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Based in Connecticut, American Cruise Lines offers a
variety of eight-day, seven-night itineraries along the
East Coast of the United States. Cruises through the
New England islands depart from New London, Connecticut
and Providence, Rhode Island; historic Antebellum South
cruises sail from Charleston, South Carolina, and Jacksonville,
Florida; Maine Coast and Harbors cruises depart from Bangor,
Maine; Chesapeake Bay cruises depart from Baltimore;
Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage cruises depart from Baltimore
and Charleston; Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises depart
from New London; Great Rivers of Florida sailings depart
from Jacksonville, Fla.; and Okeechobee and Southern Waterways
cruises leave from Jacksonville and Fort Myers.
In addition, a 14-night American Cruise Lines grand coastal
tour cruise along the East Coast Inland Passage departs
from Baltimore and Jacksonville. Six-night Chesapeake
Bay cruises from Baltimore are also offered as are six-night
Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises from New London and
New York City. Website: www.americancruiselines.com
Guests sailing aboard Carnival Pride for the second annual
Mind/Body Cruise will be able to rejuvenate their mind,
body and spirit with a faculty of experts from “Shape”
and “Men’s Fitness” magazines. The seven-day Mexican Riviera
cruise, which will operate round-trip from Long Beach,
Calif., October 23-30, 2005, will feature informative
and enlightening health, fitness and nutritional seminars
to help participants look and feel their best.
The mind/body experts participating in this voyage represent
a collective who’s who in the fitness industry:
-- Jeffrey Scott — a Reebok University global master
trainer and an international fitness presenter who has
starred in more than 20 fitness videos and has made numerous
television appearances including “Wake Up New York” and
NBC’s “Today” morning show.
-- Tracy York — a 15-year fitness professional, master
trainer and personal trainer who has appeared in more
than 30 exercise videos, York has served as a fitness
expert and spokesperson for Kellogg’s and 24 Hour Fitness,
and co-hosted ESPN’s popular exercise show, “The ESPN
Fitness Pros.”
-- Teri Hanson — a personal trainer and group fitness
instructor for more than 20 years, including 10 years
as a cruise ship fitness director, Hanson is currently
assistant fitness editor for Weider Publications, contributing
to such magazines as “Shape,” “Natural Health” and “Fit
Pregnancy.”
-- Elizabeth Somer — the author of several books, including
“The Origin Diet,” “Food and Mood” and “Nutrition for
Women,” and a contributing editor to “Shape” magazine,
Somers is a consultant for NBC’s “Today” and a former
nutrition correspondent on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
-- Maria and Kent Burden — authors of the award-winning
book, “Yin Yang Fitness: The Whole Package of Health,”
and creators of a series of mind and body DVDs, the Burdens
have appeared on television in both the U.S. and U.K.,
including “Access Hollywood,” BBC’s “Life and Times” and
Spa Finder TV.
While on board, the experts will put participants through
their paces in a series of heart-pumping workouts with
energetic fat-burning and body-sculpting classes, including
Beach Body Workout, Pilates Sculpt, Strength Training
and Circuit Training. Home-based gym workout plans will
provide guests with fitness regimens to continue after
their cruise. For those looking to jumpstart their body
from the inside, a series of interactive, informative
and motivating nutrition lectures, including “The Real
Simple Diet” and “How to Age-Proof Your Body,” will be
presented by the nationally recognized experts.
No transformation would be complete without a boost to
the spirit, and the experts will offer invigorating tai
chi, qigong and yoga classes taught on deck in the breezy
sea air. Participants will return home refreshed with
a deeper understanding of personal health and fitness.
The round-trip voyage from Long Beach also calls at Puerto
Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Cruise
fares begin at $799 per person, double occupancy. For
additional information and reservations, contact any travel
agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.
Crystal Cruises' 2006 Worldwide Cruise Atlas is now available
to travel agents and the traveling public. The 128-page,
full-color guide showcases the luxury line's 63 itineraries,
visiting 168 ports in 79 countries. From shipboard life
to shoreside adventures, every detail of a Crystal vacation
is presented in a clear, concise and easy-to-use format.
The layout of the Atlas is as spacious and inviting as
the ships themselves, setting the tone for the vacation
that lies ahead.
Divided into three sections, "The Crystal Experience,"
"Destinations 2006" and "Cruise Information,"
the Atlas opens with a cruise calendar for each ship that
is color-coded by destination to be more easily read at-a-glance.
