Seasonal Savings on AMA Waterways
From the majesty of Vienna to the magic of Paris, the holiday season offers a special allure for European travelers. And, now, AMA Waterways is making a European river cruise even more alluring, with a special $99 airfare promotion*. The promotion is available on the Nov. 12, 2008 Amsterdam to Paris and Blue Danube Discovery itineraries, as well as select Christmas Time Cruises (November 19, 22 and December 12) and Christmas Wonderland (November 22 and 26) sailings.
-- The Amsterdam to Paris itinerary includes a seven-night cruise to Trier, Germany, along the Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers, followed by a three-night stay in Paris. Highlights include Düsseldorf, Cologne and Frankfurt, three of Germany's most historic cities.
-- The Blue Danube Discovery program begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, followed by a seven-night Danube cruise to Nuremburg, and a three-night stay in Prague. The cruise will call in Vienna, Linz (with an optional excursion to Salzburg) and medieval Regensburg.
-- The 11-day Christmas Time Cruise features two nights in Prague before sailing from Nuremberg to Budapest; and the 12-day Christmas Wonderland cruise includes three nights in Paris before sailing from Trier to Amsterdam. The sailings will feature Europe's renowned Christmas markets in cities such as Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Regensburg, Nuremburg, Vienna and Budapest. Festive holiday décor, local artisans and centuries-old traditions make the Christmas Markets an unforgettable experience.
For more information about AMA Waterways, please contact your travel agent
or AMA Waterways at 800-626-0126 (North America).
*Terms and Conditions: $99 per person airfare from Zone 1 (Boston, New York
and Washington, DC); $149 per person airfare from Zone 2 (Atlanta, Chicago
and Ft. Lauderdale); $199 per person airfare from Zone 3 (Los Angeles,
Phoenix and Seattle) and Canada. Please ask your Reservation Agent for other
gateways.

Imperial River Cruises Announces Its 2008/09 Cruise Schedule
Imperial River Cruises, a New York-based supplier of river cruises and specialized travel services in Russia and the Ukraine, has announced its 2008-2009 schedule of cruises and land packages. Its traditional trips in Russia and Ukraine, including cruises from Moscow to St. Petersburg, are supplemented this year with exciting cruises to the Russian Far East and the North Pole, a 13-day Russian National Orchestra Cruise and the once-in-a-lifetime Russian Solar Eclipse Package.
 All motor-ships are modern, specially designed for inland waterway and sea cruising, all cabins outside. Cruises are ten to 20 days long, fully guided, include all meals, varying amenities, guided sightseeing in each port of call and live entertainment aboard. Prices from $1,650 to $2,450, from $4,250 for the ten-day Far East cruise.
 Imperial River Cruises guarantees standard 12 percent commission on FIT bookings and 18percent on groups, with the minimum group size 20 persons.

Pandaw River Cruises

Two New Vessels To Begin Cruises Later This Year In Asia
Two new 60-passenger ships, built in Saigon, will start operation in September and January respectively doing the seven- or ten-night cruises between Saigon and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat).  For the first time Pandaw will offer two connecting staterooms on the top deck above the bow with unrestricted views down the smooth and beautiful Mekong.
In addition, agents that book cruises between now and August 31, 2008, on the Orient Pandaw or the IndoChina Pandaw for sailings between September 29, 2008, and March 31, 2009, will receive a $200 bonus per booking. Website: www.pandawcruises.com
 

RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc.

Excursions Offered To Suit All Preferences
RiverBarge Excursions is offering something to suit all tastes and serving up delightful excursions. For the holidays, RiverBarge is offering guests $100 in Barge Bucks, an onboard per stateroom credit guests may use for alcohol and gift shop purchases, on the December 2-9, December 9-16, and December 19-27 excursions if booked by October 1, 2008. Agents also can enjoy a bountiful bonus commission. The $100 bonus commission is awarded to each agency that books a new individual stateroom on any December 2008 excursion. Website: www.riverbarge.com

Avalon Waterways On Course For Biggest Year Ever
Avalon Waterways says it is the world’s fastest-growing river cruise company.  Thanks, in part, to outstanding 2008 sales, this industry leader is embarking on its most aggressive growth to date in 2009, offering more than 25 vacations in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galàpagos, as well birthing two new ships.
To meet increased demands, Avalon Waterways has created six new river cruises for 2009, ranging from 8 to 23 days:
-- Christmas in the Heart of Germany – 8 Days (Frankfurt to Prague) – Priced from $1,709
--  Windmills, Vineyards & Paris – 13 or 14 Days (Paris to Amsterdam/Amsterdam to Paris) – Priced from $3,529
-- Blue Danube to the Black Sea – 14 Days (Vienna to Bucharest/Bucharest to Vienna) – Priced from $3,559
-- European Splendor – 13 Days (Amsterdam to Vienna/Vienna to Amsterdam) – Priced from $3,649
-- North Sea–Black Sea Cruise – 23 Days (Amsterdam to Bucharest/Bucharest to Amsterdam) – Priced from $6,729
-- Fascinating China & Mongolia with Yangtze River Cruise – 18 Days (Shanghai to Beijing) – Priced from $5,709
In addition to developing new, intimate vacations and on the heels of christening the Avalon Scenery in France this spring, Avalon Waterways is launching two ships in Europe – the Avalon Affinity and Avalon Creativity – both set to debut in 2009, bringing the European fleet total to eight. 
With the youngest fleet on Europe’s waters, Avalon Waterways’ ships feature contemporary design, state-of-the art technology and house the largest staterooms, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors. “While our competition favors more traditional interiors, Avalon Waterways’ European fleet has raised the bar on river cruise ship design with vessels that both look and feel like intimate, modern hotels,” said Clark.
To celebrate its new offerings, Avalon Waterways is providing travelers an early booking promotion: Those booking travel between now and August 31, 2008 can receive $300 off the air-inclusive price or $125 off the cruise-only price of a 2009 Globus or Avalon Waterways cruise.*
Avalon Waterways’ 2009 cruise highlights include:
-- Windmills, Vineyards & Paris (13 or 14 Days) – Cruisers will experience France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium and Holland on this vacation.  They’ll see the city’s major highlights on a guided tour of Paris and travel between Paris and Metz via TGV high-speed train, as well as enjoy guided sightseeing in Trier and Cologne, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, taking pictures of the windmills at famous Kinderdijk, a tour of Reichsburg Castle and a wine cellar visit in Bernkastel.  Priced from $3,529 (cruise/land-only).
-- Flavors of Burgundy & Provence (11 days) – Opportunities abound to learn about and taste sumptuous wines and local cuisine on this grand vacation. Travelers will see France at its scenic best with guided sightseeing that acquaints them with Paris and Nice, while a deluxe seven-night cruise along the Saône and Rhône Rivers takes them into the heart of this beautiful country.  Travelers will enjoy walks in Mâcon, Tournon and Beaune, as well as sightseeing with Local Guides in Avignon, Arles and Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital.  Priced from $2,209 (cruise/land-only).
-- Blue Danube to the Black Sea (13 Days) – A deluxe Danube cruise is the highlight on this fascinating getaway through Eastern Europe.  Cruisers will sail through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and see the sights with a local guide in each city, including Vienna, the “City of Music,” visit the Hungarian capital of Budapest, Romania’s lively capital of Bucharest and Serbia’s Belgrade, as well as paprika country’s Kalocsa, Arbanassi, Veliko Târnovo and Varna on the Black Sea.  Priced from $3,559 (cruise/land-only).
-- Fascinating China & Mongolia with Yangtze River Cruise (18 Days) - Travelers will discover the wonders of China and Mongolia on this incredible, exotic vacation that includes a four-night cruise along the magnificent Yangtze.  They’ll visit the fabulous Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai, see the legendary Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and encounter the unsoiled splendor of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert (including a stay in a traditional ger).  Priced from $5,709 (cruise/land-only, including intra-tour flights).
-- Egyptian Splendor (9 Days) – This captivating vacation offers travelers an exciting voyage through the Kingdom of the Pharaohs.  In Cairo, they’ll marvel at King Tutankhamun’s treasures, visit enigmatic Sphinx and see the Great Pyramids of Giza.  Then, they’ll fly to Aswan for a four-night Nile River cruise to Luxor.  Along the way, travelers will visit the Aswan Dam, Temple of Isis, Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens and Luxor Temple.  They’ll also ride through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, visiting colorful local bazaars and exploring the stunning monuments of Karnak.  Priced from $1,911 (cruise/land-only, including intra-tour flights).
*Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied, between now and August 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009.  To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed.  Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only.  Offer reliant on space availability.  Full cancellation penalties will apply.  Additional restrictions may apply.
Consumers can book an Avalon Waterways vacation or request a 2009 brochure by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.877.380.1535.  For more information, please visit www.avalonwaterways.com.
Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands, an award-wining travel industry leader with 80 years of international travel expertise. Travel agents can request Avalon Waterways brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.

