Saga’s River Cruising Program Expands In 2009 

Saga Holidays, the leading travel company for the mature traveler, has introduced seven new river cruises along the Seine, Elbe, Rhine and Danube to its 2009 program - many of them exclusive to their customers, with a greater choice of single cabins than ever before at no extra cost. And with travel insurance and a UK travel service providing free rail or coach travel included in the price, these cruises give exceptional value.

The exclusive itineraries have been meticulously designed to reveal some of Europe’s mysterious and exotic regions, where fishermen tell tales and winding rivers unveil stunning beauty only seen from the side of a ship. Saga passengers will enjoy lazy hazy days along the majestic Middle Rhine and the Celebrated Danube, discovering pretty Dutch canals and romantic French rivers, and take in the stunning scenery and wine towns of the Moselle.

Among the new itineraries for 2009 which are exclusive to Saga passengers:

--The Medieval Rhine and Main - aboard Amadeus Rhapsody - (June 12 and 20 and Sep 23 2009).

An inspiring journey through the middle Rhine - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - boasting a remarkable wealth of historic cities, medieval towns and ancient castles. Highlights include: Bamberg, Wurzburg, and Cologne, the medieval legacies of Wertheim and Miltenberg, and Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Music.

• 7 nights from £1049 per person based on two people sharing

• Flights from Heathrow to Munich, returning from Amsterdam with British Airways (23 September flights from Heathrow to Amsterdam, returning from Munich).

--Vienna and the Wachau Valley - aboard Amadeus Rhapsody - (June 5 and 13 and September 30 2009).

Cruising through the glorious Wachau Valley is a must-do and combines popular highlights including the spectacular scenery of the UNESCO-protected Wachau region, the medieval legacies of Durnstein, Regensburg and Roth; and the historic monastery of Weltenburg.

• 7 nights from £949 per person based on two people sharing

• Flights from Heathrow to Vienna, returning from Munich with British Airways, (30 September flights from Heathrow to Munich, returning from Vienna).

Also new for 2009 (but not exclusive to Saga):

--Blue Danube Odyssey - aboard Amadeus Royal - (Sep 21 2009).

Visit seven countries along endless beauty including Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. Passengers are able to explore fascinating attractions including Puszta National Park in Hungary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Holiday highlights include an evening cruise of Budapest with onboard folklore program; optional tours of Belgrade, Bucharest and other major attractions; and cruising through the famous Iron Gates.

• 15 Nights from £1949 per person based on two people sharing.

• Return flights from Heathrow to Vienna with British Airways.

--A Journey through Flanders - aboard MS Princess - (October 10, 2009).

Just over the English Channel lies a distinctive region of tree-lined canals, historic towns and traditional villages. During this new cruise, MS Princess’ smaller dimensions enable her to navigate these unspoiled waterways, which are seldom explored by standard size ships. Holiday highlights include: pretty St Omer, historic Doornik, sophisticated Lille, and optional excursions to Ghent and Audomarois National Park.

• 7 nights from £849 per person based on two people sharing.

• Return travel by ferry and coach.

--Impressions of Paris and the Seine - aboard MV Cezanne - (May - September 2009). From the iconic landmarks of Paris to picturesque locations in the unspoiled Normandy countryside, the River Seine is inextricably linked with the romantic heritage of France. Holiday highlights: the sights of Paris, Chateau Gaillard; and the chance to explore historic Rouen and Monet’s garden in Giverney.

• 7 nights from £1199 per person based on two people May 2 departure.

• Price includes early booking discount of £100 if booked before Feb 28, 2009.

• Based on return travel by Eurostar departing from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Gard du Nord in Paris.

For further information on Saga’s river cruises, visit www.saga.co.uk/travel-shop  

or call 0800 056 5880 to request a brochure.

Price includes: cabin accommodation, meals, snacks, entertainment and activities, insurance and additional cancellation cover, and, where applicable, return economy flights, return travel by Eurostar; or return travel by ferry and coach, return transfers between your overseas airport hotel and port and hotel accommodation and meals as specified.

 

January, 2009

AMNH Expeditions Offers Special Russian Waterways Voyage

The AMNH Expeditions is offering an in-depth view of Russia from its most cosmopolitan cities to the countryside immortalized by artists and writers by boat. The 13-day river trip leaves July 3, 2009. Specially arranged programs and behind-the-scenes access, conversations with high-level dignitaries, private museum and palace tours, and musical performances offer unparalleled insight into the complex nature of Russia today.

Travel in grand style aboard the 5-star Volga Dream, the most elegant river ship in Russia, known for its luxurious décor and gracious international staff. Expert study leaders accompany us to offer insider perspective on Russian literature and Orthodox spirituality, science and technology programs, as well as the lavish lifestyle and grandeur of the tsars. Travelers from the Commonwealth Club of California, Alumnae Association of Smith College, and the Smithsonian will also join us on this adventure.

Study leader for this voyage is Robert Wessling, an Academic Director of Undergraduate Education and Lecturer in the Humanities at Stanford University. He holds a PhD in Russian literature from UC Berkeley and has published on nineteenth-century Russian literature and medicine. His lecture series on the Volga will include the following topics: Russian icons and Orthodox spirituality, Russian towns and cities, what 19th-century Russian literature tells us about being Russian, and the Soviet experiment and its legacy. 

The program rate starts from $7,995 and includes meals.

The itinerary:

--Day 1-3: US/Moscow, Russia

Arrive in Moscow on Saturday afternoon on the recommended overnight flight, or independently. Enjoy a special welcome reception and a private performance of classical balalaika. After a private guest lecture by a government dignitary, visit the Tretyakov Gallery, step outdoors to the Sculpture Park, and explore Moscow’s Metro, known for its architectural splendor.

--Day 4-6: At the Kremlin, enjoy a specially arranged before-hours visit to the Armory Museum, and take a private tour of the seventeenth-century Terem Palace. Continue to Red Square before transferring to the Volga Dream along the Moscow Canal. Relax aboard the Volga Dream as she cruises into the heart of central Russia. Pause at the ancient trading town of Uglich, where artisans produce traditional lacquerware and Russian crafts. Continue to Yaroslavl, with the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet.

--Day 7-9: Goritzy/Kizhi Island/Lakes Onega & Ladoga.

In the tiny settlement of Goritzy, visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Discover Lake Onega and see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses and windmills, and the famous Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail. Cruise along the 139-mile-long Svir River, before reaching Lake Ladoga.

--Day 10-12: Valaam/St. Petersburg. The Valaam archipelago includes more than fifty islands in the northwestern part of Lake Ladoga and boasts thick coniferous forests, wild rocky shores, and picturesque bays. Explore the largest island, Valaam, and visit the splendid monastery. Enjoy a special concert performed by a choir of monks. Arrive in St. Petersburg via the Neva River and disembark the Volga Dream. Travel to Catherine the Great’s Palace. Enjoy a city tour of St. Petersburg, including Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and Nevsky Prospect. Attend a special late opening at the renowned Hermitage Museum.

--Day 13-14: St. Petersburg/US. Drive along the shores of the Gulf of Finland for a special early entrance to the monumental Summer Palace of Peter the Great (Peterhof). Return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Gather this evening for a gala farewell dinner. Transfer to the airport for early afternoon flights on the recommended flight itinerary, or independently, to the US.

More information at http://amnhexpeditions.org/tours/search.php?sear=128

The American Museum of Natural History in New York established AMNH Expeditions in 1953 with the goal to present educational travel programs that reflect past and current areas of interest and exploration by the museum. The tours provide a combination of study, adventure and leisure activities. Website: www.amnhexpeditions.org.

 

December, 2008

French Country Waterways

Peter Deilmann River Cruises

French Country Waterways

Quinquennial Wedding Anniversary Discounts Of 5% To 50%

French Country Waterways is celebrating wedding anniversaries with the return of its very popular “Quinquennial Anniversary” program. The special provides discounts of 5% to 50% on selected departures of the luxury barges Adrienne and Horizon II through August 2009 for couples celebrating wedding anniversaries in sequences of five from their fifth to their 50th. The longer the marriage, the larger the savings -- a 5% discount for the fifth anniversary, 10% for the 10th, 25% for the 25th, etc. The cruises, which have weekly departures from March 29 to October 25, are regularly priced at $6,795 to $7,995 per person, double.

The 12-passenger, all-suite Adrienne sails the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy’s fabled Côte d'Or wine-growing region for 2009. Her 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 eight-passenger Horizon II takes in “Historic Burgundy,” the route between Tanlay and Veneray-les-Laumes on the Canal de Bourgogne.

Guests on the Horizon II visit Auxerre’s St. Etienne Cathedral and historic quarter; the Abbaye de Fontenay, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries; and the splendid Renaissance château of Ancy-le-Franc; as well as enjoy a private wine tasting in the vineyards of Chablis. Daily escorted sightseeing excursions for guests on the Adrienne include a walking tour of Dijon; the privately-owned 18th-century Château de Longecourt; medieval Clos de Vougeot, with its 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

These luxury six-night cruises combine elegant dinner ashore at the most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant near each cruise route (Adrienne - Lameloise in Chagny; Horizon II - Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu) with creative cuisine prepared by talented young chefs, who blend classic cooking techniques with the trend to lighter cuisine, accompanied by Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. Other signature characteristics include attentive service from a crew fluent in English and French; daily sightseeing excursions and a private wine tasting; time to relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths; and no smoking inside the barges and coaches.

A festive dinner will mark the anniversary. The cruise need not coincide with the wedding date but a couple must have gotten married between 1959 and 2004 in a year ending in four or nine and submit a copy of the wedding certificate. Rates are lowest during "value seasons" – May 3, 10, July 12 to Aug. 16. Early booking is recommended since space is limited. Special room rates are offered at several deluxe hotels in Paris. 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.

Peter Deilmann River Cruises

Classical Music Sailings Offered Aboard MV Dresden And MV Mozart

Classical music aficionados can choose between three distinct music voyages -- one aboard the deluxe MV Dresden sailing from Germany’s Hamburg to Dresden on April 25, and two aboard the top-of-the-line MV Mozart on April 26 and October 4, roundtrip from Munich (Passau). In addition to hearing an array of classical performances onboard, passengers can also purchase excursion packages that include five shore excursions and concert performances ashore for $257 per person.

The 106-passenger MV Dresden’s classical music program is punctuated by performances in Dresden’s Semper Opera House, with headliner Sophie Koch singing chansons from Hector Berlioz, Henri Duparc and Richard Strauss. The MV Mozart, with its 100 guests, features five classical musicians who serenade guests en route with pieces from the Baroque era, classic sonatas repertoires and harp music; live performances will take place in several of the itinerary’s ports. Fares range from $1,625 to $4,500 per person, double.