Utilizing both bulleted and narrative style, "The
Crystal Experience" section highlights Crystal's
service, space, choices and quality through descriptions
and photos of its luxurious stateroom and penthouse amenities,
daytime and evening entertainment and dining choices,
enrichment opportunities, land programs and theme cruises
available in 2006. In addition to the overall 2006 Theme
Cruise calendar, each theme is indicated with each cruise:
Big Band, Crystal Cruises Distinguished Speaker Series,
Film & Theatre Festival, Health & Fitness, Golf,
Jazz, The Smithsonian Associates, Sotheby's Institute
and Crystal Wine & Food Festival.
n keeping with Crystal's expanded focus on compelling
experiences ashore, the second section, "Destinations
2006," presents a list of approximately ten Crystal
Adventures shore excursions at the beginning of every
destination, representing just a few of the excursions
available in each region. The Atlas also features individual
maps for each cruise. Pre- and post-cruise extended land
programs, where available, are identified with each cruise
as well as port information.
A "Ways to Save" page explains special savings
opportunities, including the full payment option, onboard
booking discount, single fares, grand cruise combinations,
Crystal Society discounts, Value Collection sailings,
and the timesaving advantage of pre-reserving shore excursions,
Spa & Salon appointments, specialty restaurants reservations
and most enrichment classes.
In 2006, the elegant 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal
Symphony and 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity
will sail on worldwide cruises from seven to 106 days.
To order a 2006 Atlas or for additional information on
Crystal Cruises, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625.
Website: www.crystalcruises.com
40 Adventures + 5 Diverse Itineraries = Crystal's
Fall Mediterranean Season
Travel/fiction writer Paul Theroux and broadcast journalist/author
Linda Ellerbee are among the notable speakers joining
Crystal Serenity's fall Mediterranean cruises.
Ashore, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is introducing
40 new Crystal Adventures to its roster of almost 200
varied tours in the Mediterranean from September through
November. Five diverse 11- and 12-day itineraries offer
the luxury of exploring as many as six different countries
on a single voyage. Each features at least one overnight
and evening stays in port. Cruises depart from Venice,
Athens, Rome or Barcelona and visit such romantic destinations
as the south of France, Greek islands, and seaside towns
in Turkey, Croatia and the Amalfi Coast.
Crystal Serenity's fall Mediterranean season is abundant
in stimulating lectures, classes and evening entertainment
on board, as well as special interest, limited availability
experiences ashore. New authentic culinary experiences,
exclusive enrichment and even adrenaline-filled adventures
include:
-- Amarone wine tasting and local fare at a renowned
Tuscan villa (from Venice);
-- A private tour of the Vatican Museum (from Rome);
-- Advanced and beginning scuba diving in Sorrento's
Punta Campanella;
-- Helicopter tours of the Dolomites (from Venice) and
the Amalfi Coast (from Sorrento);
-- Off-road 4x4 excursions in Valletta and Funchal; and
zipping around Nice on a Segway® Human Transporter.
-- Golf at some of the world's most renowned courses
located in Malaga, Cádiz, Casablanca, Tenerife and Lisbon.
All shore tours can be researched and pre-reserved online
at www.crystalcruises.com prior to departure.
With Crystal Visions® Enrichment Program lecture series,
the onboard experience is as rich as the port content.
Highlights include:
-- September 8 - 20; 12 days; Rome to Venice; and September
20 - October 2; 12 days; Venice to Athens. Dr. Lewis A.
Sussman, professor of Classics at the University of Florida,
provides insight into the history of the Greek and Roman
worlds. Richard Karras of the Society of Wine Educators
shares his extensive knowledge of the region's best vintages.
Progressive classes in Italian are taught by a certified
Berlitz language instructor (offered on all five fall
itineraries).
-- October 2 - 14; 12 days; Athens to Rome, Linda Ellerbee,
multi-Emmy Award-winning television producer and author
of the new memoir Take Big Bites: Adventures Around the
World and Across the Table, provides a look at her life
including her successful fight against breast cancer.
Paul Theroux, renowned travel novelist discusses his acclaimed
books. Dr. Howard Clarke, professor Emeritus of Classics
at the University of California, Santa Barbara shares
his insight on Greek and Roman mythology.
-- October 14-25; 11 days; Rome to Barcelona; Chantal
Brotherton-Ratcliffe is a respected Old Master paintings
expert at Sotheby's Institute of Art in London.