Deilmann Opens Reservations For 2009 River Cruise Season       
Peter Deilmann Cruises has announced that it is now accepting bookings for its 2009 schedule of European river cruises with full details and pricing currently available on the company’s web site, www.deilmann-cruises.com .  The hardcopy and downloadable versions of the 2009 Deluxe “Great Rivers of Europe” brochure will be available in late September.  Information on the company’s nine- to 17-day all-inclusive cruise tour vacations—11 different offerings with more than 200 departures, combining cruises with shore excursions, hotel stays and sightseeing -- will soon be available online as well.  Price increases in 2009 were held to 5 percent on all cruise-only departures.  A fuel surcharge of $10 per night per passenger will be collected in 2009; 2008 sailings do not have a fuel surcharge.
-- Peter Deilmann Cruises is offering 255 deluxe European river sailings between March 22 and November 8, 2009 -- sailing the classic rivers of Europe on seven- to 14-night cruises with the vast majority running seven nights.  The cruises intimately explore the main arteries and byways of these rivers and provide memorable visits to countryside villages and sophisticated cities.
-- The Danube River is the focus of weekly cruises of two five-star Deilmann ships—the Mozart and Casanova -- that sail round-trip from Passau in southeastern Germany, just two hours from Munich.  One-week cruises of these two vessels call at Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and picturesque wine villages and small towns in Austria and Hungary, including Melk, Esztergom and Dürnstein.  10- and 11-night cruises between Passau and Romania’s Tulcea are offered in June and July.  One-week cruises are $1,610 to $5,120 per person, double.
-- The Elbe, Havel and Moldau Rivers as well as the historic cities of Berlin, Dresden, Prague and Potsdam are on the cruise itineraries of the five-star Katharina von Bora and the Frederic Chopin on weekly sailings between Potsdam, just outside of Berlin, and Prague, while the five-star Dresden makes it way along the Elbe River between Dresden and Hamburg. All three deluxe ships take in the smaller towns of Wittenberg, Meissen and Bad Schandau, offering a full spectrum of sightseeing opportunities—Fortress Königstein, the birthplace of Martin Luther’s Reformation, Meissen’s world famous porcelain and Saechische Schwiez National Park are examples.  Seven-night cruises are $1,625 to $3,895.
-- The five-star Cézanne and four-star Princesse de Provence, both popular with Americans, sail along France's most appealing rivers: the Seine, roundtrip from Paris and between Paris and Rouen, and the Rhône and Saône, roundtrip from Lyon and between Lyon and Arles.  The 148-passenger Princesse de Provence sails the Rhône and Saône, putting in at Arles, full of exceptionally well preserved Roman ruins; Lyon, the capital of French gastronomy; Vienne, whose Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe is home to many beautiful 11th- and 12th-century murals; and Mâcon, birthplace of the romance poet Alphonse de Lamartine.  Fares range from $1,545 to $2,430.
-- The 100-passenger Cézanne, completely renovated in 2006, travels the romantic Seine.  Highlights include Giverny, best known for Monet's house and gardens; Les Andelys, set beneath Château Gaillard, the most famous castle on the Seine; Rouen, the half-timbered city where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake; and picturesque Honfleur.  Prices are $1,700 to $3,500.
-- Among the 110-passenger Heidelberg’s itineraries are seven-night cruises roundtrip from the capital city of Amsterdam to large and small Dutch cities – Rotterdam, Dordrecht and Middleberg and the historic Flemish cities of Ghent, Antwerp and Volendam in Belgium.  Amsterdam to Mainz (Frankfurt) sailings combine the Rhine and Moselle Rivers calling at the modern port city of Rotterdam, historic and art-filled Cologne with its grand cathedral, Koblenz at the confluence of the two rivers, and the Rhine wine town of Rüdesheim. 
Seven-night classic Rhine itineraries, between Amsterdam and the centuries-old Swiss city of Basel, offer ports in four countries -- Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Other offerings aboard the Heidelberg include four-night sailings between Düsseldorf and Basel, a six-night cruise from Düsseldorf to Amsterdam and seven-night itineraries between Amsterdam and Trier, Trier and Basel, Basel and Cologne, and Cologne and Trier.  Fares range from $1,615 to $2,965.
Reservations are being taken for 2009/10 and a new 63-page brochure is available online and in hardcopy. Website: http://www.deilmann-cruises.com/

 

 

 

April, 2008

Amadeus Waterways Introduces 2009 European Itineraries
The newly-released 2009 Amadeus Waterways Europe and Russia Brochure highlights the line’s diverse array of exciting cruise vacations, some offered for the first time.  Passengers will also have the opportunity to sail on the two newest members of the luxurious Amadeus Waterways fleet in 2009. The MS Amadolce and MS Amalyra will make their debut, joining the MS Amacello (2008), MS Amadante (2008), MS Amalegro (2007) and MS Amadagio (2006).
The Amadeus Waterways collection of 16 vacation programs for 2009 includes popular itineraries on the historic Danube, Main, Rhine and Mosel rivers. New for 2009 is the Romantic Danube program, featuring three nights in Prague followed by a cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest. Additional unique selections include cruise vacations in France, Spain, Portugal, Eastern Europe and Russia.
Among the highlights of the 2009 Amadeus Waterways lineup:
-- A 30-day Paris to Istanbul excursion that begins with three nights in Paris, followed by a 21-day cruise from Trier, Germany, to Bulgaria, ending with three nights in Istanbul.
-- A 15-day Provence and Spain journey that begins with three nights in Paris followed by TGV train from Paris to Lyon; then on to a magnificent seven-night cruise through Provence before concluding with three nights in Barcelona;
-- A 12-day Cruising Portugal and Spain adventure that includes three nights in Lisbon before a roundtrip cruise from Porto through the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amadeus Waterways is once again offering an exceptional Russia program in 2009, with a 14-day Russian Waterways grand cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg. And the 2009 season will end with two special holiday itineraries: An 11-day Christmas Time cruise featuring two nights in Prague before sailing from Nuremberg to Budapest; and a 12-day Christmas Wonderland cruise, spending three nights in Paris before sailing from Trier to Amsterdam. Both sailings will feature Europe’s spectacular Christmas markets.
Amadeus Waterways vessels feature a unique design that includes the most spacious cabins on the rivers; plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; luxurious bath amenities and French balconies. Each vessel offers complimentary Wi-FI as well as complimentary specialty coffees on demand. They also feature a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use.
For more information about Amadeus Waterways 2009 Europe and Russia sailings, please contact your travel agent or Amadeus Waterways at 800-626-0126 or visit www.amadeuswaterways.com

RiverBarge Excursions Offers Aniversary Packages
RiverBarge Excursions , is celebrating its tenth-year anniversary with an eight-day excursion and reduced pricing both for guests and travel professionals. The eight-day journey next August will sail through the Ohio and Mississippi River through five historic locks. Stops will include Louisville, KY, and Cape Girardeau, Mo., before ending with an overnight stay in St. Louis.
The all-inclusive package, called America’s Junction, ranges from $2,479 for the Royal Deck to $2,659 for the Platinum Deck (the Platinum Deck staterooms feature a small balcony). Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Website: www.riverbarge.com

 

April 1, 2008

French Country Waterways Offering  Discount On ‘Princess’ During July, August
French Country Waterways has announced savings of more than 30 percent for passengers booking passage on its eight-passenger luxury barge Princess, formerly the private barge of shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig, during July and August.  The well-appointed barge plies the Canal de la Marne au Rhin between Nancy and Hochfelden in the Alsace-Lorraine region, passing medieval villages with church spires rising above red-tiled roofs, green pastures dotted with cows, and fields of grain and pine forests on leisurely six-day sailings.  Normal per person fares of $6,595 and $6,795 are reduced to $4,500 and $4,700 on all nine departures.  The savings is not available on charters or in combination with other offers.
Daily excursions feature the medieval cathedral and half-timbered old quarter of Strasbourg, a walking tour of elegant Nancy and visit to Musée Historic, the Chagall stained-glass window in the Chapel of the Cordeliers in Sarrebourg, the famous Baccarat showrooms and Crystal Museum, the Route du Vin (Wine Road) and new for 2008 – a wine visit and tasting in the village of Dahlenheim, and a dinner at the Michelin two-starred Le Cerf in Marlenheim. 
Sumptuous four-course French dinners that blend classic cooking techniques and the trend towards lighter, healthier dishes are served with Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines from Burgundy, Alsace and other French regions.  The Princess has four suites with king-size beds, a salon with large picture windows and well-stocked bar, formal dining room, separate library, powder room and canopied sundeck for relaxing and al fresco meals.
All-inclusive cruise rates cover accommodations, champagne reception, all meals, dinner ashore at Le Cerf, estate-bottled wines at lunch and dinner, open bar, tours and excursions, bicycles, English- and French-speaking crew, and private transfers between Strasbourg and the barge. 
Information, brochures and reservations are available from French Country Waterways, at www.fcwl.com . 