In addition to hearing Sophie Koch perform at the Semper Opera House, those guests who purchase the $257 MV Dresden shore excursion package will also have the chance to take a behind’s-the-scene tour of the Semper Opera house situated on the banks of the Elbe River.

The itinerary will delve deep into the rich culture and history of the destinations visited, with optional city tours providing a comprehensive lay of the land in the well-preserved medieval city of Tangermünde with its Gothic brick-built Old Town; Magdeburg, home to the tallest church building in eastern Germany; Meissen, renowned for its quality porcelain; and Wittenberg -- where an optional excursion travels in the footsteps of Protestant Reformer Martin Luther. Guests will also visit Prague, and its ancient, massive Hradcany Castle; and D??ín, situated in a picturesque valley straddling both banks of the Elbe River. Fares range from $1,625 to $3,135 per person, double.

MV Mozart’s two Danube itineraries feature sonata repertoires and piano and harp music by French Impressionists Ravel, Debussy and Jolivet. The cruise includes live musical performances in Budapest and Vienna, a tour of the Theatre of Vienna, where the “Magic Flute” was first played; the Stephansdom Cathedral, where Mozart was married; and Figaro House, where Mozart wrote “The Marriage of Figaro.” Other stops on the river include Dürnstein, which has kept its historic character and is regarded by many as the most romantic place in the Wachau; Melk, which is dominated by one of the most splendid monastic houses in the country, the Benedictine Abbey; the picturesque, diminutive town of Grein, with it commanding Greinburg Castle; and Bratislava, where guests will take in the city’s charming Old Town and its Mirbach Palace, an architectural treasure. Fares range from $2,000 to $4,500 per person, double.

The Deilmann ships provide relaxing travel through the heart of Europe on a deluxe European floating hotel without the bother of packing and unpacking and one of the industry’s best passenger-to-crew ratio – 2.5 to 1. The award-winning river cruise vacations are designed for both the first-time and frequent vacationer who prefers traveling in comfort with attentive service and fine dining. Dining on board is single seating on both vessels and the cuisine is continental. Mid-afternoon tea and coffee is served every day both on deck and in the lounge and there is a late evening buffet. The friendly, multi-lingual staffs are there to cater to passengers’ every wish. A non-smoking policy applies to the interiors of all Peter Deilmann River vessels.

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 Music Cruises may be found at www.deilmann-cruises.com/theme. Cruises itineraries, deck plans and ship photos are online at www.deilmann-cruises.com .

Venice And Paris Coupled With A Seine River Cruise Aboard ‘Mv Cézanne’

Peter Deilmann Cruises is offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to explore two of Europe’s most culturally wealthy countries in a single 17-day deluxe adventure – combining a nine-day Italian and French upscale land package with a seven-night sailing along France’s River Seine. Guests can take in the many wonderful gardens of Lake Como after their private lake cruise; stroll with a guide through a variety of Venice’s most important sites; take the famed Orient Express on an overnight to Paris; indulge in the taste of champagne while in Champagne; and slowly cruise along one of France’s most romantic rivers, the Seine, stepping ashore at many of the villages and cities along its path. Land accommodations are in deluxe hotels including three nights at Lake Como’s Villa d’Este, and two nights each at Hotel Cipriani in Venice and the Chateau of Les Crayeres, while on board the MV Cézanne, passengers enjoy all the amenities of a small luxury hotel in the heart of France. The six departures – one each month from April through September 2009 – are priced at $11,719 to $12,969 per person, double. A two-night Paris extension with included excursions is $615 per person, double.

The Villa d’Este in Lake Como, with its near 500-year-old villa and 25-acre park set on the shores of the lake, acts as the base of operations for more than three days of sightseeing. A private lake cruise stops at Villa Carlotta for a tour and the Renaissance town of Bellagio for a stroll, followed by a day for independent exploration. After a transfer by private car to Venice’s Hotel Cipriani, a luxury estate opposite the Piazza San Marco, guests are taken in hand for an introduction to the many sites of the city and an excursion to the islands of Murano, also known as the Glass Island for its 700-year history of glass blowers, and Burano, known for its lacework.

The overnight journey to Paris is aboard the restored luxury carriages of the famed Orient Express, taking passengers back to a bygone era. After settling in at the Chateau of Les Crayères, renowned not only for its high standards of service but also for its three-star Michelin restaurant, guests will tour Reims. Highlights include the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, where French Kings were crowned, and its old town, and then venture off to the Champagne region to visit the vineyards, meet with a local producer and tickle the senses with a Champagne tasting.

The MV Cézanne serves as a floating hotel, set in the heart of Paris for a night, as guests take a tour of the City of Lights’ not-to-be missed sites – Notre Dame, the Louvre, Sacrè Couer, Champs Elysées and Eiffel Tower. From Paris the ship makes stops in Les Andelys with a tour of Richard the Lionheart’s Chateau-Gaillard; Caudebec-en-Caus, where an optional excursion to the Landing Beaches of Normandy is offered; and Honfleur, whose unusual light inspired native son, Eugéne Boudin, and others, including Monet, Renoir and Sisley, to experiment and give the world Impressionism. In Rouen, the half-timbered city where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, guests visit the Gothic Cathedral Notre Dame and old town; and in Vernon, opposite Giverny, guests are take a tour of the restored home of Monet, his lily ponds, Japanese Bridge and gardens.

The fully air-conditioned MV Cezanne, completely renovated in 2006, is a deluxe ship with 50 large staterooms, sun decks and stylish public rooms that include an elegant restaurant, bar, lounge and library. Dining on board is single seating and the cuisine is continental. Mid-afternoon tea and coffee is served every day on deck and in the lounge and there is a late evening buffet. The friendly, multi-lingual staffs cater to passengers’ every wish – and offer a high level of service with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers. A non-smoking policy applies to the interiors of all Peter Deilmann River vessels.

Fares include 10 excursions, five-star accommodations on land and an outside cabin onboard, all meals onboard including Captain’s welcome and farewell champagne receptions, transfers and such nightly entertainment as traditional and folkloric performances. Port charges of $120 and a fuel surcharge of $70, per person, are additional.

Website: www.deilmann-cruises.com

 

July, 2008

Majestic America Line Offers Fall Foliage Cruises Along the Mississippi River
Majestic America Line is offering guests a rare opportunity to see the colors of fall at their finest along the historical Mississippi River aboard American Queen at special savings. Guests will also receive a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay, city tour and a $100 per person shipboard credit.
Majestic America Line offers eight American Queen Fall Foliage sailings on the Mississippi River, designed to highlight the brilliant, picture-perfect colors that the region is famous for. Guests will be enchanted by the rhythm of small-town America at its best and refresh themselves in the crisp, clean air of fall. Onboard Discovery Guides will share the history, culture and scenic landscapes with guests as they cruise along the river.
--Seven-night St. Paul to St. Louis sailings depart September 6, 20 and October 4, 18 with 7-night St. Louis to St. Paul sailings departing September 13, 27 and October 11. The cruises visit Winona, Minn.; La Crosse, Wis.; Dubuque, Iowa; Davenport, Iowa; Burlington, Iowa; and Hannibal, Mo. Highlights include tranquil towns, bustling cities, an impressive system of locks and dams, Amish Country, Mark Twain's hometown, and the famed Gateway Arch.
--A 6-night St. Louis to Memphis sailing departs October 25 and visits Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Mount Vernon, Ind.; Paducah, Ky.; and New Madrid, Mo., featuring historic landmarks, quaint downtown districts, Civil War sites, the Trail of Tears and the home of Elvis.
In size and style, American Queen features six decks and measures 418-feet in length, and is one of 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.
Staterooms and suites deluxe bedding, feathery duvets, plump pillows and spa-quality bath amenities.
Fares start at $1,999 per person. For more information, contact a travel agent, call 1-800-434-1232 or visit http://www.majesticamericaline.com /.

Pacific Delight Tours Offers Affordable Post-Olympic Supervalue Programs
Pacific Delight Tours is unveiling four autumn 2008/spring 2009 SuperValue China packages that enable travelers to explore the country’s innumerable ancient and historic attractions, but without having to grapple with post-Beijing Olympic crowds who will have departed by the end of August. The 12- to 19-day locally guided tours offer guests an easy and affordable way to see the Imperial cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an, as well as a host of other destinations, with land-only prices ranging from $1,588 to $3,638 per person, double. The three longer programs include Yangtze River cruises aboard Victoria Cruises Premier Series of five-star ships, in outside staterooms with balconies and private baths; on land, guests stay in deluxe and superior first class hotels.  Air is available at competitive rates.  Government-imposed taxes and fees of up to $60 are additional.  Prices are subject to change.
In Beijing, guests visit the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City’s Imperial Palace, which for nearly five centuries served as the home of the Emperor.  Other highlights include an excursion to the Summer Palace to see the largest and most complete Imperial garden in existence, and a cruise on Lake Kunming.  A visit to ancient Xi’an provides guests with the opportunity to witness one of the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, the unearthing of life-size terra-cotta warriors and horses arranged in battle formations, buried in the first Emperor of China’s mausoleum.  For its part, cosmopolitan Shanghai features innumerable shopping opportunities, with visits to Nanjing Road, considered the premier commercial road in Shanghai; and HuaiHai Road, boasting stores with top-end designer brands.  Cultural attractions include the Bund, or embankment, boasting dozens of historic buildings that stretch a mile down the Huangpu River. 
-- The 13-day Historic China Cities & Yangtze River Cruise package adds a four-night upstream cruise from Yichang, visiting San Dou Ping, the site of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam, and Wu Gorge, thought to be the most beautiful section of the Yangtze.  A Fengdu excursion visits the Mingshan Hill temples, with statues of ghosts and devils.  Travelers disembark in Chongqing, visiting the Stilwell Museum and its collection of World War II memorabilia.  Costs are $1,588 to $2,128.
-- Six nights of downstream cruising on the 17-day Grand Yangtze River Cruise & Huangshan Mountain vacation calls at  Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei province, and an amalgamation of three smaller cities ­Hankou, Hanyang and Wuchang.  Travelers visit the Hubei Provincial Museum, housing more than 200,000 cultural relics; the Guichi area, including an excursion to Huangshan Mountain; and Nanjing, for visits to a Qing Dynasty-style bazaar and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Mausoleum.  Rates are set at $2,518.
-- In addition to a three-night downstream Yangtze cruise, the 19-day Scenic China & Yangtze River vacation adds two nights in Hangzhou, which in the 13th  century Marco Polo declared “the most beautiful and elegant city in the world.”  The land portion also visits Guangzhou and the ancestral Chen Clan Temple, now the Chen Clan Academy.  A three-night stay in Hong Kong includes excursions to Stanley Market, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen’s floating community and an excursion up Victoria Peak.  Prices range from $3.258 to $3,638.
The programs include pre-confirmed hotels; all intra-China air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing, local tour escort, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling.  Government-imposed taxes and fees of up to $60 are additional.  Prices are subject to change.  Pacific Delight Tours is the market leader in escorted and independent tours to China, the Orient and Southeast Asia.  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.