Corrado Amice, Italian tenor, performs favorite arias
of his homeland.
-- October 25 - November 6; 12 days; Barcelona to Lisbon;
Golf Cruise. Susan Reed, editor in chief of Golf for Women,
is joined by a PGA golf pro to host play at some of the
world's most established courses (listed above).
Depending on itinerary, ports of call include: Nice/Villefranche,
France (overnight); Monte Carlo, Monaco (overnight); Florence/Livorno,
Portofino, Sardinia/Porto Cervo, Sorrento, Naples and
Sicily/Taormina, Italy; Corfu and Mykonos, Greece; Kuþadasi,
Turkey; Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia; Valletta, Malta;
Málaga/Granada, Palma de Mallorca, Cádiz/Seville and Canary
Islands, Spain; Gibraltar, UK; Casablanca, Morocco; and
Madeira/Funchal and Portimão, Portugal.
Eleven- and 12-day cruise fares begin at just $3,695
and $3,995, respectively, and are based on per person,
double occupancy accommodations.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent
or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website
at www.crystalcruises.com.
For a limited time, you can enjoy special savings on
a once-in-a-lifetime Transatlantic Crossing aboard the
most famous ocean liner in the world, Queen Mary 2. Experience
the sophisticated relaxation of her legendary White Star
Service, gourmet dining and incomparable entertainment
– even the Canyon Ranch Spa. Escape the stress and confusion
of the modern world on your own private balcony, enjoying
the ocean breezes and the romance of the open seas – with
a free upgrade to a balcony when you reserve an oceanview
stateroom. Book today while space is still available!
Dates for transatlantic crossings (east and westbound)
between New York and Southampton are August 9 and 27;
September 2, 8, 14, 20; October 8, 13, 20, 26; and November
1 and 20.
Per Person Cruise Only Fares From $999 for an inside
stateroom. For more information please contact your travel
professional or call 1-800-7-CUNARD.
Cunard Line Adds Ft. Lauderdale Embarkation and Disembarkation
for ‘Queen Mary 2's’ Historic Path of Magellan Voyages
in 2006
Cunard Line has added Ft. Lauderdale embarkation and
disembarkation points—January 17 and April 13, 2006—to
Queen Mary 2's much-anticipated Path of Magellan
South America Liner Voyages in 2006. Travelers can now
choose from two South American Odysseys in the grand Cunard
tradition: the 38-day westbound voyage embarking from
-- Cape Horn & Chilean Fjords is a 12-day navigation
of Patagonia. The Rio to Valparaiso (Santiago) voyage—departing
January 27, 2006—visits Montevideo, Uruguay New York on
January 15, or the 36-day voyage departing from Ft. Lauderdale
on January 17, taking guests around Cape Horn via the
Drake Passage, Beagle Channel and the Straits of Magellan.
The eastbound journey reverses the itinerary and concludes
in Ft. Lauderdale on April 13 and New York on April 15.
When Queen Mary 2 embarks on her journey, she will be
the largest passenger vessel ever to navigate the storied
waters around Cape Horn. The historic voyage will visit
vibrant South American capitals, world-class resorts,
remote settlements, wildlife sanctuaries and treasures
of civilization. Prices start from $8,499 per person,
double occupancy.
From January through April 2006, Queen Mary 2 will chart
a memorable course through the West Indies and along the
Atlantic seaboard of South America, around Tierra del
Fuego to Chile and the Pacific Coast, then on to the Mexican
Riviera, Hawaii and the United States. For those with
wanderlust, but not unlimited vacation time, it is possible
to choose from five shorter itineraries, which range from
10 to 14 days long. Air add- on fares are available from
161 North American cities in connection with the South
America program.
-- Route to Rio will see the triumphant return of Queen
Mary 2 to Rio de Janeiro after a one-year hiatus. A southbound
voyage departs New York for Rio January 15, 2006, calling
at St. Kitts, Barbados and Salvador de Bahia, Brazil,
en route. The reverse itinerary departs Rio on April 3,
2006. Prices for the 12-day cruise start from $2,799 per
person, double. For those wishing to depart from Ft. Lauderdale,
the 10-day "Route to Rio" cruise leaves Ft.