Hurtigruten’s Göta Canal Sailings Transport Travelers In Old World Style
Hurtigruten, formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage,  is featuring a series of spring and summer  two-, four- and six-day itineraries traversing Sweden’s premier waterway -- the Göta Canal --  aboard a choice of three restored vintage vessels that sail between the country’s second largest city, Gothenburg, and its capital, Stockholm.  The full six-day cruises transit one river, three canals, eight lakes, 66 locks and two seas.
The vessels, MS Diana, Juno and Wilhelm Tham, constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, have been painstakingly restored to maintain the ambiance of bygone eras – but without sacrificing modern creature comforts.  The six-day itineraries, available aboard all three vessels, are priced from $2,075 to $3,095 per person, double; four-day sailings, aboard the same ships, $1,275 to $2,425; and two-day cruises aboard MS Diana, $565 to $730.  Fares include daily breakfast, two-course lunches and three-course dinners.
The cruises focus on the history of the canal, comprising a series of manmade locks between several stunning natural lakes, and the culture and attractions of the surrounding cities and towns, including a host of fascinating churches, monasteries and museums.  In Trollhättan, once an obstacle for vessels traveling up the river until the lock system was completed in the 19th century, guests have the chance to visit the Trollhätte Canal Museum, housed in a warehouse that highlights a film on the history the Trollhätte Canal.  At Älgens Berg’s Royal Hunts Museum, travelers can immerse themselves in the history of the region’s history, geology, flora and fauna, and the Swedish elk.  Motala, considered the capital or heart of the canal, is the site where Baltzar von Platen, the canal’s creator, founded Motala Werkstad 1822, the start of Swedish industrialism -- and where guests can tour the Motala Motor Museum
Other highlights include a collection of castles: Läckö’s 13th-century Baroque-style De la Gardie Palace set on the shores of Lake Vänern and restored after standing empty for 150 years; the ruins of Stegeborg’s castle, whose fort dates from the early middle ages and overlooks the stunning Slätbaken bay; and in Vadstena, a cloister that houses King Gustav Vasa’s Gripsholm Castle, regarded as one of Sweden’s finest historic monuments.  After traversing 11 locks to lower vessels into Lake Roxen at the Locks of Berg, guests can swim in the lake and visit the medieval Vreta and Monastery.  The canal transports guests past the foot of the of the Ramunderberget Mountain in Söderköing; to Trosa where travelers enjoy a local punch that can be traced back to society life of the late 1800; and visit the Birka Viking City on Björkö island, a thriving trading community that was abandoned approximately 1,000 years ago and is now a World Heritage site.
The vessels, appointed with mahogany paneling, brass fittings and paisley fabrics, feature a lounge, bar and diminutive library.  Dining rooms boast French-Swedish cuisine, a robust selection of wines and 25 to 29 cozy cabins with bunk beds, washbasin and shared toilets and showers with privacy locks.  The two-day itineraries sail from Motala and Söderköping in July and August; the four-day itineraries between Gothenburg and Stockholm from June through August; and the six-day itineraries between Gothenburg and Stockholm June through September. 
For more information about the cruise tours and optional excursions, contact Hurtigruten at, (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374,  or visit www.hurtigruten.us  or www.hurtigruten,com.
Music-Themed Sailings Deilmann River Cruises Plying The Danube And Elbe
Peter Deilmann Cruises is offering five music-theme cruises aboard the five-star river vessels MV Mozart and MV Dresden -- featuring port-intensive itineraries and a host of renowned musicians on board each vessel.  Guests are serenaded to classical music of the Baroque era and classical sonata repertoires, romantic piano and stirring harp music by the Del Mar Ensemble, the Enchanted Ground Trio and several other artists on the MV Mozart’s April 20 and October 5 seven-night Danube River itineraries from Munich.  Clarinet fans get a front row seat to clarinetist Sebastian Manz and The Papillon Trio on the MV Dresden’s seven-night Dresden-Elbe itinerary, departing June 21; and jazz aficionados take in the Swing and Dixie Land arrangements of the Addi Münster Old Merry Tale Jazz Band aboard the MV Mozart’s seven-night Danube River sailing on July 23 from Munich.  Cruise fares range from $1,595 to $14,456 per person, double.
-- MV Mozart’s April 20 and October 5 Danube River itineraries, roundtrip from Munich, feature the sounds of the Del Mar Ensemble, whose members are well known for performances in ensembles and chamber music groups, and the Enchanted Ground Trio, who focus on Baroque-era pieces and classical Sonata repertoires.  The itinerary includes port calls in Vienna, where an evening performance is planned, and a visit to Figaro House, where Mozart was born and where he wrote the “The Marriage of Figaro.”  In Budapest, travelers will enjoy a performance at the Hungarian Opera House or similar venue and tour the Parliament Building, the Opera House and Fishing Bastian.  Other port calls are Bratislava’s Slovakia, and Austria’s Melk and Grein.  Cruise-only prices of $1,910 to $4,660 include music program onboard and ashore, and shore excursions.
-- Guests opting for a musical-themed Elbe River itinerary aboard the MV Dresden, departing June 21, are serenaded to works by Beethoven, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy and Romantic-era pieces by Carl Maria von Weber.  Artists on board include clarinetist Sebastian Manz, who has performed with orchestras in Poland and France; and the Papillon Trio, whose repertoire includes Viennese classics and chamber music.  The Dresden-Hamburg cruise calls at the Czech Republic’s Prague and Dìèín; Germany’s Wittenberg, Dessau, Madgebgurg, Tangermünde, Bleckede and Lauenburg.  Cruise-only fares are $2,415 to $3,710 and include the onboard music program.  Optional two-night hotel packages are available in Hamburg and Dresden for $370 and $430, respectively.
-- The Danube River springs to life on the July 27 MV Mozart itinerary with the Addi Munster Old Merry Tale Jazz Band performing their Swing and Dixieland arrangements.  The band includes Jost Addi Munster on trombone, Jechen Rose on trumpet, Hans-Malte Witte on clarinet and saxophone, Irenz Boesche on piano, Gerald Bartles on contrabass and Dave Bowler on percussion.  The roundtrip Munich sailing transports travelers to Austria’s Dürnstein and Vienna; Austria’s Budapest, Esztergom, Melk and Grein; and Bratislava.  Cruise-only prices, which include the onboard music program, are $1,595 to $4,585.  Optional two-night hotel packages are available in Munich and Prague for $475 and $465, respectively.
Built in 1987 and refurbished in 2006, the 100-passenger MV Mozart is appointed throughout with rosewood and original art and features large staterooms of 203 square feet, 97% of which are outside, and two suites of 406 square feet.  MV Dresden, built in 1991 and refurbished in 2005, carries 106 passengers in 53 cabins and like its sister ships features the best passenger-to-crew ratio amongst all European river vessels  2.5 passengers for each staff member.  Each deluxe river vessel serves as a guest’s personal inn, with single-seating dining rooms offering five-course dining experiences and choice of full-service breakfast and lunch or more casual buffets.  Other ship features include Sun Decks with plenty of chairs and blankets, and no smoking in the cabins, restaurant, lounges or corridors.
For more details on the cruises, optional tours and air arrangements, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by E-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  Further information on Theme Cruise-Tours may be found at www.deilmann-cruises.com/theme. Cruises itineraries, deck plans and ship photos are online at www.deilmann-cruises.com.

Victoria Cruises Sets Sail In 2008 With Exotic Itineraries,
In 2008, Victoria Cruises is offering a variety of programs varying from four to nine days – Three Gorges Highlights, Three Gorges Explorer and Grand Yangtze Discovery. Prices and sailing dates listed below are valid for 2008.
-- Three Gorges Highlights --The upstream (five days) and downstream (four days) programs between Chongqing and Yichang – the Three Gorges Highlights itinerary – remain popular favorites among travelers. The opportunity to sail through the verdant valleys that comprise the Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges) and visit the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel, leaves an indelible picture in the imagination.
Prices start at $675 per person, based on double occupancy in a standard cabin during the shoulder season (March 16-31, June, July, August and November) and $720 per person, double, in peak season (April, May, September and October). Rates in junior suites, deluxe suites and Shangri-La suites are available. Rates vary per vessel in the Victoria Cruises fleet. Shore excursions cost an additional $80 per person. The upstream program sails daily except Tuesday, and the downstream program sails daily except on Saturday.
-- Three Gorges Explorer --Providing a comprehensive, in-depth view of the impressive Three Gorges region in China, the eight-day Three Gorges Explorer program takes travelers on a roundtrip journey, Chongqing-Yichang-Chongqing, offering different shore excursions in each direction and spectacular views of dramatic scenery, deep valleys, verdant landscapes and breathtaking vistas.
In addition to the spectacular Three Gorges and Small Gorges, travelers are treated to shore excursions to New Zigui, a new city built to accommodate families who relocated as a result of rising Yangtze waters; Yichang, the cultural center of the western Hubei Province; Fengdu, referred to as the “ghost city” because of its temples and statues of ghosts and devils; and Wanzhou, the “Gateway to East Sichuan.”
Prices start at $1,200 per person, based on double occupancy in a standard cabin during the shoulder season (March 16-31, June, July, August and November) and $1,300 per person, double, in peak season (April, May, September and October). Rates in junior suites, deluxe suites and Shangri-La suites are available. Rates vary per vessel in the Victoria Cruises fleet. Shore excursions cost an additional $225 per person.
The program sails daily except Saturday.
-- Grand Yangtze Discovery -- The Grand Yangtze Discovery encompasses the magnificent Three Gorges area as well as the intriguing and historic sites along the Eastern part of the Yangtze River. Journeying between Chongqing and Shanghai (upstream for nine days and downstream for seven days), this itinerary offers a window into the soul and spirit of China and its people.
Highlights include the Three Gorges, the massive Three Gorges Dam, the Huangshan mountain range and one of China’s most outstanding scenic attractions, Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, and Nanjing, capital of the Jiangsu province, where cruisers will experience the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and a Qing Dynasty-style Bazaar surrounding a Confucian Temple.
Prices start at $1,400 per person, based on double occupancy in a standard cabin during the shoulder season (March 17-31, June, July, August and November) and $1,500 per person, double, in peak season (April, May, September and October). Rates in junior suites, deluxe suites and Shangri-La suites are available. Rates vary per vessel in the Victoria Cruises fleet. Shore excursions cost an additional $225 per person.
The downstream program sails on Mondays, and the upstream program sails on Sundays.
For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit the company in cyberspace at www.victoriacruises.com.

French Country Waterways Offers A Menu Of Savings This Summer
Barging the canals of France has just gotten up to 40 percent less expensive for future guests of French Country Waterways who book select departures during the July-August summer season.  The 18-passenger luxury barge Esprit makes its way through Burgundy’s fabled Côte d'Or wine-growing region at prices of $2,995 per person, double, reduced from the normal rate of $5,295 or 43 percent.  Standard fares of $6,595 and $6,795 for the eight-passenger luxury barge Princess, formerly the private barge of shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig, are reduced to $4,500 and $4,700; and the July 6 departure of the company’s newest barge, the  12-passenger Adrienne, sailing in Champagne between Maizy and Château-Thierry, is priced at $4,495, a 30% savings over the regular rate of $6,395, and includes a night at the luxury Hotel Raphael in Paris. 
These luxury six-night cruises combine a leisurely upscale existence, tastings of dozens of Grand and Premier Cru wines and locally produced cheeses, and wonderful meals, both aboard and at a Michelin-starred restaurants, with exploration of the charming villages, century-old vineyards, historic architecture and changing landscapes of France’s countryside and wine tastings in the private cellars of many of  France’s best vineyards. 
The Esprit’s route follows the narrow 18th-century Canal du Centre overlooking vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, the meandering River Saône and the Canal de Bourgogne between St. Léger-sur-Dheune and Dijon.  The Princess plies the Canal de la Marne au Rhin between Nancy and Hochfelden in the Alsace-Lorraine region, passing medieval villages with church spires rising above red-tiled roofs, green pastures dotted with cows, and fields of grain and pine forests.  And the Adrienne sails on the Canal de l’Aisne à la Marne and the River Marne, showcasing champagne producers including the House of Ployez-Jacquemart and the vast cellars of Moët & Chandon, and historic battlefields dating back to Julius Caesar.
Prices cover accommodations, all meals, estate-bottled wines, open bar, daily sightseeing excursions, bicycles for riding along the towpaths and the surrounding countryside, and escorted transfers between Paris and the barge.  Hot-air ballooning is an option.  Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from French Country Waterways, Ltd., P.O. Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331 or at www.fcwl.com.