RiverBarge Excrusions Lines Offering Two Blues Themed Cruises
RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. is offering two Bluegrass, Blues & Blue Suede Shoes excursions. These special Expanding Frontiers trips are a musical delight with special performances by bluegrass, blues and rockabilly entertainers.
-- A six-day cruise from Nashville to Memphis departs November 20, 2008, traveling on the Cumberland, Ohio and Lower Mississippi rivers. Fares are $1,499 per person double occupancy on Royal Deck and $1,629 per person double occupancy on Platinum Deck.
-- An eight day-cruise from Memphis to Nashville on the Lower Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland Rivers departs June 11, with Royal Deck fares at $2,779 and Platinum Deck fares at $2,959 per person, double occupancy. Platinum Deck staterooms have a small balcony. Website: www.riverbarge.com

 

 

June, 2008

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.
Pacific Delight Tours, celebrating 37 years in business in 2007, 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.  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.

 A Northwest Adventure Complete With History, Scenery And Relaxation.
Few cruises celebrate the distinct heritage of America like a journey on the Columbia River. For 2008, Majestic America Line invites you to embrace the unique culture and wilderness of the Pacific Northwest on a one-of-a-kind cruise experience. You will trace the historical footsteps of Lewis and Clark and watch from the ship’s deck as waterfalls cascade gracefully down the river’s gorge. While aboard the Empress of the North, Queen of the West or Columbia Queen, you will enjoy the friendly service and luxurious accommodations Majestic America Line is famous for. Custom shore tours are included in your fare and you’ll travel in our inviting new Majestic America Line motor coaches to each attraction. With Discovery Guides and regional experts as a part of every Columbia River cruise, your journey is sure to be as enriching as it is relaxing.
Cruise between March 22 – December 27, 2008 from $1,999. First time guests are eligible for Early Advantage Savings and Guaranteed Pricing. More information on www.majesticamerica.com

 

All prices shown are per person, double occupancy and show the Early Advantage Savings fares applied. Itineraries and Early Advantage Savings are capacity controlled and subject to change without notice. Per person port charges/ground handling fees and taxes are an additional $159. Other restrictions may apply.

 

August, 2007

Cruising Portugal & Spain with Amadeus Waterways
Amadeus Waterways has launched a brand new itinerary for 2008, Cruising Portugal & Spain, aboard the MS Amadouro. Start your journey with Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, which lies on several hills along the River Tagus. Explore the Douro River Valley, beginning with Porto, the capital of North Portugal, which also gives its name to one of the finest wines in the world – Port wine. Continue inland and visit the countryside of the Trás-os-Montes Region (Behind the Mountain), with its unique languages and customs that have been nurtured by its picturesque location amongst the steep terraces that climb up and into the mountains. Enter Spain and visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the Castilla y León Region before returning to Portugal. Visit the ancient and picturesque city of Lamego, before concluding your voyage in historic Porto.
Amadeus Waterways will release its 2008/2009 Portugal & Spain brochure in September. Along with a detailed day-to-day itinerary, the brochure will feature cultural and historical highlights of Portugal and Spain. To order a free brochure, contact your Travel Agent or Amadeus Waterways.
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 Rhine, Main, Danube and Mosel rivers. The company also offers a magnificent new Provence & Spain program, fascinating Russian Waterways cruise, and a spectacular Nile River Cruise, combined with land programs in Cairo and Alexandria.
Book your 2008 river cruise vacation by September 30, 2007 to take advantage of the 5% Early Booking Discount (individual bookings only). To make a reservation, please contact your travel agent or Amadeus Waterways at 1-800-626-0126. For more information, visit www.amadeuswaterways.com.

Sail the Yangtze River On Victoria Cruises During China’s 2008 Olympics
Those who wish to incorporate more traditional tourism offerings while traveling to Beijing, China for the 2008 Summer Olympics should be sure to include a relaxing cruise along the scenic, temple-lined Yangtze River with Victoria Cruises. Travelers are encouraged to book early as space is expected to fill rapidly during this busy period.
With the largest fleet of five-star vessels on the Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises offers several itineraries including the popular Three Gorges Highlights, which sails downstream from Chongqing to Yichang and includes a magnificent view of the Three Gorges and the impressive Three Gorges Dam project, as well as an excursion down one of the Yangtze’s tributary rivers
The four-day/three-night Chongqing to Yichang sailing departs daily except for Saturdays and starts at $675 per person, based on double occupancy in a standard cabin during July and August 2008, $720 per person, double, in September.
Victoria Cruises’ Three Gorges Highlights program is also available for upstream sailings, which depart every day except for Tuesdays, but takes one extra day due to river currents. The five-day/four-night Yichang to Chongqing upstream journey is priced the same as the downstream sailing.
For those seeking a longer sailing, Victoria Cruises offers an eight-day/seven-night roundtrip Chongqing-Yichang-Chongqing journey, known as the Three Gorges Explorer, which includes different shore excursions in each direction.
The Three Gorges Explorer departs daily except for Saturdays and starts at $1,200 per person, based on double occupancy in a standard cabin during July and August, $1,300 per person, double, in September.
As an alternative, Victoria Cruises’ Grand Yangtze Discovery encompasses the magnificent Three Gorges area as well as the intriguing, historic and scenic sites along the Eastern part of the Yangtze River. Journeying between Chongqing and Shanghai, this itinerary offers a window into the soul and spirit of China and its people, with highlights including a Qing Dynasty-style Bazaar surrounding a Confucian Temple located at Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province. Other shore excursions include Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, and Huangshan, one of China’s fabled mountain ranges.
The seven-day/six-night downstream Grand Yangtze Discovery offers summer 2008 departures on July 9 and 23; August 6 and 20; and September 3 and 17, and is priced from $1,400 per person, based on double occupancy in a standard cabin during July and August, $1,500 per person, double, in September.
The nine-day/eight-night upstream Grand Yangtze Discovery is priced the same as the downstream sailing, and has departures on July 1, 15 and 29; August 12 and 26; and September 9 and 23.
For more information or to make reservations, call Victoria Cruises toll-free at 800-348-8084 or visit www.victoriacruises.com.

Tauck Adding Two New River Cruises For 2008
Tauck World Discovery is again expanding its portfolio of European river cruises by adding two new itineraries slated to debut next spring.  Along with the new cruises, Tauck is boosting its total number of published river departures by 36 percent for 2008 and taking delivery of its second all-new riverboat in two years.
Tauck’s two new river cruise itineraries are The Rhine And Moselle (13 days, from $4,290 plus air), and Prague To The Black Sea (20 days, from $7,290 plus air). 
The Rhine And Moselle” begins in Basel, Switzerland and proceeds to Strasbourg, France before exploring Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Cochem and other towns and villages in Germany.  The itinerary also includes a visit to Luxembourg (where Tauck guests enjoy lunch in a 12th-century castle), and shore excursions in the Netherlands highlighted by a full day of sightseeing and cultural experiences in Amsterdam. 
Prague To The Black Sea combines two popular Tauck river itineraries, The Blue Danube and Budapest To The Black Sea.” The package begins with a three-night hotel stay in Prague, before guests begin their 14-day Danube River cruise in Regensburg, Germany.  The voyage highlights towns and villages in Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, and concludes with a two-night stay in Bucharest at the five-star Athenee Palace Hilton. 
Like every Tauck river journey, the two new itineraries are virtually all-inclusive.  No options are sold on Tauck river cruises, and each journey includes all shore excursions, gratuities, transfers, onboard lectures and entertainment, and wine with dinners.
The Rhine And Moselle will feature Tauck’s MS Swiss Diamond, while guests on Prague To The Black Sea will sail aboard either the MS Swiss Emerald or the new MS Swiss Sapphire, which is under construction in the Netherlands.  The ship will feature 59 outside-facing staterooms, including 14 luxury suites with 300 square-feet of living space.  All cabins will have a plasma TV, mini-bar, radio, safe, air conditioning and L’Occitane toiletries.
For more information, call 1 800 468 2825 or visit www.tauck.com.

 

July, 2007

Amadeus Waterways
Imperial River Cruises
INTRAV
Majestic America Line
Viking River Cruises

 

 

Amadeus Waterways

Amadeus Waterways Offers FREE Roundtrip Airfare
Amadeus Waterways is currently offering FREE roundtrip airfare* on select 2007 Magnificent Europe departures for November and December, including two newly created itineraries for the holidays. Celebrate the magic of Europe’s wonderful winter season with a fascinating trip along the Danube, from historic Budapest to magnificent Vienna. Visit Salzburg, charming Passau and Regensburg. Cross the Continental Divide to Nuremberg cruising onward to the medieval towns of Bamberg and Würzburg. Admire the captivating castles along the Rhine River valley as the cruise continues to Koblenz and Cologne, finishing this enchanting winter cruise in beautiful Amsterdam.
All four departures will be onboard either the MS Amalegro or MS Amadagio. Book today and receive FREE roundtrip airfare on the November 3 and 17 departures. For those who would like to experience the holiday season in Europe, choose between spending Christmas Day in magnificent Vienna and New Year’s Eve in Würzburg on the December 22 departure, or join in on the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in Vienna with the December 29 departure.
*Reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking to receive free airfare from New York and Boston (Economy Class). Air add-ons from other U.S. gateways and air taxes are not included. This promotion is not combinable with other offers.
Amadeus Waterways vessels 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 your copy of the 2008 Amadeus Waterways Brochure, contact Amadeus Waterways at 1-800-626-0126. Website: www.amadeuswaterways.com  

 

Imperial River Cruises

Imperial River Cruises Offering Special Fall 2007 Peter Tchaikovsky Cruise
Imperial River Cruises is currently offering the Peter Tchaikovsky Music aboard MS River Voyager from September 27 to October 8, 2007.
This unique river voyage is dedicated to the memory of the Russian composer Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky. It is a wonderful opportunity to take our popular sightseeing tour that includes Moscow, Uglitch, Yaroslavl, Tchaikovsky and Kazan. See the places where Tchaikovsky lived, grew up and composed his works. Enjoy classical music along your way, performed by the best local orchestras of the region.
Itineraries and schedules for 2008 are available now by request!
Visit Imperial River Cruises at: www.cruisebyriver.com  866.922.4640 Toll Free, 516.922.4640, 914.410.3275 516.922.4995. Email: river@cruisebyriver.com  

 

                                                            