Lauderdale on January 17.; Ushuaia, Argentina; and Punta
Arenas and Puerto Montt in Chile. The reverse itinerary
departs March 22, 2006. Scenic wonders abound including
the Straits of Magellan, Chilean fjords and Lake District,
Tierra del Fuego and even a flight-seeing excursion to
Antarctica. Prices start from $2,999 per person, double.
-- Andes & the Americas between Valparaiso and Los
Angeles is a two-week cruise to ports in seven countries.
Queen Mary 2 will call at Callao, Peru (gateway to Lima);
Esmeraldas, Ecuador (for Quito); Fuerte Amador, Panama;
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; and Acapulco. From Fuerte
Amador passengers can join an excursion to the Panama
Canal Zone. The Valparaiso to Los Angeles itinerary departs
February 8, 2006, and operates in the reverse direction
March 8. Prices start at $3,299 per person, double.
For more information about Cunard Line's new 2006 Path
of Magellan voyages aboard Queen Mary 2, contact a travel
professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.
Discovery World Cruises will enter its third winter season
with exciting new cruises that explore the timeless wonders
of the Galapagos Islands and venture up the Amazon River.
Specialists in exploring faraway places in comfort and
style, Discovery will offer a total of 21 itineraries
to some of the world’s most fascinating ports-of-call,
from November 2005 through May 2006. Featured in the line’s
cruise schedule are voyages to the Caribbean & Amazon,
Antarctic Peninsula, South Pacific and Galapagos &
Panama Canal. In addition, for the world traveler with
unquenchable wanderlust, Grand Pacific, Galapagos &
Panama Canal unveils all the wonders and charms found
from Auckland to Nassau on a 53-night voyage of the South
Sea.
Unlike the mega-liners that dominate the seas these days,
passengers cruise the world aboard the 650-passenger MV
Discovery – a mid-sized ocean-liner that offers the amenities
of a large cruise ship, but is able to access smaller
out-of-the-way ports for a unique cruise vacation. “Discovery
World Cruises strives to offer the most distinctive cruise
vacations on the open seas,” said Tim Davey, the line’s
vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services.
“Every consecutive cruise season, we have been able to
add more exotic and exciting itineraries. When coupled
with the trademark service of MV Discovery’s staff and
crew, it makes for a truly memorable voyage.”
-- Discovery’s season begins with Voyage to the Caribbean–departing
November 26, 2005–which is a 15-night repositioning cruise
from Lisbon, Portugal, to Barbados. Passengers visit three
continents while enjoying the relaxing rhythm of a transatlantic
voyage. On Gems of the Caribbean, MV Discovery explores
the beautiful beaches and historic colonial plantations
in the West Indies and Dutch Antilles for seven nights,
departing December 11.
-- For the first time ever, MV Discovery will venture
to the source of the Amazon, the widest river in the world,
on three itineraries. Amazon Adventure, departing December
18, is a 10-day Christmas voyage from Barbados to Manaus,
Brazil, home of the famous Opera House in the jungle.
Travelers can herald the New Year on Amazon & South
America, departing December 28, on an 18-night cruise-tour
that combines the mighty river with the rich cultural
tapestries of Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo and Buenos Aires.
Fares begin at $1,095 per person, double occupancy.
-- For its third consecutive season, MV Discovery sails
to the breathtaking beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula
on three inspiring and enlightening voyages. Passenger
will discover the scenic grandeur and abundant wildlife
found in this still-unspoiled region of the world. What
distinguishes Discovery World Cruises from most other
lines visiting the destination is that passengers actually
step onto the shores of the forbidding White Continent
and waddle alongside penguins in their rookeries, and
cruise alongside majestic whales and tireless albatross.
Depending on weather and ice conditions, passenger landings
are planned for King Georges Island, Hope Bay, Paradise
Harbor, and Half Moon Island. Antarctica & the Falklands,
departing January 9, 2006, is a 17-night cruise expedition
that combines the highlights of Antarctica with visits
to the Falkland Islands. Antarctica, departing January
21, is a 13-night itinerary that concentrates on the Antarctic
Peninsula. Rounding out the series is a 20-night Antarctica
& Chilean Fjords cruise-tour, departing January 29,
which adds in the scenic splendor of Chile’s magnificent
fjord-lands. Cruise fares begin at $3,595 per person,
double occupancy.