 

February, 2008

Three Deilmann Vessels Cruise To Eastern Europe On The Elbe River
Verdant vineyards, orchards ripe with fruit, dramatic sandstone cliffs, tiny medieval-style villages unscathed by time and majestic cities with monuments dating from the 15th century, are just some of the sites guests enjoy on Peter Deilmann Cruises’ nine-day Elbe River cruise-while tours aboard the intimate five-star MV Katharina von Bora and MV Frederic Chopin, sailing between Berlin and Prague, and the five-star MV Dresden, sailing between Hamburg and Dresden.  Itinerary highlights include visits to charming Meissen, where guests can see how the world-famous porcelain by the same name is produced; Martin Luther’s Wittenberg; Prague, famous for its Gothic and Baroque architecture and its massive Hradcany Castle complex; and the small wine-producing town of Melník with its majestic Renaissance-style castles. 
Cruise-tour packages, priced from $1,825 to $3,020 per person, double for cabins, include all meals onboard, a Captain’s Welcome dinner and farewell receptions, shore excursions, transfers and such nightly entertainment as traditional and folkloric performances.  Optional three-night cruise-tour extensions, offering additional city tours, deluxe hotel accommodations, breakfast daily and transfers are available for Hamburg, Berlin, Prague, Vienna or Budapest at money-saving package rates of $319 to $799.  Cruise-only fares are offered at $1,550 to $2,805 for cabins and $2,255 to $3,710 for suites, without the shore excursions and transfers. 
The Elbe River sailings focus on a mix of Old World cities and smaller towns filled with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance castles, palaces and town squares.  Common ports and excursions include tours of the Old Market and the Protestant Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice in Magdeburg; Wittenberg, where Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation; Meissen and its porcelain factory, Old Town, Albrecht Castle and Gothic Cathedral; a host of beautiful churches, palaces and world-class museums in Dresden, the capital of Saxony; and Prague, one of Europe’s most popular destinations, where a walking tour takes in St. Vitus Cathedral, the astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter and the Charles Bridge.  Another highlight is an excursion to the 13th-century Königstein fortress, perched high above the Elbe and offering impressive views of the river and distant mountains of Bohemia. 
Other stops, depending on itinerary, are Berlin, with visits to Checkpoint Charlie, the former East-West crossing point, and the Reichstag, Germany’s parliament; the Czech Republic town of Leitmeritz, with an assortment of wonderful examples of Gothic Renaissance Baroque and Empire houses; and the lively city of Hamburg, Germany’s largest port city.
All three ships, built between 1991 and 2002 and refurbished in 2005 and 2006, carry either 79 or 106 guests and offer travelers an intimate vacation experience and the best passenger-to-crew ratio amongst all European river vessels  2.5 passengers for each staff member.  They feature original works of art throughout and sport beautifully appointed cabins with private facilities, TV, phone, refrigerator, safe, radio and queen or twin bedding.  Staterooms on the upper deck of the MV Frederic Chopin and MV Katharina von Bora incorporate full-length French doors in place of windows.  Each vessel offers six meals daily, in a single seating in a panoramic dining room with five-course evening meals, and up to nine courses on some nights.  Other ship features include lounges, Sun Decks with plenty of chairs and blankets and no smoking in the cabins, restaurant, lounges or corridors. 
Airport transfers are included when air is purchased from Peter Deilmann Cruises.  For details on these and other cruises, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Ocean Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by E-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  Cruises itineraries, deck plans and ship photos are online at www.deilmann-cruises.com.

Kids Cruise Free in 2008 Aboard Majestic America Line
Majestic America Line, one of the world's premier river cruise lines and the largest river and coastal cruising company in America, is offering families a special opportunity to experience America at its best by inviting children 12 years of age or under to cruise free aboard Empress of the North, Queen of the West or American Queen in 2008. Children cruise free when traveling as the third or fourth passenger, sharing a stateroom with two paying adults.
Cruise rates are waved for children when they share a comfortable stateroom with adults outfitted for three or four guests, but port charges, handling fees and fuel surcharge apply for each child and the offer is not combinable with other offers. Space is limited, so guests are encouraged to book early.
Families can create life-long memories following in the footsteps of America's earliest and bravest pioneers in Alaska, on the Columbia and Snake rivers and on the Mississippi River.
Empress of the North visits Alaska's most colorful ports of call from May through mid-September, including Juneau and nearby Mendenhall Glacier, Sitka, Skagway and Petersburg. The cruise also transits Peril Strait, the 22-mile-long Wrangell Narrows and Lynn Canal, North America's longest glacial fjord. The 12-night cruise from Seattle to Juneau on April 28 and Juneau to Seattle on September 20, include the same stops as the seven-night itinerary along with additional ports of call in Anacortes, Port Angeles and Ketchikan.
On the Columbia and Snake rivers, Empress of the North cruises March 22 through mid-April and October through December and Queen of the West cruises April 6 through mid-November. The roundtrip Portland cruises offer guests the opportunity to view deep gorges, transit eight impressive lock and dam systems and feel history unfold over the course of 1,000 miles. The itinerary features Native American hunting grounds, Lewis and Clark-era forts, steep-sided canyons and golden fields of wheat.
American Queen's Lower Mississippi itineraries include seven-night New Orleans roundtrips and seven-night cruises between Memphis and New Orleans, where guests can immerse themselves in the nostalgia of the Old South. Step in the footsteps of early explorers and native tribes on seven-night cruises between St. Paul and St. Louis on the Upper Mississippi. Special theme cruises include Music of America, Fall Foliage and Cajun Holidays.
Staterooms and suites aboard all of Majestic America Line's ships feature the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel. Designed to be a sanctuary for guests, deluxe bedding, feathery duvets, plump pillows and spa-quality bath amenities make it easy for guests to relax and enjoy the view.
Each journey aboard a Majestic America Line cruise promises an extraordinary American experience, with award-winning hospitality, wonderful enrichment programs and warm, attentive service from an American crew.
For more information, contact a travel agent, call 1-800-434-1232 or visit http://www.majesticamericaline.com .

Deilmann's MV Casanova Offering Seven- To 11-Night Danube River Cruises
From the spring through the fall of 2008, Peter Deilmann’s 96-passenger MV Casanova sails the Danube River, Europe’s second longest waterway, on seven-, ten- and 11-night itineraries, featuring a mix of storied cities combined with destinations rarely visited by Americans.  Travelers can opt for ten- and 11-night sailings from Passau (port for Munich) all the way to the Black Sea.  For those with a little less vacation time, three seven-night itineraries are available—one roundtrip from Munich and two that sail between Hungary’s Budapest and Munich.  Cruise-only fares of $1,635 to $4,080, per person, double, include six meals daily.
Optional excursion packages, which feature city and museum tours, may be purchased in advance -- seven-night, five-excursion programs are priced at $160 per person, and six-excursion packages on 10- and 11-night cruises are priced at $225.  Two-night pre- and post- hotel packages are available at Passau’s Hotel Köenig ($395 per person, double); Munich’s Le Meridian, ($475); and Prague’s InterContinental ($465), with optional upgrades at the Prague Imperial or Four Seasons Hotel.
In addition to taking in the famed cities of Vienna and Budapest, the seven-night itineraries visit lesser known destinations such as Austria’s medieval villages of  Dürnstein, where England’s King Richard the Lion-Hearted was held by Duke Leopold V during the Third Crusade in 1193; and Melk, best known for its massive Benedictine monastery.  Guests also explore Slovakia’s Bratislava, a frontier post for the Roman Empire, with well-preserved 14th and 15th historical buildings concentrated in its Old Town complex. Optional tours in Vienna include a cycling adventure and a walking tour of Schönbrunn Palace and in Budapest, a full-day tour of Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake.  Departures run Julyto- October with prices of $1,635 to $2,640 per person, double.
Both the ten-night and 11-night cruises, departing July 26 and August 5 respectively, offer the same stops in reverse directions—with the 11-night itinerary adding Melk.  Shared port calls include Romania’s Orsova, surrounded by oak forests and home to St. Ana Monastery; Russe, the largest Bulgarian city on the Danube boasts the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes, the Opera House and myriad museums and churches of note; and Hungary’s Mohacs, with its charming Szechenyi Square and Djami Protestant church.  An optional tour to the world’s newest country, Montenegro, departs from Serbia’s capital city of Belgrade.  Fares are $3,310 to $4,080, per person, double.
Carrying just 96 passengers, the recently refurbished MS Casanova features one of the industry’s best guests to crew ratios - 2.5 to 1.  Cabins and staterooms are appointed with built-in closets, desks, private facilities, television, telephone, radio, refrigerator, safe and hair dryers while the staterooms on her upper deck feature full-length French doors that open into the cabins.  Original works of art can be found throughout the ship, which also features a bar, single seating restaurant, lounge and sundeck for viewing the stunning scenery.  Air arrangements are available in conjunction with Peter Deilmann Cruises.  Smoking is permitted only on exterior public areas of the ship.
For more details on the cruises, optional tours and air arrangements, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287, by E-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com  or at www.deilmann-cruises.com. 