INTRAV

Explore Europe’s Four Romantic Rivers With INTRAV This Fall
INTRAV’s 14-night cruise exploring the Danube, Main, Rhine and Mosel rivers is, above all, a voyage of great cultural and scenic diversity. From bustling Budapest and grand Vienna to medieval Passau and Regensburg, majestic Bratislava and romantic Koblenz, beautiful landscapes and historic towns appear around every bend on “Europe’s Four Romantic Rivers” September 21 and October 6 Sound of Music sailings.
Guests on this unique itinerary, sailing through the picturesque countryside of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, will also reap extraordinary savings with a choice of free economy air (up to a $1,200 value) or $1,000 off business class air when booked by INTRAV.
Upon arrival in Budapest (or Trier for the reverse itinerary on October 6), guests will embark the new, ultra-deluxe 98-guest Sound of Music, the most luxurious vessel sailing Europe’s waterways complete with spacious all-outside cabins, single-seating dining, and a spa for beauty and wellness treatments.
After an onboard overnight and a Treasures tour of Budapest, visiting the 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, turreted Fisherman’s Bastion, and the enchanting Royal Palace, the Sound of Music sets sail on the Danube.
The first port of call is Slovakia’s multicultural capital, Bratislava, renowned for Devin Castle, a fortress at the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers, and 14th-century St. Michael’s Gate.  Next is Vienna for an onboard overnight.  Here, in the culturally rich City of Waltzes, music and art lovers will enjoy the city’s gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, home to the imperial Hapsburg family until 1918. 
The rolling hills of Austria’s Wachau Valley unfold as the Sound of Music plies the Danube to Melk, home of the Melk Abbey, a former palace, and one of the most impressive architectural masterpieces north of the Alps. 
Located on the border of Germany at the confluence of the Ilz, Inn and Danube rivers, 2,000-year-old Passau is known, logically enough, as The City of Three Rivers. .  A highlight here will be a concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral featuring Europe’s largest pipe organ with more than 17,000 pipes.  The following day guests explore 2,000-year-old Regensburg and visit Donaudurchbruch Gorge where they can climb up to the classical Hall of Liberation for breathtaking views of the Altmuehl Valley.
After a relaxing day cruising the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, the riverboat reaches Nürnberg for visits to the Hauptmarkt, St. Sebald’s Church, and the German National Museum, where master painter Albrecht Dürer lived. In Bamberg, architectural treasures abound with the 17th-century Neue Residenz and Domplatz, one of Germany’s most beautiful squares.
Guests will take in gorgeous landscapes of the Main River before discovering Würzburg. In the heart of the Franconian wine district, this city presents enchanting baroque and rococo architecture, such as the grand Prince-Bishop’s Residenz, which is one of the largest baroque palaces in Germany and an UNESCO World Monument.
After visiting the preserved medieval walled city of Rothenburg, seemingly untouched by time, it’s on to the neighboring Bavarian town of Miltenberg, which consists of a single street lined with the half-timbered buildings that are so characteristic of central Germany.
At the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers stands the 2,000-year-old city of Koblenz. Though World War II took its toll on the city, many of the historic buildings have been painstakingly restored, including the Church of Our Lady and a 13th century Gothic basilica built on a Romanesque foundation.  The next visit ashore is to charming Cochem in one of the best wine regions of the Mosel Valley.  Here, the impressive 1,000 year-old Reichsburg Castle rises majestically behind the medieval town.  Also toured is Marksburg Fortress, the only undamaged mountainside castle along the Rhine.
After a morning walking tour of Bernkastel, one of Germany’s most colorful wine towns, the Sound of Music reaches Trier, Germany’s oldest city dating back to the Roman Empire.  Touring here includes the preserved Porta Nigro (Black Gate) and amphitheaters where the Romans once watched gladiator battles.  Following a captain’s farewell gala dinner and onboard overnight, guests disembark and fly home via Luxembourg.
Per person prices for the 14-night September 21 and October 5 voyages are from $4,495 and include, all meals during cruises, gratuities, shore excursions and port charges.  In addition, guests may choose either free economy air (up to a $1,200 value) or $1,000 savings on business class air when booked by INTRAV.
For additional information about INTRAV call (800) 456-8100 or visit www.intrav.com.       

 

Majestic America Line

Majestic America Line Announces 2008 Theme Cruises
Majestic America Line, one of the world’s premier river cruise lines and the largest river and coastal cruising company in America, is offering a remarkable collection of themed cruises in 2008 designed to showcase the amazing natural and cultural treasures of the United States. With 77 themed cruises planned for 2008, discerning travelers can choose from an array of extraordinary American travel experiences such as the new Rediscover New Orleans journey or from some classic river cruising favorites like the beautiful Fall Foliage or traditional Spring Pilgrimage programs.
By assembling the most informative presenters, compelling entertainers and a host of educational shore tours that only add richness to the cruise’s theme, Majestic America Line provides guests with a handcrafted, cruise experience they simply cannot find anywhere else.
-- Rediscover New Orleans—Majestic America Line will launch its 2008 season with a New Orleans-themed cruise, where guests will discover the vibrant energy and cultural treasures of this fabled city aboard Majestic America Line’s flagship, the 436-guest American Queen. This roundtrip journey from the Crescent City allows passengers a full extra day to explore New Orleans with a choice of two included shore tours. Guests can select from an array of options, which include a historic walking tour of the French Quarter, a culinary adventure at a Cajun cooking school, a touching visit to the National World War II Museum or a colorful tour of Mardi Gras floats at Mardi Gras World. Guests will also have the chance to experience famous New Orleans’ mainstays like Bourbon Street, Harrah’s Casino and the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square up close and personal at their own leisure. Special enrichment presenters will share insights into the one-of-a-kind history, culture and significance of New Orleans and the Mississippi River, providing guests with a unique perspective as the ship sails through the heart of one of America’s most unique cities.
With seven sailings to choose from in January and February, rates for the seven-night program start from $1,799 per person based on double occupancy.
-- Southern Style Spring Pilgrimage—With cruises aboard the American Queen or the completely refurbished 328-guest Mississippi Queen, guests can drift into the elegance and charm of the South as springtime comes into bloom. Highlights of this beautiful cruise include informative presentations detailing the intriguing history and culture of the Plantation South, as well as an exclusive tour of classic antebellum mansions, rarely open to the public. Guests on select sailings will also enjoy an unforgettable community performance reliving the history of Natchez, Mississippi, a city older than New Orleans, featuring 200 local performers who have entertained audiences for more than 75 years.
With ten sailings to choose from between March and April, rates for the seven-night program on the American Queen or Mississippi Queen start from $1,799 per person.
-- Three Steamboat Race Cruise—Experience the nostalgic excitement of the days of Mark Twain with three steamboat races aboard just one 14-night cruise on the 174-guest Delta Queen, a National Historic Landmark. During this cruise, guests will experience laid-back life on the river as they learn how steamboats paved the way for westward expansion. As guest lecturers illuminate the history of the magnificent steamboats that shaped America, the Delta Queen will race the Natchez in New Orleans, the American Queen between Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss., and the Belle of Louisville as they arrive in Louisville in the famous Great Steamboat Race. Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the Mud Island River Park in Memphis and its five-block-long replica of the Mississippi River as they relive our nation’s early days.
Rates for this exclusive 14-night sailing, departing New Orleans on April 18, start from $3,999 per person based on double occupancy.
-- Cruise Through History on the Delta Queen—Majestic America Line invites guests to step into a time when steamboats ruled the river to celebrate the legend of the beloved Delta Queen on the mighty Mississippi River. As onboard entertainers share the music of our nation’s early days, guest lecturers – who may include noted historians, authors or previous captains and staff – bring the story of the ship’s incredible history to life. An included shore tour of the Cincinnati Museum Center will allow guests to explore the beautiful Union Terminal and the Cincinnati History Museum, learning the colorful history and true impact these steamboats have had on American expansion.
With six 10-night departures between May and October and four 11-night departures between June and September, fares from $3,199 per person based on double occupancy.
-- Remembering the Civil War—Guests can relive the drama of the Civil War era aboard the Delta Queen as recognized experts highlight major battle sites along the breathtaking Ohio and Cumberland Rivers cruise route, regaling the courage, struggle and historical significance of the war that united and shaped the country. Guest performers in the evening will delight passengers with Civil War era music or a surprise visit from Abraham Lincoln himself. Guests can see first-hand how the river played a pivotal role in both the Union and the Confederacy, with an included shore tour of Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Dover, Tenn., the site of the first major Union victory which led to the fall of the first Confederate state capital at Nashville.
With four seven-night departures between May and August, fares starting from $2,299 per person based on double occupancy.
-- Music of America Independence Day Celebration—Join Majestic America Line in commemorating Independence Day in grand style along the Mississippi River with the classic American music of the 1940s Big Band era. Guests aboard the American Queen will dance each night away to the sounds of Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians as they sail from Memphis to St. Louis, where a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show will capture their fascination under the arch at the riverfront. Guests aboard the Mississippi Queen will tap their feet to the Russ Morgan Orchestra as they make the voyage from St. Louis to St. Paul, Minn., stopping in Dubuque, Iowa, and in Hannibal, Missouri, to tour the boyhood home of the legendary Mark Twain.
Fares for the seven-night cruise on either the June 28 sailing on the American Queen or the June 29 voyage on the Mississippi Queen start at $1,999 per person.
-- Fall Foliage—One of the most popular cruises, Majestic America Line’s Fall Foliage cruises allow guests to experience the fall colors of America’s Heartland along the Upper Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in a way unlike any other. With 22 itineraries aboard the American Queen, Mississippi Queen or Delta Queen, guests now have their choice of ship from which they will savor the natural, scenic wonder of autumn. Onboard naturalists and guest lecturers deliver informative presentations and highlight points of interest along the river, occasionally directing attention to a bald eagle or unique natural fixture in the fall landscape along the river bank.
The American Queen and Mississippi Queen will depart on eight seven-night cruises each during September and October with fares starting from $2,099 per person based on double occupancy, while the Delta Queen will make six departures from seven to 10 nights with starting fares ranging from $2,499 to $3,199 per person based on double occupancy.
-- Cajun-Style Season’s Greetings—Become a part of the Majestic America Line family this holiday season aboard the intimate, lavishly decorated American Queen or Mississippi Queen both of which feature all the comforts and true spirit of the holidays at home. Guests will marvel at the panoramic views of the Lower Mississippi as they decorate gingerbread cookies and gather around the holiday bonfire at a Gala Feast, while a local Cajun storyteller brings traditional Louisiana holiday customs to life. With 10 seven-night cruises on the Lower Mississippi River, fares start at $1,799 per person.
-- Western Heritage Holidays—Celebrate the holidays on the Western frontier aboard the Empress of the North along the mystic Columbia River, where guests can bring to their own traditions to the heritage-rich Pacific Northwest. Onboard festivities include holiday cooking demonstrations, performances by cowboy poets and musicians and a hearty feast that rivals any home-cooked holiday dinner. With five seven-night cruises on the Columbia River, fares start from $2,599 per person based on double occupancy.
Guests who book a Majestic America Line cruise for seven nights or longer on the Mississippi or Ohio Rivers before October 31, 2007 will receive a choice of free airfare or a $300 per person round-trip airfare credit. Additionally, past guests receive five percent Early Advantage Savings Rates.
In addition to the cruise itself, select shore excursions, soft drinks, specialty coffees, on board enrichments and entertainment programs are all included in the price of a Majestic America Line cruise. For additional information, contact your Travel Professional or call a reservation specialist at (800) 434-1232 or visit www.MajesticAmericaLine.com.
 Based in Seattle, Majestic America Line is a division of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors International, Inc. 