-- From the charms of Polynesian paradises to the quaint,
two-island nation of New Zealand, Discovery unfolds the
magic nestled in the South Pacific on four journeys to
some of the world’s most remote islands. Passengers shadow
the routes marked by the infamous Captains Cook and Blye
through Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, Tahiti, on In
the Wake of the Bounty, an 18-night cruise-tour departing
February 12, 2006. South Pacific I, departing March 1,
is a 17-night itinerary that will delight the soul that
calls on Fiji along the way to New Zealand. Discover New
Zealand - departing March 11, is a two-week cruise vacation
spotlighting the nation’s thriving vineyards, expansive
sheep farms and colonial architecture. South Pacific II
combines all the wonders of the South Sea on an 18-night
voyage, departing March 21. Cruise fares begin at $2,450
per person, double occupancy.
-- New for 2006 Discovery World Cruises features two
unforgettable cruise-tours to Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands,
where time has stood still and wildlife from another eon
flourishes unimpeded. The line’s MV Discovery is one of
very few cruise ships that are permitted to visit this
pristine archipelago. Polynesia, Peru & Galapagos
– departing April 7, 2006 – is a 26-night voyage from
the splendor of the South Pacific to the islands that
provided Charles Darwin with the inspiration for his scientific
theories. Galapagos & Panama Canal, departing April
27, combines the Galapagos with the Panama Canal on a
16-night itinerary that concludes in The Bahamas. Fares
begin at $3,795 per person, double occupancy.
MV Discovery hosts an international, English-speaking
clientele, who share an appetite for exploration and knowledge.
The mid-size liner has a friendly and convivial atmosphere
and features 351 cabins and suites, each with television
and hair-dryer; three restaurants; five lounges; a well-stocked
library; casino; modern health club and spa; two swimming
pools – one beneath a retractable dome; two Jacuzzis;
and a duty-free boutique. All Discovery World Cruises’
vacations are packages as complete “cruise-tours,” which
include shipboard accommodations, meals, entertainment,
Captains cocktail parties, ground transfers, baggage handling
and applicable port charges. Low-cost air add-on fares
are available through to ensure worry-free travel to and
from the ship.
To receive Discovery’s new Winter 2005-06 brochure or
to make a reservation, please see a travel professional,
contact the cruise-line tool free at (866) 623-2689, or
visit www.discoveryworldcruises.com
.
Hapag-Lloyd’s MS Europa, will celebrate its sixth
birthday in September with an 11-day cruise that encompasses
the best of Western Europe. Including fascinating islands,
a world metropolis, old ports with turbulent pasts, and
wine-tasting at a chateau in France, this very special
cruise by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises visits Germany, England,
the Channel Islands, France, and Spain. “MS EUROPA has
an extensive following of Europeans, mostly Germans, who
are repeat guests, and this is namely because the ship
is known for providing the best of everything and then
some,” explains Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director, Hapag-Lloyd
Cruises. The ship has a fully bilingual staff, and bilingual
daily activity planners and menus allowing English-speaking
guests to navigate the language barrier.
This birthday cruise, which goes from Hamburg, Germany
to Santander, Spain, visits four countries in total, from
September 11-September 25 on dates, and includes these
special places:
-- Sylt, favorite party island of the Germans. Take a
walking tour through Thomas Mann’s town; attend a Gourmet
Rally (culinary event featuring Sylt’s best gourmet chefs);
or take an evening hike on Morsum Cliff by torchlight.
-- From Dover England, choose from London sightseeing
to Leeds castle or Dover Castle and the White Cliffs.
-- Honfleur France, a medieval port city at the mouth
of the Seine, home of many painters.
-- St. Peter Port/Guernsey/Channel Islands.
-- Lorient France or Carnac, or Pont-Aven, where Paul
Gauguin found inspiration.
-- Bordeaux is reached by river tour, where guests will
have extensive wine-tasting at a wine tasting estate or
visit the Chateau Mouton Rothschild for the ultimate wine
and culinary experience.
-- Disembarkation in Spain.
Visit Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on the Internet at: www.hl-cruises.com. To book a cruise, call
Euro Lloyd Travel Group 800-782-3924 in the US.
With the newest vessel in Holland America Line’s premium
cruise fleet just eight months away, bookings for cruises
from the newest and one of the most convenient Caribbean
homeports are gathering steam. Eleven sailings will depart
New York for the southern and eastern Caribbean, beginning
with the maiden voyage of the 1,848-passenger Noordam
on February 22, 2006.
