-like ship will call at many of America'
s most important colonial cities, including Newport,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mt. Vernon, Yorktown, Charleston,
Savannah, Amelia Island and Port Canaveral. Many ports
of call will feature specially-created culinary excursions,
such as:
-- Philadelphia: a comparative tasting of Philly Cheese
Steaks on site at the rival Geno's and Pat's and a morning
Shopping with the Chef tour in the Italian Market section.
-- Baltimore, a classic luncheon feast of steamed blue
crabs at Bo Brooks' crab shack and, afterward, exploring
the historic 220-year old Lexington Marketplace.
-- Charleston: Amanda Dew Manning leads a tour of'
"Lowcountry" culinary heritage including a
demonstration and luncheon. Our free Exclusively Seabourn
experience is a ride by horsedrawn carriage to a traditional
Southern tea in a 19th century home.
-- Savannah: A walking tour of the town's stately squares
and a family-style lunch of Southern specialties at
the famous Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse.
-- Amelia Island: a luncheon at The Florida House Inn,
Florida's oldest surviving hotel, in the Victorian-era
Fernandina Beach Historic District.
-- Port Canaveral: "Follow the Wild Ocean Shrimp"--a
boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon, a shrimp processor
and feast on local shrimp at the famous Dixie Crossroads.
With Early Booking Savings of up to 39 percent, fares
start from $6,948 per person, based on double occupancy
of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite. Past guests of
Seabourn or any member line of World's Leading cruise
Lines (Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard
Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line or Windstar
Cruises) qualify for Signature Value Savings of 50 percent,
and fares from $5,695 per person, double. For information
or to reserve a suite, contact your travel agent, call
Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.
Silversea Cruises Extends Silver Sailing Savings
Program To Select 2006 Voyages
Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises announced today that
it has rolled out its highly successful Silver Sailing
savings program to select voyages throughout 2006. The
Silver Sailing incentive is an exceptional savings program
that enables guests to save up to 50 percent off the
line’s cruise-only fares. Silversea's 2006 cruises that
are now available for this special savings program include
some of the most sought-after destinations in Alaska,
the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South America, and the
Far East.
Following below is a small sampling of the 2006 voyages
featuring Silver Sailing savings (fares listed do not
include port charges):
-- Silver Cloud departs January 17, 2006 on
a 12-day "Images of South America" voyage
(1602), from Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires with calls
in Punta del Este, Uruguay; Puerto Madryn, Argentina;
Punta Arenas, Chile; and Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.
Silver Sailing fares start at $3,698 per person (50
percent savings).
-- Silver Whisper departs March 8, 2006 on a
10-day "Pacific Coast Passage," Voyage 4608,
from San Diego to Costa Rica with calls in Mazatlan,
Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, Mexico; and Puerto Quetzal,
Guatemala. Silver Sailing fares start at $2,997 per
person (40% savings).
-- Silver Cloud departs April 8, 2006 on a 14-day
"Tropical Passage," Voyage 1610, from Barbados
to Lisbon with calls in Castries, St. Lucia; St. John's
Antigua; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; Cadiz, Spain;
and Portimao, Portugal. Silver Sailing fares start
at $3,348 per person (50 percent savings).
-- Silver Shadow departs April 9, 2006 on an
eight-day "Accent on Vietnam" voyage (3610),
from Hong Kong to Bangkok with calls in Danang, Nha
Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Silver Sailing
fares start at $2,937 per person (40 percent savings).
-- Silver Whisper departs May 4, 2006 on a 10-day
"From the Canaries to the Casbah" voyage (4616),
from Las Palmas to Barcelona with calls in Arrecife,
Canary Islands; Agadir and Casablanca, Morocco; Lisbon,
Portugal; and Cadiz and Malaga, Spain. Silver Sailing
fares start at $3,598 per person (50 percent savings).
-- Silver Wind departs June 21, 2006 on a 10-day
"Images of Libya and Spain" voyage (2619),
from Athens to Barcelona with calls in Derna and Tripoli,
Libya; La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; and Valencia and
Palma De Mallorca, Spain. Silver Sailing fares start
at $4,437 per person (40 percent savings).
-- Silver Cloud departs August 13, 2006 on a
9-day "Norway's Grandeur" voyage (1623), from
Copenhagen to London with calls in Oslo, Geiranger,
Gudvangen, Flaam and Bergen, Norway. Silver Sailing
fares start at $3,648 per person (50 percent savings).
-- Silver Shadow departs September 26, 2006
on a 17-day "Panama Canal Explorer" voyage
(3627), from Los Angeles to Miami with calls in Puerto
Vallarta and Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala;
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Puntarenas and Puerto Limon,
Costa Rica; and San Andres Island, Colombia. Silver
Sailing fares start at $5,037 per person (40 percent
savings).
-- Silver Wind departs October 17, 2006 on a
7-day "Mediterranean Moments" voyage (2632),
from Rome to Monte Carlo with calls in Naples and Palermo,
Italy; and Bastia, Marseille and Cannes, France. Silver
Sailing fares start at $2,937 per person (30 percent
savings).
-- Silver Whisper departs December 10, 2006
on a 12-day "South China Sea Sunsets" voyage
(4640), from Bangkok to Singapore with calls in Sihanoukville,
Cambodia; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Kota Kinabalu,
Malaysia; Muara, Brunei; and Kuching, Malaysia. Silver
Sailing fares start at $3,848 per person (50 percent
savings).
A complete list of 2006 Silver Sailings is available
at www.silversea.com