Discover The Mississippi River and Its Tributaries on Majestic America Line
Majestic America Line offers 67 sailings on the Upper Mississippi, Lower Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers from three-night excursions to 14-night leisurely getaways.
In March, American Queen offers Spring Pilgrimage cruises where guests enjoy the elegance and charm of the South as springtime blooms
American Queen's Lower Mississippi itineraries include seven-night New Orleans roundtrips and seven-night cruises between Memphis and New Orleans, where guests can immerse themselves in the gracious hospitality and nostalgia of the Old South. Seven-night cruises are offered between St. Paul and St. Louis on the Upper Mississippi. Special theme cruises include Music of America, Fall Foliage and Cajun Holidays.
Delta Queen transits the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers and offers 10-night cruises between Pittsburgh and Nashville, Pittsburgh and St. Louis, as well as Cincinnati and Memphis. Seven-night cruises are offered between St. Louis and Nashville, Cincinnati and Memphis, and Nashville and Cincinnati. A three-night roundtrip Cincinnati cruise includes the Kentucky Derby and a 14-night New Orleans to Cincinnati cruise features the Three Steamboat Race. Special theme cruises include Legends of the River, Remembering the Civil War and Fall Foliage.
In size and style, American Queen represents the crown jewel of river cruising worldwide, offering for just 436 guests at a time, an extraordinary experience of America. Featuring six decks and measuring 418-feet in length, the American Queen is the world's largest river cruise ship, powered by a state-of-the-art propulsion system that combines authentic steam engines and a 45-ton paddlewheel with modern diesel-electric Z-drives.
The 176-guest Delta Queen is the last operational steam-powered sternwheeler which traveled America's rivers in the early days and is registered as a National Historic Landmark. With her red stern wheel churning the mighty Mississippi and her flag flying high in the balmy blue sky, the Delta Queen is the quintessential American river ship. Unique touches abound, including a rare ironwood floor gracing the Orleans Room, an 1897 steam calliope and the same ship's bell that sounded out landings for the steamboat Mark Twain rode downriver in 1883.
Staterooms and suites aboard both ships feature the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel. Designed to be a sanctuary for guests, deluxe bedding, feathery duvets, plump pillows and spa-quality bath amenities make it easy for guests to relax and enjoy the view.
Fares start at $1,999 per person, based on double occupancy with early advantage savings applied. For more information, contact a travel agent, call 1-800-434-1232 or visit http://www.majesticamericaline.com.
  
Pacific Delight Tours Unveils 15-Day Family Package
Pacific Delight Tours is offering four June and July guaranteed departures of its Giant Panda & Yangtze River Escapade, program, designed from the company’s portfolio of Off-The-Beaten-Path itineraries and ideally suited for families by focusing on hands-on innovative activities in unusual and lesser-known destinations. 
The 15-day package, with English-speaking tour managers and accommodations in deluxe hotels, offers families exceptional experiences, including a visit to the best place to see China’s most endearing residents, the Giant Panda – at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; kite-making classes; home-style dinners with a local family; and an excursion to the newly discovered 2,000-year-old tomb of Han Jing Di in Xian.  Families take in the Yangtze River’s majestic landscape from aboard the Victoria Cruises’ five-star Victoria Empress, in outside cabins with balconies.  Fares range from $3,588 to $3,808 per person, double, with early booking savings of $100 per couple if booked with a deposit by February 21.  Five-day pre- and four-day post-tours to Hong Kong, with accommodations at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hotel and island tour, are $788 to $1,228 per person, double.  Government-imposed taxes and fees, including the Sept. 11 Security Fee of up to $155, are additional.  Prices are subject to change.
Besides the visit to the Giant Panda research center, the best place to learn about the animals, guests take in Chengdu’s ancient Qingyang Palace, a Daoist temple; and the Sichuan Opera, for shows that combine music and acrobatic performances.  During a three-day stay in Beijing, guests attend the Legend of Kung Fu at the Beijing Opera School, a performance by children recruited from throughout the country; plant trees with young Chinese at the Great Wall; and cruise through the lakes and canals of the city’s fast-disappearing Hutong communities.  Highlights in Xian include witnessing the excavation process of the Han Jing tomb, viewing the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses and lunch and a noodle-making demonstration at the Terra-Cotta Museum.
In Chongqing, participants explore the Stilwell Museum and its collection of World War II memorabilia and explore the city’s Ci Qi Kou Old Town before boarding the Victoria Empress. The cruise features an excursion to Fengdu and its Mingshan temples; cruising through Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges; and a tour of the world’s largest hydroelectric project – the Three Gorges Dam.
The tour includes most meals, transpacific flights from West Coast cities; preconfirmed accommodations; all Asia air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing and shore excursions, tour escort, transfers, fuel surcharges, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling.  Land-only prices and single supplements are available as are add-on fares from dozens of North American gateways.  Travelers receive $100,000 flight insurance and frequent flyer credit when Pacific Delight tickets the air-inclusive tours. 
Reservations, brochures and information can be obtained from travel agents and Pacific Delight Tours, telephone (800) 221-7179 or (212) 818-1781. Web site: www.PacificDelightTours.com

Explore Holland And Belgium On A Deluxe River Cruise
Spring is the ideal time to visit Holland and Belgium when tulip season is at its peak, a riotous palette of flowers is in full bloom and the lush green Dutch countryside provides panoramic views. Explore the colorful Dutch and Belgian waterways on Gutsy Women Travel's nine-Day cruise, which departs the US on April 26, 2008.
Ladies will fly to Amsterdam where they will board the MS Amadeus Royal, a deluxe ship with 68 spacious outside cabins and four suites. Ship board amenities include restaurant, café, bar, lounge, library, sun deck, pool, wellness spa, fitness center, beauty salon, and gift shop.
Shore excursions explore the great cities of Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Ghent, as well as the charming villages of Edam and Zierikzee, providing a broad overview of the two countries. From Amsterdam's famed Red Light District to the quaint windmills of Kinderdijk, ladies will experience both cosmopolitan sophistication and the quaint countryside. The itinerary is capped off by what will surely be the trip highlight--a tour of the stunning floral displays of Keukenhof Gardens and its vibrant fields of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in peak bloom.
The cruise includes:
· Round trip flights from NYC-Amsterdam (Other departure cities are available)
· All transfers
· Seven nights deluxe river cruise on MS Amadeus Royal (Category B) outside cabin
· 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
· Unlimited wine & beer with dinners
· Services of a Cruise Director throughout
· Shore excursions per itinerary
· Entrance fees per itinerary
The April 26, 2008 departure for this trip is priced from $2,649 per person, double occupancy. Price includes land and round-trip air from New York City to Amsterdam. Other departure cities are available. Passengers should mention promotional code GWTHB200 when making their booking.
Price does not include airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, cruise port charges of $125, optional excursions, tips on board, and for drivers and tour guides.
For further information, please email info@gutsywomentravel.com. For reservations, call (866) IMGUTSY or 866-464-8879.
 
Visit A Four Seasons Location Where A Cruise Is Available
A luxury cruise on Four Seasons Explorer is a wonderful complement to a stay at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Three, four or seven-day cruises on the luxurious three-deck catamaran are perfect for divers, water enthusiasts and nature lovers. Each Maldives cruise itinerary offers an idyllic escape, sailing through remote waters teeming with sea life to the numerous dive sites and tiny palm-fringed atolls for which Maldives is famous.
Shorter cruises, from an hour to a day cruise, are offered at several Four Seasons destinations. From a cruise through the warm clear waters off Bali, Indonesia or Nevis in the West Indies to a Nile cruise though Egypt aboard a Pharaonic papyrus-style boat, from an architecturally-themed cruise on the Chicago River to a barge cruise through the English countryside, Four Seasons guests are assured of a unique cruise experience in harmonious surroundings.
Hotels or resorts offering cruises include Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, and Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley. More information at http://fourseasons.com/cruise/

 

January, 2008

Deilmann’s New French Wine Country Tour Plies Rhone And Saone Rivers
Sailing roundtrip from France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, Peter Deilmann Cruises’ 140-passenger MV Princesse de Provence hosts travelers on a nine-day wine-themed cruise-tour this spring, summer and fall, sailing on the Rhône and Saône Rivers featuring visits to some of the country’s most charming cities, vineyards and wineries hosted by local wine experts. Amid a backdrop of the rich light and color that inspired the canvases of van Gogh and Cézanne, the cruise takes in the sights and sounds of Arles, Avignon, Chalon-sur-Saône, Mâcon, Trévoux, Tournon, Tournus and Vienne.  Each day offers a unique excursion, introducing guests to a variety of appellations including the fresh white Mâconnais wines, Northern Côtes du Rhône vintages and Avignon’s Châteauneuf du Pape.  Six departures from May to October 2008 have fares ranging from $2,370 to $3,215 per person, double.  Guests can extend their cruise with two-night add-ons to Bordeaux, $399; Strasbourg, $399; and Paris, $649, all with transfers, breakfast daily and sightseeing that includes dégustations of local vintages.  This inclusive itinerary is designed for wine lovers of all levels of expertise. 
In Burgundy, guests depart Tournus with a local wine expert on a journey to discover the rich & complex Bourgogne varietals.  A stop made at the historic castle Château du Clos-de-Vougeot, a former Cisteran monastery dating back to the Middle Ages and home to four mammoth 13th-century wine presses, is followed by a visit to Château de la Tour, for the first of many dégustations, including the renowned Clos de Vougeot Grand Crus.  Before returning to the ship, travelers enjoy a private lunch with tasting and a stop in the Côte Chalonaisse region to try its sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne wines.  The Mâconnais countryside features tastings of fresh white wines like Saint Véran, Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Fuissé, while an excursion from Trevoux introduces the wines of Beaujolais with a visit to a local producer for tastings.  Other highlights include a stop at the famous Côtes du Rhône winery Chapoutier for tastings of such specialties as Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage; free time in Arles, a World Heritage site, where guests can explore the town’s 7th-century B.C. Roman sites; traveling through the breathtaking landscape of the Baux de Provence with its olive trees and orchards; and a walking tour of the hidden Roman vineyard.  The itinerary is capped off by visits to Château de Clary’s Wine & Taste Academy for a wine tasting lesson and a tour of Lyon and its Fourvière Hill, where numerous Roman and Gallic ruins offer wonderful views of the city and countryside.
The deluxe MV Princesse de Provence, built in 1992 and refurbished three years ago, features a European Old World ambiance and original artwork throughout its decks, a one-seating dining room where five-course meals are served in the evenings, a lounge, two bars, beauty salon, boutique and a Sun Deck for relaxing with a glass of local vintage as the spectacular scenery slowly unfolds.  Accommodations are distinguished by upper-deck staterooms with full-length French doors; all cabins are appointed with built-in closets, desk, shower and toilet, telephone and three-channel radio and European-style duvets and eiderdowns.  An industry high of one crewmember for every 2.5 passengers ensures top service.
Fares include all meals, daily excursions and sightseeing, wine tastings and lessons and nightly traditional and folkloric performances onboard.  Airport transfers are included when travelers purchase airfare from Peter Deilmann Cruises.  For more details on the cruises, optional tours and air arrangements, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by E-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  Further information on Cruise-Tours including the French Wine Country may be found at www.deilmann-cruises.com/tours. 