New York Caribbean cruises feature a 10-day Eastern Caribbean
program that visits new port of call Grand Turk, Turk
and Caicos; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg,
St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and San
Juan, Puerto Rico. Winter/Spring departures sail on February
22, March 15, and April 5. Fall cruises depart October
25, November 15, and December 6 and 27, 2006.
An 11-day Southern Caribbean itinerary calls at Tortola,
British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands;
Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Philipsburg, St.
Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Spring sailings depart
March 4 and 25, 2006. Fall cruises sail on October 14;
November 4 and 25; and December 16, 2006.
Holland America Line features a shore excursion program
with more than 500 Caribbean offerings. Optional activities
for cruise passengers feature such tours as the America’s
Cup Regatta experience at Philipsburg, Tortola Dolphin
Swim at Road Town, Tortola, and the Champagne Catamaran
Sail and Snorkel to St. John at St. Thomas. The latter
offering is part of the Medallion Collection shore excursions,
designed by Holland America Line to provide discerning
guests with unique experiences and in-depth perspectives.
In addition, whale-watching, snorkeling and diving and
nature tours will be offered at new port Grand Turk. Pricing
for Holland America Line’s new 2006 New York-based Caribbean
cruises start at US$1,199 per person, double occupancy.
For more information, contact a travel agent or call
1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com .
HAL Offers 20 Winter Escapes to Exotic Destinations
For Family Holidays
From the exotic—celebrating Christmas with penguins in
Antarctica or toasting Hanukkah beneath the fiery Kilauea
volcano in Hawaii—to a popular Caribbean or Mexico cruise,
Holland America Line invites savvy travelers to celebrate
the season this December on one of 20 winter escapes.
From December 17 through 30, 2005, Holland America Line
offers several cruise departures ranging from seven- to
20-days and accommodating the varied schedules of busy
professionals, school kids and grandparents. Destinations,
both close-to-home and far-flung, include:
The white-sand beaches and azure waters of the Caribbean—the
perfect warm winter retreat with 13 holiday cruises, ranging
from seven to 15 days, traveling round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale
and Tampa, Florida, and Norfolk, Virginia. Most itineraries
feature a visit to Half Moon Cay, the line’s award-winning
private Bahamian island. Here, in addition to relaxing
on the beach or enjoying a host of water sports activities,
guests will appreciate the island’s Family Aqua Park with
slides, AquaTrax guided personal watercraft park, sting
ray adventure program and a horseback riding and swimming
tour. One cruise also visits the Orinoco River in South
America.
The mystery and beauty of the Mexican Riviera explored
with four journeys 8 or 10 days traveling round-trip from
San Diego. In a country known for its festive celebrations,
guests may experience the excitement of Las Posadas, the
nine days before Christmas.
Wondrous journeys to more exotic locales — 15-day Circle
Hawaii itinerary round-trip from San Diego featuring the
talents of Ying Chang Compenstine, an internationally
recognized Asian healthy cuisine author traveling as part
of the line’s Culinary Arts Program; a 16-day New Zealand/Australia
adventure from Auckland to Sydney; and a 20-day exploration
of South America & Antarctica traveling from Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil to Valparaíso, Chile.
With per person fares beginning at US$999 for a 7-day
Caribbean cruise, the uncommon level of service, elegant
accommodations, and enchanting style of a Holland America
Line vacation represents tremendous value – perhaps the
best gift of all.
For more information about planning a holiday cruise,
contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425)
or visit www.hollandamerica.com .
Holland America Line: 10- to 15-Day Europe Cruises
From $999.
For 2005, Holland America Line offers an extensive selection
of European itineraries, ranging from ten to 15 days.
Whether you're seeking an introduction to classic capitals
such as Rome, Paris or London or desiring an in-depth
exploration of Northern Europe, Holland America Line will
deliver it - effortlessly and elegantly.
To book, call your travel professional or 1-877-SAIL
HAL (877-724-5425).
Ask for Promo #300 or *Promo #5. To view e-brochures
for 2005 cruises, http://pull.xmr3.com/p/90296-A72A/78379693/clickto5_ebrochures-ebrochuresIndex.do.html
and to learn more about these itineraries, visit http://pull.xmr3.com/p/90296-A4EA/78379696/clickto6_.com-dest-dest.do-dest=047000.html
. Web site: www.hollandamerica.com
MSC Cruises’ baseball theme cruises were so popular last
year that the line is bringing them back for another Caribbean
season. MSC Cruises will also feature other theme sailings,
including Big Band cruises January 13, March 20 and April
22 and a February 15 Jazz cruise.