 

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises Announces Its 2008 Cruises/Cruisetours In Europe
With an emphasis on history and culture, Viking River Cruises’ 2008 offerings include several selections along Europe's famous Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers, which wind their way from the North Sea through the heart of Europe to the Black Sea. Among the 2008 Viking River Cruise selections on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube are:
-- 15-day Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest (or reverse) from $2,999 per person;
-- Eight-day Romantic Danube cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg (or reverse) from $1,499 per person;
-- Eight-day Rhine Getaway from Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse) from $1,499 per person and a 15-day Switzerland to Belgium cruise from Basel to Antwerp (or reverse) from $2,499 per person;
-- 15-day European Adventure from Vienna to Amsterdam (or reverse) from $2,999 per person;
-- 12-day Paris to Prague cruise (or reverse) from $2,399 per person; a 16-day Eastern European Odyssey from Bucharest to Nuremberg (or reverse) from $2,999 per person;
-- Eight-day Danube Explorer from Vienna to Nuremberg (or reverse) with seasonal Christmas Markets from $1,699 per person;
-- Eight-day Danube Delight from Vienna to Nuremberg (or reverse) including seasonal Christmas Markets and full day excursion to the Czech Republic, from $1,599 per person and a 10-day Tulips & Windmill cruise roundtrip from Amsterdam with Brussels and Brugge from $1,699 per person.
-- Additionally, Viking River Cruises will offer two combinable itineraries in 2008 that highlight the best of France: an eight-day Burgundy & Provence cruise from Chalon to Avignon (or reverse) from $1,799 per person and an eight-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise from Paris to Le Havre (or reverse) from $1,599 per person.
-- For those interested in discovering the former East Germany and the Elbe River, a 12-day Berlin to Prague (or reverse) cruise includes two overnights in Berlin and Prague plus an eight-day cruise on the Elbe from Magdeburg to Melnik, from $2,499 per person.
For the experienced traveler yearning to discover new sights, Viking River cruises also offers a selection of cruises in Russia and the Ukraine. The itineraries include:
-- 13-day Waterways of the Czars cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow (or reverse) with multiple nights in both cities from $2,799 per person;
-- 16-day Russian Rhapsody itinerary that includes three days in both Moscow and St. Petersburg plus a 13-day cruise from $3,299 per person and an 11-day Footsteps of the Cossacks cruise from Kiev to Odessa (12-day reverse) on the Dnieper from $2,199 per person.
Low-cost flights and included transfers are also available, plus guided pre-or post-cruise packages in Prague, Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna, Lucerne and Helsinki. New packages are also available in Munich, Bucharest and Transylvania. Website: http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/us 
Three new 2008 itineraries showcase Europe:
-- For 2008, Viking has added an eight-day Rhine Getaway, including four countries and visits to Heidelberg, The Black Forest, and Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum. Paris to Prague is another new itinerary of 12 days along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers. This cruisetour (land and cruise package) showcases the region's fine wines as well as offering three days in both Paris and Prague. For a value-packed itinerary, travelers can choose the new late-season Danube Delight, which highlights seasonal Christmas Markets plus Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, and includes a full-day excursion to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Viking also offers other European itineraries ranging from eight to 16 days along the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Saone, Rhone, and Elbe Rivers and highlighting such cities as Amsterdam, Vienna, Paris, Budapest, and Prague plus quaint villages along the way. Details are available at the company's newly updated and redesigned website, http://vikingrivercruises.com.
-- A pioneer of travel in Russia, Viking River Cruises is now offering a new 2008 Russian itinerary, Russian Rhapsody, which offers a different perspective of Russia. Russian Rhapsody includes three nights in St. Petersburg and three nights in Moscow. In addition, the cruise portion begins in historic Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) on the Volga River, and includes stops in the culture-rich cities of Saratov, Samara, and Kazan as well as Uglich and Kostroma.
-- Viking River Cruises has expanded its offerings in China to include a 17-day itinerary that features not only Beijing, Xian (home of the Terra Cotta Warriors), Shanghai and a spectacular Yangtze River cruise, but also the little-visited cities of Eastern China for an exotic alternative. With sailings May through October, departures feature Kashgar, home of the Id Kan Mosque; the mountain valley of Urumqi with its traditional herdsmen and yurts; and, in Turpan, the ancient city of Jiahoe (a World Heritage Site) plus the Thousand Buddha Caves. Less-adventuresome China travelers can select from the 12-day Imperial Jewels itinerary; 16-day Cultural Delights; or Roof of the World, highlighting Tibet.
Prior Viking travelers can earn additional travel discounts when they introduce their friends to Viking and their friends enjoy their first Viking trip. Referrers then receive a $100 discount for the first four travelers they've referred, and $150 for each one after that-and their friends receive a $50 shipboard credit for mentioning their referrer's name. Of course, returning passengers still receive their $100-per-person discount when they take another trip.
Details on all itineraries as well as new pre- and post-cruise packages in Munich and Bucharest/ Transylvania are included in the new 2008 brochure available now at http://vikingrivercruises.com or from your local travel agent; or by calling 1-877-668-4546 (1-877-66VIKING) toll-free.

 

 

June, 2007

Explore Berlin, Dresden And Prague On A Deilmann River Cruise
Travelers to Europe can cruise from Potsdam, just outside of Berlin, to Prague and explore three historic cities—Berlin, Dresden and Prague—on weekly seven-night cruises on the five-star MV Katharina von Bora and MV Frederic Chopin of Peter Deilmann Cruises every Saturday through October 28.  The two 79-passenger river ships sail alternately from the German city of Potsdam, 45 minutes from Berlin, and the Czech capital of Prague.  The ships sail on the Havel, Elbe and Vltava rivers and provide a view through the ages from medieval times to the Baroque, from the religious reformation to the industrial revolution and from a divided Germany to today’s unified country.
The route takes cruisers from Potsdam to Magdeburg, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden (overnight) and Prague (overnight).  The fascinating, continually evolving capital of Berlin, now 60 miles wide with the former eastern and western cities combined, and the Czech capital of Prague, with its Old World churches and spires, are departure points of the seven-night cruises.
A third five-star Deilmann vessel, the 106-passenger MV Dresden, offers seven-night sailings weekly on the Elbe River, alternately from Hamburg and Dresden, that also visit Luther’s town of Wittenberg, where the Protestant Reformation movement began, porcelain-famous Meissen, stately Pillnitz Palace, the stylish sea port city of Hamburg and beautifully restored Dresden, returning to its former glory. These cruises also offer an optional full-day excursion to Berlin from Magdeburg.
 Deilmann offers Elbe Explorer cruise-tours on the Katharina and Chopin with departures from the U.S. through Oct. 26 that include five shore excursions, seven nights abroad the ship in an outside cabin and all meals.  Cruisers from Berlin can add an optional three-night pre-cruise Discovery package with hotel accommodations at the four-star Berlin Marriott, daily breakfast, city tour and transfer to the ship or a post-cruise add-on in Prague or Vienna and Budapest packages that include first class train transportation to each city. 
Prague departures offer pre-cruise add-ons in Prague, Vienna and Budapest and a post-cruise package in Berlin.  The Prague package includes three nights at the Intercontinental Hotel, daily breakfast, city tour and transfer to the ship.  The Elbe Explorer cruise-tours are priced from $1,895 per person.  The Discovery three-night packages are priced from $299 per person for Prague and $349 per person for Berlin.  Air fare is additional.
The deluxe Frederic Chopin and the Katharina von Bora, named after Martin Luther’s wife, are intimate vessels of just 41 outside cabins with full-length French doors on the upper deck and picture windows on the lower deck. The Chopin was newly built in 2002 and last refurbished in 2006, while the Katharina was built in 2000 and last refurbished in 2005. The ships are resplendent with polished wood and original works of art.  Cabins have built-in closets, color TV, desks, dressing tables and well-appointed bathrooms with bathrobes and hair dryers available.  Each has a sun deck with comfortable deck chairs and blankets, panoramic lounge and bar, beauty salon, boutique, infirmary and doctor on board.
As on all vessels in the Deilmann river fleet, service is of the highest standard with one English-speaking crew member for every 2.5 passengers.  Cruise-only rates on the Katharina and the Frederic Chopin in the value season start at $1,705 and intermediate season prices in July and August start at $1,950, per person in an outside twin cabin. There are single cabins on both ships that start at $2,110 in an outside cabin.  Cruise-only rates on the Dresden start at $1,455 per person in an outside cabin.
Deilmann arranges air transportation for its river cruise passengers, meet-and-greet services, shore excursions and transfers between airports and ships.  For information on these cruises, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  Travel planners can view and download the cruise details online at www.deilmann-cruises.com.        

 

 

Savings On Select French Country Waterways Cruises
Luxury barge cruise line French Country Waterways has increased its October 21 and 28 value-season discounts to $1,400 per person on its cruises in Alsace-Lorraine, Burgundy, Champagne and the Upper Loire Valley. The all-inclusive, six-night cruises on five upscale eight to 18-passenger barges, originally costing $4,895 to $5,995 per person, double occupancy, are now $3,495 to $4,595, a savings of nearly 30 percent.
Far from the fast track the barges give an intimate view of the changing landscapes, culture and history as they ply tree-lined canals through rolling countryside dotted with medieval villages, fields and vineyards in the heart of provincial France. Daily excursions take in historic cities and medieval towns, Gothic and Romanesque churches, stately châteaux and private wine tastings. During free time, passengers can share a bottle of excellent Riesling (or other fine wine) with fellow cruisers, relax on the sundeck with a good book, and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths. Hot-air ballooning is optional.
The totally renovated, 12-passenger Nenuphar takes in the historic region of Champagne; the eight-passenger Princess sails in fairy-tale Alsace-Lorraine; the eight-passenger Horizon II makes its way on the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy; the 12-passenger Adrienne meanders along the Upper Loire, gateway to the châteaux country; and the 18-passenger Esprit explores Burgundy's fabled Côte d'Or wine region. Elegant dinners ashore with a special menu gourmand prepared by some of France's leading chefs are held at Les Templiers in Les Bézards, Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu, Les Crayères in Reims, Lameloise in Chagny and Le Cerf in Marlenheim.
Cruise rates include a suite or deluxe stateroom, sumptuous French cuisine served with estate-bottled wines, many from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, at lunch and dinner, open bar, dinner ashore at an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, tours and excursions, bicycles, personal service by and English-and French-speaking crew, and escorted transfers between Paris or Strasbourg and the barges.
Although each barge has its own character, all have a sundeck, lounge and dining room with handsome provincial furnishings, well-stocked bar, library of books and games, and bicycles. The barges are available for individual bookings and for charter by families, friends and groups of six to 18 persons. Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from French Country Waterways, Ltd., P.O. Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331; (800) 222-1236 or (781) 924-2454; www.fcwl.com.