French Country Waterways Offers An Introduction To Barging
French Country Waterways is offering passengers an introduction to this experience, reducing the cost of its six-night cruises aboard the 18-passenger luxury barge Esprit to $3,200 per person, double, from the normal rate of $5,295.  This is a 40% savings and is available on several select departures through June.  The Esprit’s route through Burgundy’s fabled Côte d'Or wine-growing region follows the narrow 18th-century Canal du Centre overlooking vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, the meandering River Saône and the Canal de Bourgogne between St. Léger-sur-Dheune and Dijon.
Daily sightseeing excursions include a walking tour of Dijon, capital of the Dukes of Burgundy; the privately-owned 18th-century Château de Longecourt; medieval Clos de Vougeot, the Chevaliers du Tastevin headquarters surrounded by 12th-century vineyards; Beaune, the charming wine capital of Burgundy; the lively port of Chalon-sur-Saône; 12th-century La Rochepot castle; and a tasting of renowned Burgundies in the private cellars of a local vintner in Santenay.  During free time passengers can relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along the towpaths.  Hot-air ballooning is an option.               
In the family's charming 15th-century home in Chagny, Jacques Lameloise, owner and chef of Michelin two-star rated Lameloise, prepares a special gourmet menu of seasonal Burgundian specialties served with the finest vintages of the Côte de Beaune and Chalonnais regions.  Aboard the barge sumptuous four-course dinners, blending classic cooking techniques with the trend towards lighter, healthier dishes, are served with some of the finest wines, such as 1995 Meursault Perrieres-Premier Cru, 2000 Charmes Chambertin-Grand Cru and 1998 St. Emilion-Grand Cru.
The Esprit has a partially canopied sundeck, lounge and dining room with picture windows, well-stocked bar, library and nine staterooms.  Prices cover accommodations, all meals, estate-bottled wines, open bar, sightseeing, bicycles and escorted transfers between Paris and the barge.  Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from French Country Waterways, Ltd., P.O. Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331; (800) 222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada and (781) 934-2454 in MA; www.fcwl.com.

Orthodox Cruise Company

Russian Cruise Company Offers River Cruises On Russian Waterways
Working on the inbound travel market since 1988 , Orthodox Cruise Company offers a variety of river cruises in 2008. The recently renovated Taras Shevchenko operates ten 14-day one-way cruises between Kiev and Istanbul. Port calls include Odessa,Yalta and Tulcea where there is a boat trip on the Danube River Delta.
 The four-deck vessel accommodates 244 passengers. Land excursions available. For more information, call 7(499) 198 82 75 or fax 7(499) 198 11 01 in Moscow. Email: office@cruise.ru www.cruise.ru Website:  www.bestcruise.ru

Deilmann River Cruises Offer Themed Programs On Its European Cruises
On Peter Deilmann Cruises’ river sailings, teeing off at Europe’s most spectacular golf venues is par for the course, with guests testing their skills at some of the highest rated courses in Austria, Germany, France, and Hungary.  Or guests with a fancy towards gardening, hiking or cycling can indulge themselves with the assistance of expert guides as they embark on itineraries sailing from Amsterdam; France’s Lyon, Paris and Strasbourg; Germany’s Berlin (Potsdam), Dresden, Hamburg, Munich and Passau; and Switzerland’s Basel aboard Deilmann’s MV Cezanne, MV Dresden, MV Heidelberg, MV Mozart and Princesse de Provence.  All theme programs include transfers, entrance fees, and meals and snacks where applicable.  Golf enthusiasts can add even more playtime on top-ranked courses with optional land extensions of five and six days; priced from $510 to $750 per person, double.  Each deluxe river vessel serves as a guest’s personal inn, with single-seating dining rooms offering five-course dining experiences and choice of full-service breakfast and lunch or more casual buffets.  Fares for eight- to 14-day packages range from $2,343 to $5,919, per person, double occupancy, on departures from April through October 2008.  Guests not participating in special interest packages are charged $609 to $1,044 less.
-- Golfers on the Danube Region’s “MV Mozart Golf Cup 2008” sailings play at courses in Germany, Hungary and Austria, including one of Austria’s best (and toughest) courses at Golf & Sports Club in Oberwaltersdorf.  Or “Summer on the Rhine,” which takes in the courses nestled in Germany’s Rhine region such as the Luxembourg Golf Course set amid the 18th-century Domaine de Belenhaff Estate; the “Saône and Rhône Golf Cup 2008” program, visiting France’s Chalon Sure Saône, Monthieux, Arles and Mallemort; and “Paris 2008 Golf Cup,” kicking off at Paris’ Adam Isle Golf Club with its fast greens and elegant 18th-century clubhouse, and traveling on to courses in Caudebec-en-Caux and Rouen.  The 12-day golf packages include green fees, transfers, caddies, pull carts and use of driving ranges when available, along with a golf instructor on board. 
-- Four seven-night programs for gardeners --“German Garden Classics, “The Cottage Gardens of Holland and Belgium,” “Splendor Gardens of the Danube Monarchy” and “Dream Gardens Along the Rhône and Saône Rivers” -- transport travelers to an eclectic array of some of the most magnificent gardens in all of Europe, with tours led by gardening and landscaping experts.  Hikers on the seven-night Hiking Through Provence itinerary stride through the Beaujolais and Rhône regions, across the Alpilles to St. Remy, Arles and Avignon; while those “Hiking Through the Danube,” also seven nights, take in Austria’s Dunstein, Vienna and its majestic mountains, the Wachau region, and Hungary’s Budapest and Esztergom en route to Burgberg Mountain.
-- Cyclists can choose between four itineraries of eight nights each.  The Danube River itinerary has guests pedaling around Passau and then heading off to visit the Wachau wine region, Austria’s Viennese forest, Hungary’s Budapest and Slovakia’s Bratislava.  A Normandy program out of Paris showcases the Alabaster Coast and its rippled chalky cliffs as well as a visit to Claude Monet’s house and garden at Giverny.  A Provence and Burgundy itinerary travels through Southern France and the Beaujolais wine region, Arles and the Alpilles Mountain, Les-Baux, Avignon and the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.  Highlights of the Elbe region itinerary out of Hamburg includes cycling the Elbe Bend from Bad Schandau to Rathen, en route to the Bastion region’s massive rock formations, and the magnificent Gardens of Worlitz.
For more details on the cruises, optional tours and air arrangements, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by E-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  Further information on Theme Cruise-Tours may be found at www.deilmann-cruises.com/theme. 

 

December, 2007

Amadeus Waterways Offers Amsterdam/Paris River Cruise In Spring
Try something new this spring and cruise with Amadeus Waterways from Amsterdam to Paris onboard the deluxe MS Amadagio. Enjoy the brisk and invigorating weather as you amble down Amsterdam's cobbled streets and Cologne's thriving city center with sophisticated shopping. Admire picturesque castles along the Rhine River and visit charming Cochem and Bernkastel, before concluding your journey in enchanting Paris.
Reserve space on an Amsterdam to Paris river cruise program and save up to $500 per cabin ($250 per person) on the March 8 or 12 departures. Discount is applicable towards new bookings with the purchase of cruise, land and air package and is not combinable with other offers. Offer is based on availability.
Amadeus Waterways offers a cultural adventure in an English-speaking, non-smoking environment, with personal service, fine cuisine and daily included shore excursions as you cruise the legendary rivers of Europe. The company also offers a Russian Waterways cruise and programs in Egypt along the Nile, Southern France on the Rhône and Portugal on the Douro River.
Amadeus Waterways owns and operates the new MS Amadante (2008), MS Amacello (2008), MS Amalegro (2007) and MS Amadagio (2006), which have set new standards in European river cruising and offer a number of features no other European river cruise ship can match. These elegant ships offer state-of-the-art public areas and elegantly appointed staterooms for your enjoyment. Exquisitely decorated staterooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and internet access, and feature French balconies on the upper two decks. The ships also have an elevator, a sun deck with walking track, a whirlpool and bicycles to explore on your own.
To make a reservation or to request a brochure, please contact your travel agent or Amadeus Waterways at 1-800-626-0126. For more information, visit www.amadeuswaterways.com.

Victoria Cruises Introduces Winter Specials For Savings On China’s Yangtze River
Offering visitors the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty and intriguing history of China’s Yangtze River at a fraction of the cost, Victoria Cruises, the leading innovator and pioneer on the Yangtze, has introduced a variety of winter specials on select sailings yielding savings of over 40 percent off the regular season rates.
Victoria Cruises’ steeply-discounted winter specials include:
-- Chongqing – Yichang (four days/three nights downstream) and Yichang – Chongqing (five days/four nights upstream): Rates start at $450 per person in a standard cabin (including accommodations, meals, entertainment, onboard lectures and port taxes), valid for departures December 2007 through mid-March 2008. A favorite among travelers, the Three Gorges Highlights cruise program provides an opportunity to sail through the verdant valleys that comprise the Three Gorges as well as a tour of the Three Gorges Dam Site.
-- Chongqing-Yichang-Chongqing (eight days/seven nights): Rates start at $800 per person in a standard cabin (including accommodations, meals, entertainment, onboard lectures and port taxes), valid for departures December 2007 through mid-March 2008. The Three Gorges Explorer roundtrip program provides different daily shore excursions in each direction in order to showcase an in-depth Yangtze River experience. Travelers will experience the Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam project in addition to old cities steeped in culture and new cities built to accommodate those people who relocated because of the rising Yangtze waters.
Rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy, may change without notice and are subject to space availability. Shore excursions cost an additional $60 per person on the Three Gorges Highlights cruise and $175 per person on the Three Gorges Explorer program.
Itineraries are subject to change based on river conditions. Bookings are commissionable at 10 percent for travel agents. Victoria Cruises will be using its five-star vessels (rated by the China National Tourism Administration) for the winter sailings.
For more information or to make reservations, call Victoria Cruises toll-free at 800-348-8084 or visit www.victoriacruises.com.