The baseball theme series begins with a powerful lineup
of baseball greats Hall-of-Famers Bob Feller, Ralph Kiner
and Earl Weaver as well as Amos Otis, Bert Campaneris
and Stan Bahnsen onboard MSC Lirica’s first Caribbean
sailing of the 2005-2006 season. The December 10 seven-night
roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale includes calls at San Juan,
St. Maarten, La Romana and Cayo Levantado and two days
at sea.
The cruise includes 10 free interactive passenger/player
activities, including a player-hosted trivia game in which
guests can test their baseball knowledge, question-and-answer
sessions, and a lively story-telling session in which
the players share some candid revelations about some of
the “characters” of the game. Players will also host pitching,
hitting and defensive strategy clinics.
Perhaps the most popular activity is the free autograph
session at the end of the cruise.
One guest described the baseball theme activities as
“just amazing,” adding that “the players were interesting,
very funny and very accessible to everyone.”
Baseball theme cruises are also scheduled for the January
28, February 18 and March 11 seven-night sailings of the
MSC Opera and the MSC Lirica’s 11-night April 22 itinerary.
Participating players will be announced at a later date.
The lineup for the December 10 sailing features the following
baseball legends:
-- Bob Feller, the winningest pitcher in Cleveland Indians
history, in 1962 became the first pitcher since charter
member Walter Johnson to be elected to the Hall of Fame
in his first year of eligibility.
-- Ralph Kiner belted 369 home runs during a 10-year
career that spanned the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs
and Cleveland Indians. He won or shared the National League
home run crown for seven straight seasons. His playing
career earned him election to the Hall of Fame in 1975
and to the All-Century Team as one of the top 100 players
of the 20th Century.
-- Earl Weaver managed the Baltimore Orioles with intensity,
flair and an acerbic wit for 17 seasons, during which
time his teams won six American League East titles, four
pennants and the 1970 World Series. He ranks fifth in
all-time winning percentages for managers in the 20th
century. His five 100-win seasons is second only to—Joe
McCarthy is a master in hitter-pitcher match-ups, Weaver
was known for his innovative managerial style and his
confrontations with the men in blue.
-- Bert Campaneris the infielder played with the A’s,
Rangers, Angels and Yankees. As shortstop, he was a spark-plug
lead-off hitter for the ‘70s A’s who won five straight
Western Division titles and three World Series.
-- Amos Otis was drafted by the Mets, the outfielder
went to the Royals in 1969 and starred in centerfield
for K.C. for 14 seasons. A five-time All Star, “A-O” won
three Gold Gloves.
-- Stan Bahnsen was named American League Rookie of
the Year as a Yankee in 1968, when he won 17 games with
a 2.06 ERA. He won 21 games with the Chicago White Sox
in 1972 and has a total of 146 lifetime victories.
While in port, guests can take a “seventh-inning stretch”
from talking baseball to explore San Juan’s Spanish roots,
enjoy the shopping and Dutch culture of St. Maarten, swim
with dolphins off the coral sands of La Romana in the
Dominican Republic, and enjoy MSC Cruises’ “private paradise,”
the beautiful Dominican Republic island of Cayo Levantado
Prices for the 7-day cruise begin at only $600 per person,
double occupancy.
For further information and brochures, contact a travel
agent or visit the company's website at www.msccruises.com.
Norwegian Coastal Voyage is offering 50 percent off the
second person for new bookings on four special sailings
from Bergen to Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle, and
back to Tromso. An August 30 departure is priced at $1,655
to $2,405—the second guest pays $828 to $1,202; three
September departures—8, 15 and 29—are $1,397 to $2,158
for the first guest and $699 to $1,079 for the companion.
The four ships in the promotion, MS Nordnorge, MS Polarlys,
MS Nordkapp and MS Midnatsol, respectively, make 43 port
calls along the fjord-indented 1,250-mile coast ranging
from fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands to
the Art Nouveau town of Alesund and bustling cities like
the university town of Tromso and 1000-year-old Trondheim
and sail the length of the spectacular Geirangerfjord
(except Sept. 29 departure) and Trollfjord. AARP members
are offered an additional discount of $90 per cabin.
The reduction is available on outside cabin categories
U, P and N.