Early Bookers Earn Savings On 2008 Avalon Waterways Cruises
Avalon Waterways is making the decision to book a river cruising getaway even easier with a limited-time deal. Travelers who book a 2008 Avalon River Cruise air-inclusive vacation between now and September 30, 2007 will receive a $500 discount per couple*.
Below are several highlights from Avalon’s 2008 offerings:
-- Flavors of Burgundy & Provence (11 days) – Take a wine country adventure through the region’s finest vineyards and luscious countryside.  You’ll begin the vacation in Paris, with plenty of good food, good wine and good sightseeing.  Then you’ll drive south to Chalons-sur-Saône, where you’ll board the new, luxurious Avalon Scenery.  On the seven-night cruise to Arles, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to cultivate your wine knowledge, with rich history lessons and gastronomic delights doused along the way.  You’ll visit several wineries and explore the folklore collection of the Burgundy museum, located in an old family mansion.  While in Provence, you’ll experience the city of Avignon, often referred to as the City of Popes, before arriving at the final destination of Nice. (Priced from $2,059; cruise/land-only)
-- Ecuador & The Galápagos (11 days) – With expanded departure dates, travelers now have a year-round opportunity to sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands on this 11-day vacation.  The trip begins in Quito with guided sightseeing of the Legislative Palace and the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, impressive paintings at the workshop and museum of Oswald Guayasamin, and visit to the Equatorial Monument.  Next, fly over the Pacific to Baltra Island to embark on an expanded seven-night cruise aboard the new luxury yacht, La Pinta.  During your cruise, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and enjoy more time to experience the amazing sites throughout the Galápagos Islands. (Priced from $5,179; cruise/land-only)
 -- More theme cruise departures this Fall/Winter – See the south of France with a new Festive France departure that includes local holiday attractions on The Flavors of Burgundy and Provence river cruise during December.  More wine and music theme departures are shown in the 2008 brochure. These departures, with all the standard inclusions, provide passengers “extra” features at no additional costs while enjoying their favorite special interest.
 Avalon’s expanding river cruising itineraries and the launch of the Avalon Scenery are just the most recent additions to this highly popular category.  In April, the brand christened two new ships, the Avalon Tranquility and Avalon Imagery, just days before their inaugural 2007 season on Europe’s waterways.  All Avalon itineraries and land programs have been designed for guests by Globus. With 80 years of travel experience, more than 200 staff in Europe and 30 offices around the world, the Globus family of brands helps to ensure travelers have a memorable vacation. Consumers can book reservations or request Avalon Waterways’ River Cruises 2008 brochure or Globus’ Worldwide River Cruising 2008 brochure by seeing a preferred travel agent, calling toll free 877.380.1535 or visiting www.avalonwaterways.com.
A member of the Globus family of brands, Avalon is backed with 80 years of experience taking travelers around the world. The privately held company has offices worldwide with its US distributor based in Littleton, Colorado.
Travel Agents can request Avalon Waterways’ River Cruises 2008 brochure or Globus’ Worldwide River Cruising 2008 brochure by calling toll free 800.221.0090 or visiting www.avalonwaterways.com/agents.
* Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between June 20 and September 30, 2007 for travel commencing by December 31, 2008.  Value of discount based on double-occupancy.  Not applicable with any other discounts, and applies to new 2008 bookings only.  Not redeemable for cash value.  Full cancellation penalties will apply.  Offer reliant on space availability, and additional terms and restrictions may apply.

Space still available on Majestic America Fall cruises on Mississippi & Ohio Rivers
There’s still space available on fall cruises on America’s most scenic rivers. Cruises are available for America’s very first frontier—the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers—on the American Queen or the historic Delta Queen. And in the Northwest, choose from the Empress of the North, the Columbia Queen or the Queen of the West to explore the panoramic Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Also it’s not too late to explore Alaska this summer. Staterooms on the intimate Contessa are available for an unforgettable, up-close Alaskan adventure.
For more information, contact your travel professional or call 1-800-434-1232.
A sampling of cruise specials include:
-- Combine the romance of the steamboat era with the bustle of modern-day cities like St. Louis, Memphis and Cincinnati, all set against a backdrop of natural beauty, and you have one spectacular fall cruise. Choose from several itineraries and sail on the American Queen from just $1,250 or the Delta Queen from just $1,180 per person for a seven-night cruise. Dates: August 31-October 28, 2007
-- Aboard the intimate Contessa, 48 guests will explore Alaska on an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind adventure. All shore excursions are included so it’s a great up-close way to experience Alaska’s amazing wildlife. Cruises start at $1,499 per person, and space is still available for this summer’s departures—July 1-September 23, 2007.
-- See the ever-changing natural beauty of the Columbia and Snake Rivers this fall when you cruise on the Columbia Queen, the Queen of the West or the Empress of the North. Admire nature’s power at Mount St. Helens, and a visit to Ft. Clatsop will bring Lewis and Clark’s journey to life. Take advantage of these exclusive fall savings and get free airfare to Portland on select Queen of the West departures. Dates: September 1-October 28, 2007

Explore Four European Rivers With INTRAV In September And October                                    
INTRAV’s 14-night cruise exploring the Danube, Main, Rhine and Mosel rivers is, above all, a voyage of great cultural and scenic diversity.  From bustling Budapest and grand Vienna to medieval Passau and Regensburg, majestic Bratislava and romantic Koblenz, beautiful landscapes and historic towns appear around every bend on Europe’s Four Romantic Rivers September 21 and October 6 Sound of Music sailings.
Guests on this unique itinerary, sailing through the picturesque countryside of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, will also reap extraordinary savings with a choice of free economy air (up to a $1,200 value) or $1,000 off business class air when booked by INTRAV.
Upon arrival in Budapest (or Trier for the reverse itinerary on October 6), guests will embark the new, ultra-deluxe 98-guest Sound of Music, a luxurious vessel sailing Europe’s waterways complete with spacious all-outside cabins, single-seating dining, and a spa for beauty and wellness treatments.
After an onboard overnight and a Treasures tour of traditional Buda and modern Pest, visiting the 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, turreted Fisherman’s Bastion, and the enchanting Royal Palace, the Sound of Music sets sail on the River of Emperors—the Danube.
The first port of call is Slovakia’s multicultural capital, Bratislava, renowned for Devin Castle, a fortress at the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers, and 14th-century St. Michael’s Gate.  Next is Vienna for an onboard overnight.  Here, in the culturally rich “City of Waltzes,” music and art lovers will enjoy the city’s gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, home to the imperial Hapsburg family until 1918. 
The rolling hills of Austria’s Wachau Valley unfold as the Sound of Music plies the Danube to Melk, home of the Melk Abbey, a former palace, and one of the most impressive architectural masterpieces north of the Alps. 
Located on the border of Germany at the confluence of the Ilz, Inn and Danube rivers, 2,000-year-old Passau is known, logically enough, as The City of Three Rivers.  A highlight here will be a concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral featuring Europe’s largest pipe organ with more than 17,000 pipes. The following day guests explore 2,000-year-old Regensburg and visit Donaudurchbruch Gorge where they can climb up to the classical Hall of Liberation for breathtaking views of the Altmuehl Valley.
After a relaxing day cruising the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, the riverboat reaches Nürnberg for visits to the Hauptmarkt, St. Sebald’s Church, and the German National Museum, where master painter Albrecht Dürer lived.  In Bamberg, architectural treasures abound with the 17th-century Neue Residenz and Domplatz, one of Germany’s most beautiful squares.
Guests will take in gorgeous landscapes of the Main River before discovering Würzburg, “The Pearl of the Romantic Road.”  In the heart of the Franconian wine district, this city presents enchanting baroque and rococo architecture, such as the grand Prince-Bishop’s Residenz, which is one of the largest baroque palaces in Germany and an UNESCO World Monument.
After visiting the preserved medieval walled city of Rothenburg, seemingly untouched by time, it’s on to the neighboring Bavarian town of Miltenberg, which consists of a single street lined with the half-timbered buildings that are so characteristic of central Germany.
At the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers stands the 2,000-year-old city of Koblenz. Though World War II took its toll on the city, many of the historic buildings have been painstakingly restored, including the Church of Our Lady and a 13th century Gothic basilica built on a Romanesque foundation.  The next visit ashore is to charming Cochem in one of the best wine regions of the Mosel Valley.  Here, the impressive 1,000 year-old Reichsburg Castle rises majestically behind the medieval town.  Also toured is Marksburg Fortress, the only undamaged mountainside castle along the Rhine.
 After a morning walking tour of Bernkastel, one of Germany’s most colorful wine towns, the Sound of Music reaches Trier, Germany’s oldest city dating back to the Roman Empire.  Touring here includes the preserved Porta Nigro (Black Gate) and amphitheaters where the Romans once watched gladiator battles.  Following a captain’s farewell gala dinner and onboard overnight, guests disembark and fly home via Luxembourg.
Per person prices for the 14-night September 21 and October 5 voyages are from $4,495 and include all meals during cruises, gratuities, shore excursions and port charges.  In addition, guests may choose either free economy air (up to a $1,200 value) or $1,000 savings on business class air when booked by INTRAV.
Since its founding in 1959, St. Louis-based INTRAV has built a formidable reputation as an innovative designer and operator of worldwide river cruises, land and safari journeys and small-ship expeditions.  With operational experience in more than 90 countries, INTRAV offers more itinerary choices to more destinations around the world.  For additional information about INTRAV call (800) 456-8100 or visit www.intrav.com.       