Tour Ireland’s Historic Sights By River Barge
Shannon Princess brings historic Ireland to its guests. There is no more relaxing way to experience the Irish countryside than aboard the Shannon Princess II. This cozy, ten-passenger barge offers a series of six-night cruises (Sunday to Saturday) from late April to early October along the River Shannon between the towns of Athlone and Killaloe. The cruise offers a combination of superb cuisine and spacious accommodations, along with visits to historic sites and craft shops. There are also performances by local musicians and storytellers who come onboard during port calls.

Tour Europe On Spring River Cruises In Holland And Belgium
Explore Europe's best preserved medieval cities, colorful landscapes, windmills, tulips, and picturesque villages from a new vantage point, the waterways.
River Cruising  in Belgium 2008 includes: 
-- 4 Winds eight-day Spring Flower Tour Biking & Barging from $1195
-- 4 Winds eight-day Bruges to Amsterdam Biking & Barging from $1045 
-- 4 Winds eight-day Brussels to Amsterdam Biking & Barging from $995
-- 4 Winds  seven-day Holland-Belgium-France Biking & Barging from $1050
-- Abercrombie& Kent  five-day Marjorie II in Holland & Belgium from $3800 
-- Amadeus Waterways  nine-day Tulip Time Cruise from $1799 
-- Avalon Waterways  nine-day Tulip Time Cruise from $1649 
-- Brendan Vacations  ten-day Tulips & Windmills from $1459
-- Central Holidays  eight-day Tulip Time Cruise from $1899 
-- Collette Vacations  eight-day Tulip River Cruise from $1699 
-- Cross Culture Journey nine-day Holland & Belgium in the springtime from $1995
-- Destination Oceans ten-day Holland & Belgium Cruising in the spring from $1899 
-- Elegant Cruises eight-day Tulip Time in the Low Countries from $2695 
-- General Tours eight-day Canals of Holland & Belgium from $1299 
-- Globus Journeys nine-day Tulip Time Cruise from $1649 
-- Grand Circle Travel 16-day Romance of the Rhine & Mosel from $1995 
-- Grand Circle Travel 23-day Springtime on the Rhine & Mosel from $5495 
-- Grand Circle Travel 12-day Holland & Belgium in Springtime from $1995 
-- Grand European Tours 11-day Tulips & Windmills from $2049 
-- Jerry Van Dyke 13-day Waterways of Holland and Belgium from $ 6840 
-- Tauck ten-day Holland & Belgium in Spring from $3290 
-- Trafalgar 11-day Tulips & Windmills from $1959 
-- Uniworld 11-day Tulips & Windmills from $1459
-- Vantage 12-day Waterways of Holland & Belgium from $2415 
-- Vantage 14-day 11th Annual President's River Cruise from $4315 
-- Viking River Cruises ten-day Tulips & Windmills from $1699
-- Viking River Cruises 15-day Switzerland to Belgium from $2499

 

 

October, 2007

Pacific Delight’s 13-Day Historic Cities & Yangtze River Priced From $2,358
The strong demand for Pacific Delight Tours’ air-inclusive, 13-day “Historic Cities & Yangtze River” SuperValue tour has led to a near tripling of year-round departures (now 61) for 2008-2009 – with prices held within 2.5 percent of last year’s rates.  Fares ranging from $2,378 to $3,148* per person, double occupancy, are reduced by $100 with an Early-Bird Savings discount for those booking with a deposit by November 8, 2007.  
The locally guided tours provide travelers with an affordable way in which to delve into China’s Imperial cities—Shanghai, Xian and Beijing—and receive a strong understanding of the country’s history, art, archeology and architecture.  Accommodations on land are at deluxe and superior hotels, and during four nights of Yangtze River cruising aboard Victoria Cruises’ Premier Series five-star fleet, in outside cabins with private balconies and full baths. 
A wide array of included activities and sightseeing is offered throughout the 13 days: the Shanghai museum, with its dynastic artifacts exhibits; The Bund; the Shanghai Carpet Factory; the Children’s Palace; Xian’s life-sized terra cotta army and Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum; Beijing’s Tiananmen Square; The Forbidden City’s Imperial Palace; the Summer Palace; the Great Wall; the Ming Tombs; and a Beijing Duck dinner party.  On the Yangtze, where Victoria Cruises’ ships sail the most spectacular portions of the river including the Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu and Xiling), guests visit San Dou Ping to view the Three Gorge’s Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world; Fengdu and its temples of Mingshan Hill; and Chongqing’s Stillwell Museum featuring the World War II Flying Tigers collection.
The program includes round-trip transpacific West Coast flights; pre-confirmed hotels; Asia air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing and activities, bi-lingual professional guides, transfers, fuel surcharges, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling.  Land-only prices, single supplements and air add-ons from North American gateways are available. Travelers receive $100,000 flight insurance and frequent flyer credit when Pacific Delight tickets air-inclusive tours.
 *Government-imposed taxes and fees, including Sept. 11 Security Fee of up to $155, are additional.  Prices subject to change.
Pacific Delight Tours is the largest and one of the oldest providers of escorted and independent tours to China, the Orient and Southeast Asia, and also offers packages to India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.  Website: www.PacificDelightTours.com

Amadeus Waterways Offers Winter River Cruise Specials
Amadeus Waterways is offering Winter River Cruise Specials on select 2007 departures. Celebrate the magic of Europe’s wonderful winter season by visiting the charming towns where so many Christmas traditions began. This is your chance to experience what it is like to journey through historical locales that have been virtually unchanged by the passage of time.
FREE Roundtrip Airfare is available on select Magnificent Europe departures. Choose between spending Christmas Day in magnificent Vienna and New Year’s Eve in Würzburg on the December 22 departure, or join in the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in Vienna with the December 27 departure, which includes two nights in Budapest.
Or, choose from four Christmas Time Cruise departures and receive Free Companion Airfare. The December 13 and 15 departures feature magical Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings and ornaments. Or choose between spending Christmas Day in Regensburg on the December 20 departure, or join in the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in Vienna with the December 27 departure, which includes two nights in Budapest.
All departures will be onboard either the brand-new MS Amalegro or the MS Amadagio, which offer state-of-the-art public areas and elegantly appointed staterooms for your enjoyment. Exquisitely decorated staterooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and internet access, and feature French balconies on the upper two decks. The ships also have an elevator, a sun deck with walking track, a whirlpool and bicycles to explore on your own.
Reservations must be paid in full for both passengers at the time of booking to receive the promotional offer. Airfare is based from New York and Boston (Economy Class); air add-on from other U.S. gateways and air taxes are not included. This promotion is not combinable with other offers.
To make a reservation, please contact your travel agent or Amadeus Waterways at 1-800-626-0126. For more information about Amadeus Waterways’ Winter River Cruise Specials or other offers, visit www.amadeuswaterways.com/specials.asp.

Victoria Cruises Renews Contract With Avalon Waterways For 2008
Victoria Cruises has renewed its contract with Globus subsidiary Avalon Waterways to be the exclusive Yangtze River cruise provider on all related Avalon Waterways’ programs. Victoria Cruises newest five-star vessel, the Victoria Anna, provides the Yangtze River cruise segment for Avalon Waterways’ 12-Day Magical China & The Yangtze River vacation, which highlights China’s most fascinating attractions from just $2,839 per person, based on double occupancy.  “Avalon Waterways is operated by one of the most trusted names in escorted tours worldwide, and our selection as the exclusive Yangtze River cruise line for such a discerning travel provider was a tremendous honor,” noted Larry Greenman, manager, public relations and customer service, Victoria Cruises. “We are proud to see our relationship continue to flourish.”

 

 

The 12-day Magical China & The Yangtze River program features hotel accommodations at deluxe Westin properties in Shanghai and Beijing, and the exceptional Shangri-la Golden Flower in Xian. The program also includes transportation within China, most meals (11 breakfasts, nine lunches and nine dinners), guided sightseeing tours and the highlight of the experience – a relaxing four-night Yangtze River voyage from Yichang to Chongqing with Victoria Cruises.
Highlights of the 12-day tour include:
-- Shanghai—A visit to the Bund, Shanghai’s colonial building-lined riverside boulevard, which once served as China’s version of Wall Street during the 1940’s; a tour of one of Shanghai’s premier silk weaving factories, where travelers will learn how silk is collected and woven; a stop at classical Yu Gardens, featuring over 30 breathtaking pavilions; a visit to the Children’s Palace, one of China’s famous kindergartens and a stop at the Shanghai Museum to peruse cultural relics spanning 5,000 years.
-- Yangtze River—A spectacular view of centuries-old pagodas and temples nestled along the mist-shrouded Yangtze from Yichang to Chongqing; many onboard activities during the Yangtze River cruise such as Tai Chi lessons and a host of nightly entertainment options provided by Victoria Cruises and an excursion to the impressive Three Gorges Dam Site in Sandouping, an extraordinary feat of engineering and major highlight of the river cruise. There is also an excursion down the Daning River or Shennong Stream to the Small Gorges; and an additional excursion from one of three options, depending on weather conditions: Shibaozhai, a stone fortress with a 400-year-old, 12-story red wooden pagoda; 2,000-year-old Wanzhou, known as the gateway to the Eastern Sichuan Province; or the “ghost city” of Fengdu, with its gardens, temples and statues of ghosts and devils.
-- Xian—A tour of the Dayan Pagoda, built in the 7th century, and housing statues and other artworks relating to Buddha, as well as the great one’s footprints; and a visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, housing an army of more than 8,000 life-sized 3rd century statues, which once guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi.
-- Beijing—A tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City and its Imperial Palace;  a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world; a stop at Beijing’s Summer Palace, a complex of pavilions and temples once used by the Forbidden City emperors as a summer retreat; a night at the Peking Opera, with a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful make-up as it is applied to the performers; a trip to a village north of Beijing to walk along a unique segment of the ancient Great Wall of China; and a cloisonné factory tour with a demonstration in the ancient art of copper working.
Pricing for the Magical China & The Yangtze River itinerary begins at $2,839 per person, double occupancy, and does not include international air transportation. Avalon Waterways can provide competitively-priced add-on airfare from most U.S. gateways.
For more information or to book, consult your local travel agent or contact Avalon Waterways at 877-797-8791 or visit www.avalonwaterways.com.
Avalon Waterways is the newest member of the Globus family of brands, which has been providing a variety of products to address the needs of diverse travelers for more than 75 years. Website: www.avalonwaterways.com