Rates include cabin category selected, meals, taxes,
port charges and gratuities. The promotion is not combinable
with any other discount except the one offered to AARP
members. Reservations, brochures and additional information
can be obtained from Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc., (800)
323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures,
(800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; and online at www.coastalvoyage.com.
NCV Shore Excursions Can Now Be Booked
Before Departure
New for 2005, Norwegian Coastal Voyage passengers can
book optional shore excursions before departure in U.S.
dollars via the New York office. Showcasing Norway’s
scenery, culture and history, the choices range from city
tours of Trondheim and Tromso to birdwatching, dogsledding,
Midnight Sun concerts, the Geirangerfjord, Lofoten Islands
and North Cape. Eleven ships sail daily year-round along
the 1,250-mile coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, above
the Arctic Circle, calling at 34 ports on seven-day northbound,
six-day southbound and 12-day round trips. Seasonal and
year-round shore excursions cost $30 to $130 per person.
Tromso, capital of Arctic Norway, is the site of the
Midnight Sun concerts of Norwegian folk songs, hymns and
classical music in the Arctic Cathedral, $35 to August
8; a new dog-sledding safari on the frozen landscapes
of Kvaloya Island with refreshments in a Sami (Lapp) tent,
$120 from October 28 to April 26; and a daily tour of
the city and interactive Polaria Museum tour, $35. Tours
in Trondheim, Norway’s first capital, visit the Ringve
Museum of Musical Instruments or medieval Nidaros Cathedral
and the Old Town Bridge, $35.
Options for nature lovers include a birdwatching safari
by boat to Gjesvaerstappan nature reserve, known for large
numbers of puffin pairs and flocks of kittiwakes; boat
rides to the Saltstraumen tidal current, vast Svartisen
Glacier and on the Pasvik River to the Russian border;
the spectacular cliff-lined Geirangerfjord and driving
down the 11-hairpin turns of Trollstigen (Troll’s Path),
and reindeer herds grazing en route to the windswept North
Cape plateau, Europe’s northernmost point, $75 to $130.
Excursions from Harstad in the Vesteralen Islands and
Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands combine dramatic landscapes
with historic towns and charming fishing villages, $60.
Optional excursions are escorted by English-speaking
guides and are subject to suitable weather conditions
and a minimum number of participants. Five excursions
operate year-round and 13 in summer or winter season.
Dates and prices vary; details are in the NCV brochure
and on the web site; refunds are available for any cancelled
tours.
An alternative to a traditional cruise, each NCV vessel
is a unique combination of first-class cruise ship, a
working ship carrying local passengers and cargo, and
a lifeline to remote coastal towns and villages. Ports
visited at night on the northbound voyage are daytime
calls on the return sailing. Norwegian Coastal Voyage
Inc. is at (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212)
319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day;
www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.
NCV Reduces Cruise-Only Rates 10% To 20% September-December
Norwegian Coastal Voyage has announced a reduction of
ten percent in cabin rates on round-trip sailings and
20 percent on six- and seven-day one-way itineraries along
the fjord-indented coast of Norway between Bergen and
Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle. The cabin savings
amount to $224 to $325 per person, double occupancy on
one-way and $203 to $243 on round-trip voyages and apply
to new bookings in outside cabin categories U and P.
These lower fares can be combined with senior savings
of $95 to $170 for travelers age 67 and up as well as
AARP member discounts of $70 to $100 per cabin. The reductions
are also applied to the cruise portion of NCV Independent
Vacations and NCV Escorted Vacations.
Regular published fares for the U and P cabins are $1,118
to $1,334 for six-day voyages, $1,361 to $1,625 for seven
days and $2,032 to $2,425 for the 12-day round-trip. An
alternative to a traditional cruise, NCV vessels are a
unique combination of first-class cruise ship, working
ship carrying local passengers and cargo to 34 ports,
and a lifeline to remote coastal towns and villages, and
appeal to travelers who enjoy dramatic scenery, getting
off the beaten track, meeting local people and savoring
daily life in a foreign country. Highlights are Bergen,
a Viking and Hanseatic city; the Art Nouveau architecture
of Alesund; the spectacular Trollfjord; 1000-year old
Trondheim; fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands;
Tromso, the lively capital of Arctic Norway; and Hammerfest,
the world's northernmost town.
Rates include cabin category selected, meals, taxes,
port charges and gratuities. Norwegian Coastal Voyage
is at (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390;
for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day, and online
at www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.
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