 

May, 2007

Deilmann’s European River Cruises Feature Cycling Theme Cruises On Four Ships
 Peter Deilmann’s weekly cruises on the Seine, Rhone, Danube and Elbe rivers feature countryside cycling along with visiting cities and towns in the Rhône-Saône, Provence and Normandy regions of France, the Hanseatic and eastern regions of Germany and the Danube areas of Austria and Hungary.  Deilmann’s soft cycling adventures this summer and fall on river cruises include pre- or post-hotel stays and opportunities to meet local residents while enjoying Europe’s beautiful countryside.  
Travelers can join cycling river cruises aboard the MV Cezanne on the Seine River from Paris; the MV Princesse de Provence on the Rhône from Lyon to Arles; the MV Dresden on the Elbe from Hamburg; and the MV Mozart sailings from Passau on the Danube in June, July, August and September.  The cycling specialist company Terranova operates Deilmann’s program using high quality bicycles, which feature a Shimano seven-speed gearshift and three separate brakes.       
-- The Seine cycling tours start in Fontainebleau where there is dinner and an overnight stay in a four-star hotel.  Participants then board the ship in Paris where the ship remains overnight. There are bicycle rides to the market town of Milly-la-Fôret and along country roads through the beautiful Pays de Caux to Tancarville Castle.  From Le Havre, participants cycle to the Brotonne Nature Reserve and Calvados Apple Orchards before an afternoon sail to Rouen. Other cycling excursions are to the 11th century monastery of Jumiege and through the Normandy landscapes to Monet’s house and garden at Giverny.     
Cruise tour rates start at $2,870 per person in an outside twin cabin for seven nights on the ship and one night at the Napoleon Hotel in Fontainebleau with dinner and breakfast, six escorted cycling tours, bicycle rental and service, accompanying driver, refreshments, lunches and picnics, transfers, excursions and entrance fees. 
-- The cycling cruises aboard the MV Princesse de Provence on the Rhône River begin in medieval Pérouges with dinner and overnight stay at the four-star Hostellerie du Vieux-Pérouges and a cycling excursion through the idyllic pond scenery, forests, fields and meadows of Lyon.  Bikers ride through the wine regions of southern Burgundy and Beaujolais, to the Ardeche plateau down to the bottom of the gorge, the medieval town of Viviers, to Les-Baux, the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and to the Roman theater of Orange. 
The ship sails roundtrip from Lyon and calls at Tournous, Mâcon, Trévoux, Tournon, Arles, Avignon and Vienne. The eight-night package starts at $2,780 per person for an outside twin cabin for the seven-night cruise and all meals, the Pérouges hotel overnight with dinner and breakfast, six escorted cycling tours, two wine tastings, lunches and afternoon picnics, transfers, excursions, entrance fees and farewell dinner in Lyon.    
-- The Danube cycling river cruises aboard the Mozart begin with an overnight stay at the first class Hotel Residence in the lovely German town of Passau, two hours from Munich. The cycling excursions feature paths along the Inn River; a ride along the Danube through Austria’s Wachau wine region; small country roads, orchards and wine terraces leading to Vienna; a ride to Heurigen (rustic wine taverns) in the Viennese Forest and along the Danube Bend to a Hungarian village. The cruise includes guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava and the imposing Baroque Abbey at Melk.  From Melk, there is cycling along the Danube to the charming village of Poechlam and the quaint town of Ybbs. 
The Danube cruise calls at the wine village of Dürnstein and overnights in Vienna, Budapest and Passau.  Rates start at $3,192 per person for an outside double or twin for seven nights on the Mozart and one at the Residence in Passau with dinner and breakfast, five escorted cycling tours, lunches, picnics, one wine tasting, transfers, excursions, entrance fees and accompanying driver. 
-- The MV Dresden cruise and cycling programs depart from Hamburg and begin with a walking tour of the city, dinner and an overnight stay at the first class Louis C. Jacob Hotel.  Cycling excursions are along the Elbe River through fruit plantations, to the medieval town of Tangermünde, the gardens of Worlitz with its lakes, canals and forests, Moritzburg Castle, the Elbe Valley to Pillnitz Castle, the wine village of Copitz and along the Elbe River to the Czech border.  Guided excursions visit Magdeburg Cathedral, Wittenburg Castle where Martin Luther posted his 95 theses, Albrechtsburg Castle, the porcelain design studios at Meissen and the beautifully restored city of Dresden. 
The Hamburg-to-Dresden cycling cruise is priced from $2,565 per person for an outside twin cabin for seven nights on board, all meals and excursions, one night hotel accommodations with dinner and breakfast, five escorted cycling tours, lunches, picnics, transfers, excursions, entrance fees and accompanying driver. 
Each day’s cycling mileage, on traffic-free paths and small side roads, is outlined in the program. Depending on the itinerary, non-cycling river cruise companions deduct between $767 and $1,155 from the cruise tour price. Deilmann arranges air transportation, meet and greet services and transfers between airports and ships for all river cruises.  Port charges are an additional $100 per person.
The cycling theme cruises brochure is online for viewing and downloading at www.deilmann-cruises.com .  For cruise details and booking, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by e-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com . 

CroisiEurope Offers  Savings On Two June Cruises
The French river cruise company CroisiEurope is currently offering savings on two river cruises in June. Note: The cruises are geared for the French-speaking trade.
-- Romantic Cruise On The Rhine—Strasbourg - Coblence - Rudesheim - Spire – Strasbourg. Four-day cruise that offers a romantic look of the river and the rock of Lorelei. June 17 to 20. 178 Euros.
-- Cruise in Porgugal—Porto - Regua - Vega De Teron - Ferradosa - Pinhao - Porto
Eight-day cruise departs June 29 with a return July 6, 2007. 829 Euros.
More information at www.croisieurope.com

Majestic America Line Announces 2008 Schedule Of American Travel Experiences
Majestic America Line, one of the world's premier river cruise lines and the largest river and coastal cruising company in America, will broaden its amazing collection of great American travel experiences in 2008 to include 238 departures to some of the most distinct regions of the United States. The company's fleet of seven boutique river and coastal cruise ships will ply the mighty waters of the Mississippi, Ohio and tributary rivers; the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest and the breathtaking waterways of Alaska's Inside Passage.
Reservations are being accepted now and guests are encouraged to book early for the best values, choices of departures and accommodations.
Majestic America Line's three river cruise ships home-ported on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers—the American Queen, the Mississippi Queen and historic Delta Queen— will return to the region with a number of new itineraries and many included shore excursions. With a year-long schedule and departures from major ports such as New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis and St. Paul, Majestic America Line's guests will have more opportunities than ever to soak up Cajun culture in New Orleans, walk in the footsteps of American icon Mark Twain in Hannibal, Mo. and feast their eyes upon the fabled countryside, along the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, that gave America such legends as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.
-- A new New Orleans-themed cruise kicks off on the Lower Mississippi River season, with seven-night sailings from January 12 through February 28, 2008. This roundtrip journey from the colorful Crescent City allows guests a full extra day to explore New Orleans, with included shore tours such as a moving visit to the National World War II Museum or, on a more festive note, a trip to Mardi Gras World for a behind-the-scenes look at how this world-famous celebration comes together.
With 117 Mississippi and Ohio River sailings ranging from seven to 14 nights, Majestic America Line offers guests an unparalleled array of choices to customize their American travel experience. Rates for the popular seven-night programs start at $1,799 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy.
-- Majestic America Line will again offer three boutique cruising options to discover this unique region: the 223-guest Empress of the North, 142-guest Queen of the West and 150-guest Columbia Queen. Guests will retrace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, and see first-hand the dramatic contrasts of the Pacific Northwest landscape—from lush coastal forests to the golden, rolling wheat fields of Eastern Washington and Oregon. A trip through the majestic Columbia River Gorges takes guests through eight locks and dams and transports them from sea level to an elevation of 738 feet. Shore excursions are included to further enrich the experience, allowing guests to gain a deeper understanding of Native American arts and culture at Tamastslikt Cultural Center, marvel at the awe-inspiring Mt. St. Helens Volcanic Observatory or take a jet boat ride on the Snake River into Hells Canyon, North America's deepest canyon.
With 80 sailings to choose from between March and December, rates for the seven-night program start at $1,899 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy.
-- The Empress of the North will journey deep into Alaska's Inside Passage during the summer months. A series of seven-night roundtrip voyages from Juneau provide guests with an unparalleled view of America's last frontier, including plenty of opportunities to see Alaska's breathtaking glaciers and abundant wildlife. Expert onboard naturalists travel on every journey and custom-designed shore excursions such as a trip into Glacier Bay National Park are included in the cruise price.
-- The intimate, 48-guest Contessa will join the Empress, sailing seven-night excursions between Ketchikan and Sitka. The Contessa will afford guests the opportunity to visit ports such as Silver Bay, Misty Fjords, Dawes and Sawyer Glaciers and more. The ship's catamaran hull and open top deck allow for close-up access to Alaska's majestic sights.
An Alaskan journey on board the Contessa also includes some remarkable shore excursions, such as hiking and kayaking adventures in Thomas Bay, at the foot of the LeConte Glacier. With 41 sailings to choose from between April and September, rates for the seven-night program on board the Empress of the North start from $2,999 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy. Rates for the Contessa start from $2,899 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy. These rates include a choice of either roundtrip airfare from Seattle to the Alaska point of departure or $400 roundtrip airfare credit per person.
With two-for-one early advantage savings, these popular American river and coastal cruises will fill up quickly. In addition to the cruise itself, select shore excursions, soft drinks, specialty coffees, on board enrichments and entertainment programs are all included in the price of a Majestic America Line cruise.
For additional information, contact your Travel Professional or call a reservation specialist at (800) 434-1232 or visit or http://www.majesticamericaline.com .

 

April, 2007

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Offers The Only Gambia Cruise In 2007
Hapag-Lloyd Cruise's 4-star expedition ship the MS Bremen with travel for the first time down the Gambia River in October 2007, following the route the Portuguese explorers took in the early 1900's.   This is the second time a Hapag-Lloyd ship with travel down the river and the first time they will travel over 186 miles up river. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the only cruise ship in the world taking this route in 2007.
Many cruise ships anchor in Banjul, but given the special construction of the Bremen, the ship has the possibility to go further upriver and give guests the unique opportunity to discover the real Gambia.  This unique bi-lingual voyage will combine wildlife and culture and is ideal for bird watching enthusiasts. This time of year is perfect to see
indigenous birds but also the migrating birds from Europe.
The voyage will begin at the Cape Verdes and then the expedition leads guests to the black continent and then up the river Gambia on the west coast of Africa.
The cruise with be accompanied by world class lecturers include a speaker from the American Museum of National History in New York, who will lecture on the birds of the Gambia River, bird migration, terrestrial mammals, invertebrates of the Gambia River and adjacent waters, and sharks and sting rays. The mixture of the different habitats and conditions, including terrestrial biotopes with jungle and agricultural areas downriver will fascinate guests. Guests will also come into close contact with the local people in the villages.
The 12-Day voyage from October 20—November 1, 2007 begins in Santa Cruz, Tenerife and ends in Senegal, Dakar.  Rates begin at $5,425 per person for an outside cabin and includes full board, all tips on board, minibar, lectures by experienced experts, all landing and tours on the ship's zodiacs and waterproof parkas and boots.  To book or to receive
detailed itinerary consumers can call  Hapag-Lloyd's U. reservation office at 877-445-7447.
A 4-star ship known for its comfort and high level of service, the Bremen was the
first expedition ship to offer private balconies.  She also includes a panorama lounge, library, sun deck with swimming pool, fitness center and sauna.
All of the dedicated 2007 bilingual cruises ensure English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard. Travel Documents and information is provided to guests in English prior to their trip. Documentation in English onboard includes: daily programs, menus, announcements, lectures/video presentations, safety drill instructions.  Selected in-room movies are offered in English as well as television instructions. Shore excursions are offered in English on a group and individual basis whenever possible in the port of call. The ship’s crew is fluent in English. Website: www.hapag-lloyd.com