 

September, 2007

Victoria Cruises, Pacific Delight Offer Historic Cities & Yangtze River
Victoria Cruises, has partnered with Pacific Delight Tours, the largest provider of escorted and independent tours to the region, to create a 13-Day vacation that covers the best attractions China has to offer at an unprecedented value.
Starting at $2,358* per person, based on double occupancy, the aptly named Historic Cities & Yangtze River SuperValue tour includes a relaxing river sailing on one of Victoria Cruises’ five-star vessels, as well as air travel to and within China, first-class accommodations, transfers, guides, meals (11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners), $100,000 Automatic Flight Insurance, and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.
China is the birthplace of one of the oldest civilizations on the planet, and home to countless marvels and beauties. Pacific Delight Tours’13-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River SuperValue features an abundance of sightseeing as follows:
-- Shanghai: two nights at the Hua Ting Hotel & Towers, with
* A tour of the Shanghai Museum to peruse cultural relics spanning 5,000 years of history.
* A visit to the Bund, China’s version of Wall Street during the 1940’s.
* A stop at the classical Yu Gardens, featuring over 30 pavilions.
* A tour of a Children’s Palace, where you may see children participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, dance, art, model making, science, technology and computer science.
* A tour of Shanghai’s renowned Carpet Factory where ancient oriental rug weaving techniques are still in use today.
* An excursion to the Nanjing or Huai Hai Road Emporium for some bargain shopping.
-- Yangtze River Cruise: four nights from Yichang to Chongqing in a lavish balcony stateroom, enjoying:
* A spectacular view of centuries-old pagodas and temples nestled along the mist-shrouded Yangtze.
* Many onboard activities during the Yangtze River cruise such as a lecture on the art of calligraphy, Tai Chi lessons and a host of nightly entertainment options provided by Victoria Cruises.
* An excursion to the impressive Three Gorges Dam Site in Sandouping, an extraordinary feat of engineering.
* A visit to Shibaozhai, a stone fortress with a spellbinding red pavilion built atop a hill.
* An excursion down the Daning River or Shennong Stream to the Small Gorges.
* A tour of Chongqing, with a visit to the Stilwell Museum, featuring Flying Tigers World War II memorabilia.
--Xian: two nights at the Ginwa Plaza Hotel, featuring guided tours and activities such as:
* An outing in Xian to see the Terra Cotta Warriors, an army of more than 8,000 life-sized 3rd century statues.
* A movie depicting the history of the emperor and the Terra Cotta Warriors filmed using Circle Vision technique.
* A tour of the Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum for a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese civilization.
Beijing: three nights at the Capital Hotel Beijing, with sightseeing including:
* A visit to Tiananmen Square with a tour of the 15th century palace at Beijing’s Forbidden City.
* An excursion to Beijing’s Summer Palace with a cruise on Lake Kunming (weather permitting).
* A walk along a section of the Great Wall.
* A visit to a Cloisonné factory to learn about ancient Chinese metalworking techniques.
* A tour to the Ming Dynasty Tombs and the Chang Ling Exhibition Hall.
* A farewell Peking Duck Dinner party.
* Price is per person, based on double occupancy, with transpacific air from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Government taxes and fees, including the Sept. 11th Security Fee, of up to $110 apply and are additional. Fuel surcharges included in tour price. All prices subject to change.
For more information or to book, visit www.pacificdelighttours.com  or contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179.
For over 36 years, Pacific Delight Tours has maintained the ideal of providing its customers with high quality, all-inclusive China tour packages with outstanding customer service at reasonable prices. The company’s long-standing reputation for excellence and its participation in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program are a testament to its commitment to the highest professional standards.
Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Since that time, Victoria Cruises has achieved tremendous success by introducing the majesty of the Yangtze River to travelers worldwide. A true pioneer and innovator, Victoria Cruises delivers an unrivaled and unsurpassed Yangtze River experience. For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit the company in cyberspace at www.victoriacruises.com.

 

Orthodox Cruise Company Offering Unique Russian Cruises
Orthodox Cruise Company has designed a number of special cruises/programs for foreign visitors on the waterways of Russia. These cruises can also be combined with shore excursions to the major cities of Russia.  More information on itineraries offered can be found on http://www.cruise.ru and www.bestcruise.ru.  
The Orthodox Cruise Company was established in Rostov-on-Don in 1988. In 1998 C.C. Orthodox began to provide cruise services to tourists on ten motor vessels, three of which belong to the company. Foreign partners of C.C. Orthodox are: Uniworld, Intrav(USA), Hapag-Lloyd, Phoenix Reisen, DER, Olympia-Reisen, Hansa Touristik, Lernidee Reisen (Germany), Saga, Harding Bros, Voyages Jules Verne, Noble Caledonia (Great Britain), and Politours (Spain).

Early Advantage Savings plus Free Airfare On ‘American Queen’ In 2008
Explore the mighty Mississippi, at a savings almost as big as the river itself. In 2008, we welcome you aboard the American Queen, flagship of the Majestic America Line fleet, upon which you and just 435 other guests will glide down the Mississippi River in style. A journey made more glorious with Early Advantage Savings and Free Airfare. Surrounded by finely-crafted hardwood and gleaming brass, you'll be transported back to the heyday of river travel as you visit spirited ports such as St. Louis, Memphis and of course, New Orleans. Cruise between March 1 and December 27, 2008 from $1,999 if cruises are booked by October 31, 2007.

Pacific Delight Unveils New China & Asia Tourbook With Early Bird Savings Pacific Delight Tours has introduced its 2008-2009 season with a 116-page China & Asia tour book that details its wide-ranging portfolio of programs throughout the region, and is offering Early Bird savings of up to $250 per person for bookings made by November 8.  The programs include more than 40 itineraries, most of which are escorted by well trained and knowledgeable bilingual guides, exclusive to Pacific Delight, who emphasize the sights, history and cultural of destinations visited. All tours feature several guaranteed departures.
 Early Bird Savings of up to $250 apply to all of the company’s programs: the China Imperial Experience, China & Asia SuperValue, China Gold Experience and China & Asia Escapade.  A robust range of tour extensions – including a brand-new extension to Myanmar – visit Tibet; Huangshan, China; Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Thailand; and Vietnam.  Thirteen tours highlight the Yangtze, and feature – at minimum – outside staterooms with full bath aboard Victoria Cruises’ Premier Series of five-star ships.
China Imperial Experience upscale vacations are limited to 26 participants, allowing for more individual attention, and feature such exclusive inclusions as private visits to the artifact room at the Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum in Xian; deluxe dining, including meals at renowned restaurants and regional specialties; and stays at pre-confirmed five-star and deluxe hotel stays throughout.  The fully escorted tours, ranging from 14 to 21 days, also include four-night Yangtze River cruises aboard Victoria Cruises’ ship with full bath and private balcony suites on the top two decks.  Cities featured include Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin and Hong Kong. Fares range $4,148 to $5,038 per person, double.*
China & Asia SuperValue tours provide a wide selection of seven- to 19-day vacations that visit China, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam.  These escorted itineraries, aimed at travelers with smaller budgets, include deluxe and superior first-class accommodations. 
New in 2008 are several Thailand and Vietnam packages: 11-day Bangkok, Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai; 14-day Thailand & The Golden Triangle; and 11-day Visions of Vietnam.  Packages of ten to 19 days feature three- to six-night Yangtze River Cruises aboard Victoria Cruises’ Premier ships in outside cabins with balconies; and tours and overnight stays of one to four nights to destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xian at fares ranging from $1,958 to $4,578*.  Seven-day “Single City SuperValue” packages offer more time to explore the most popular of Asia’s cities - Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Bangkok - and are locally guided at rates of $1,218 to $4,458*.
The China Gold Experience Distinctive Collection tours are premium packages offering enriching experiences to a maximum of 16 travelers with features such as FiveStar Plus luxury hotels; Junior Suite accommodations aboard Victoria Cruises’ newest ship, the Victoria Anna, with a-la-carte, top-deck dining; and private, historical tours of The Bund and the Former French Concession in Shanghai, and the artifact room at Xian’s Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum.  The 18-day Classic China program visits Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong; the 19-day Majestic China adds an excursion to the water town of Zhujiajiao; and the 16-day Imperial Cities takes in China’s top destinations – Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong.  Prices range from $6,768 to $8,658.
For those wishing to focus on Asia’s more off-the-beaten-path possibilities, Pacific Delight developed China & Asia Escapade packages, exotic and unique itineraries that combine the Yangtze with Beijing; Xian; Shanghai; Lhasa, Tibet; and Chengdu, China.  Other Escapades combine China and Mongolia; Hong Kong and Bangkok; and Tokyo and Kyoto.  A new program -- 15-day “Shangri-La & Tibet” -- takes in Shanghai, Suzhou, Kunming, Lijiang, Zhongdian (Shangri-La) and Lhasa.  Fares range from $3,718 to $5,328.*
All packages include round-trip trans-Pacific air from Los Angeles or San Francisco; all air and land transportation within Asia; sightseeing and entertainment; most meals; sightseeing and shore excursions, cultural activities, tour escort, transfers, fuel surcharges, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling.  Land-only prices, single supplements and cabin upgrades are available as are add-on fares from dozens of North American gateways. Travelers receive $100,000 flight insurance and frequent flyer credit when Pacific Delight tickets the air-inclusive tours.  *Government taxes and fees, including the Sept. 11th Security Fee of up to $155, are additional.  Prices are subject to change.