Alaska Cruises For Wildlife and Sightseeing Now 2-for-1 All Summer Long
The Great Alaskan TourSaver offers Alaska's top-flight attractions. Everything in the book is either two-for-one or totally free. Airlines, cruise boats, railroads, attractions, tours, adventure trips, hotels, car rental companies and cultural trips all on a 2-for-1 basis. To see the best of Alaska, take a sightseeing cruise to see glaciers, wildlife and breathtaking scenery around the state. Now, the Great Alaskan TourSaver book offers 2-for-1 coupons for many Alaska inland cruises.
Here's how it works: Go to the website at http://www.toursaver.com and check out the deals. Then, purchase your book for $99.95. Free shipping is included to U.S. addresses. When you receive your book, make your 2-for-1 reservations on these Alaska cruises:
--Kenai Fjords National Park. Take a six-hour cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours or Renown Tours into the heart of the park from Seward. See glaciers, whales, eagles, puffins, sea lions, sea otters and lots of other critters. Value: $129.
-- Prince William Sound Cruises. Sail up to the face of a glacier in beautiful College Fjord on this exploration cruise from Whittier. Value: $99.
-- Columbia Glacier. What an impressive glacier! Sail from Valdez with Stan Stephens Cruises and Tours. Check out the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal on the way and see the big supertankers sailing into port! Value: $95.
-- Kachemak Bay. Sail with Homer Ocean Charters across the bay to Otter Cove from Homer. Or, cruise with Alaska Coastal Marine from Homer to Seldovia. Both cruises offer stunning views of scenery and marine wildlife! Value: $60.
-- Susitna River. Take a fast cruise by jetboat on the Susitna River, the Talkeetna River and the Chulitna River with Mahay's Riverboat Service. Zip through incredible scenery in the shadow of Mt. McKinley. Watch for wildlife and learn the history of the Susitna River Valley. Value: $95.
-- Glacier Bay National Park. What an incredible vista: See the whales, the huge glaciers, the bears, the sea lions and all the natural wonders of Glacier Bay in just one day! This cruise leaves from the Glacier Bay Lodge each morning with a National Park Service ranger on board! Includes two nights at the Glacier Bay Lodge, plus airport transfers. Value: $350.
-- Stikine River. Explore the fastest navigable stream in North America with Alaska Waters. Sail on swift jetboats from Wrangell to see glaciers, wildlife and the stunning Stikine River canyon! Value: $191.
-- Tanana River. Sail from Fairbanks on the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery. The Binkley family has cruised on rivers in Interior Alaska for five generations - and they're anxious to show you why they love it so much. Value: $49.
-- Prince of Wales Island. Sail from Ketchikan on the Interisland Ferry Authority to Hollis to this wild island. Or, sail on the "IFA" from Wrangell to Coffman Cove on the northern tip of the island. Value: $60.
-- Ketchikan marine life. Sail on a high-speed catamaran to see whales and other wildlife with Thriller Alaska! It's a fun ride from downtown Ketchikan! Value: $125.
-- Portage Glacier Cruise: Just 54 miles from Anchorage, the m/v Ptarmigan sails right up to the face of Portage Glacier several times each day. Value: $29.
There are more than 140 two-for-one offers in the Great Alaskan TourSaver, including luxury accommodations, flightseeing, tours, admissions, rail tours and hotels. But don't miss your chance to take an Alaska cruise at 2-for-1 savings. Learn more online: http://www.toursaver.com.

French Country Waterways Increases Value Season Discounts
Luxury barge cruise line French Country Waterways has increased its October 21 and 28 value-season discounts to $1,400 per person on its cruises in Alsace-Lorraine, Burgundy, Champagne and the Upper Loire Valley.  he all-inclusive, six-night cruises on five upscale eight to 18-passenger barges, originally costing $4,895 to $5,995 per person, double occupancy, are now $3,495 to $4,595, a savings of nearly 30 percent.
Far from the fast track the barges give an intimate view of the changing landscapes, culture and history as they ply tree-lined canals through rolling countryside dotted with medieval villages, fields and vineyards in the heart of provincial France.  Daily excursions take in historic cities and medieval towns, Gothic and Romanesque churches, stately châteaux and private wine tastings. During free time passengers can share a bottle of excellent Riesling (or other fine wine) with fellow cruisers, relax on the sundeck with a good book, and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths.  Hot-air ballooning is optional.
The totally renovated, 12-passenger Nenuphar takes in the historic region of Champagne; the eight-passenger Princess sails in fairy-tale Alsace-Lorraine; the eight-passenger Horizon II makes it way on the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy; the 12-passenger Adrienne meanders along the Upper Loire, gateway to the châteaux country; and the 18-passenger Esprit explores Burgundy’s fabled Côte d’Or wine region.  Elegant dinners ashore with a special menu gourmand prepared by some of France's leading chefs are held at Les Templiers in Les Bézards, Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu, Les Crayères in Reims, Lameloise in Chagny and Le Cerf in Marlenheim.
Cruise rates include a suite or deluxe stateroom, sumptuous French cuisine served with estate-bottled wines, many from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, at lunch and dinner, open bar, dinner ashore at an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, tours and excursions, bicycles, personal service by an English- and French-speaking crew, and escorted transfers between Paris or Strasbourg and the barges. 
Although each barge has its own character, all have a sundeck, lounge and dining room with handsome provincial furnishings, well-stocked bar, library of books and games, and bicycles.  The barges are available for individual bookings and for charter by families, friends and groups of six to 18 persons.  Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from French Country Waterways at www.fcwl.com.

Peter Deilmann Offers Varied Itineraries On Rhine And Moselle River Cruises
Cruising the legendary Rhine River between Amsterdam and Basel aboard Peter Deilmann five-star river ships provides an opportunity to discover the beauty of Germany’s castle gorge region between Koblenz and Mainz, one of the highlights of European river sailings.  The two ships, MV Heidelberg and MV Casanova are small floating hotels that dock in the center of towns from which passengers can explore by foot as well as on sightseeing excursions.
Seven-night cruises on the smaller Moselle River, which meets the Rhine at the pretty town of Koblenz, reveal delightful wine villages with hilltop castle ruins, half-timbered houses and old market squares - here village houses are clustered together in the narrow space between the river and the vineyard-covered hills. 
-- Among the 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, the Rhine wine town of Rüdesheim, the Moselle villages of Cochem and Bernkastel and town of Trier, Germany's oldest, with 2000 years of history evident in its Roman town gate.  
-- Classic Rhine itineraries sail from Amsterdam to Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France, known for its lovely medieval quarter of well-preserved half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral, and the centuries-old Swiss city of Basel. The Heidelberg offers two longer July cruises–one ten-night sailing from Mainz to Amsterdam that visits the Moselle towns, Cologne and Düsseldorf; and an 11-night itinerary from Amsterdam to Basel that covers the classic Rhine route.    
-- The five-star Casanova sails a variety of itineraries on the Rhine, Moselle and the Rhine-Main Danube Canal with most cruises seven nights in length. Rhine-Main Canal sailings in August call at the Student Prince city of Heidelberg on the Neckar River. The 96-passenger Casanova has a 14-night sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest, Sept. 29, that cruises the Rhine, the Rhine-Main Danube Canal and the Danube River to Vienna and Budapest.  Cities on the Canal with old quarters dating from medieval and Renaissance times are Bamberg, Nuremberg and Regensburg in eastern Bavaria.  Rhine towns on the route include Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Aschaffenburg and Würzburg.  In addition, there is a nine-night sailing from Budapest to Düsseldorf, Oct. 13. 
The MV Casanova also has several cruises just on the Danube.  These include seven-night itineraries roundtrip from Passau (Munich) to Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava and ten- and 11-night sailings from Passau to these three capital cities and the Black Sea in July and August.   
The MV Heidelberg, built in 2004, is a four-deck vessel that accommodates 110 passengers in 54 spacious cabins.  Staterooms on the two upper decks are 190 square feet in size and feature full-length French doors that open into the cabins.  Flagship of the river fleet, the Heidelberg, Deilmann’s newest ship, has beautifully appointed cabins, a panoramic restaurant and lounge, fitness center and new Wellness Spa.  The ship is offering a Wellness theme cruise from Cologne to Basel, August 11-18.   The cruise line also has golf and garden theme cruises on the Heidelberg.
The five-star Casanova, newly built in 2001, has 48 cabins distinguished by full-length French doors on the upper deck that open into the cabin, while lower deck cabins have large windows.  The elegantly designed public rooms include a spacious lounge with full-length windows, Panoramic Restaurant and bar.  The attractively decorated cabins offer both twin and queen beds and there are two junior suites of 160 square feet. 
Deilmann river vessels are deluxe boutique hotels that offer six meals daily and a very high level of service with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers. Both ships have sun decks with ample numbers of deck chairs and blankets and an infirmary with a qualified doctor on board. Like all Deilmann river ships, no smoking is allowed in the dining room, cabins or corridors.  Seven of the eight river vessels in the Deilmann fleet are five-star.
Spring and fall value seasons on the Heidelberg start at $1,595 per person in an outside twin cabin.  Main season rates start at $2,050 per person twin; 10-night cruises start at $2,930 per person twin.  Casanova rates start at $1,540 in the value season and $1,990 in the main season, per person in an outside twin cabin.  The 14-night cruise is priced from $3,530 per person double.        
Deilmann arranges air transportation for its river cruise passengers as well as pre- and post-cruise city packages, pre-purchased reduced rate shore excursion packages, meet-and-greet services and transfers between airports and ships.  For information on the sailings, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or   pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  Travelers can view and download the cruise details online at www.deilmann-cruises.com.       

 

 

March, 2007

AMNH Offers Unique Inland Waterways Tour Of Russia
The American Museum of Natural History in New York is offering a waterways voyage of Russia from August 25 to September 7, 2007. Visit the legendary port cities and quiet hamlets of the legendary Volga River with attendance at first-rate musical performances, local tours and gourmet treats along the way. Private lectures and a visit to the Carnegie Moscow Center dedicated to improving US-Russian relations are also included as well as private tours of museums and palaces in Moscow and St. Petersburg. For more information and cruise rates, call 1-212-769-5900, or visit www.amnhexpeditions.org.
The museum is also offering a Treasures of the Black Sea Tour aboard the Le Levant cruise ship from July 12 to 23, 2007. More information at www.amnhexpeditions.org.

Ritz Tours Introduces New 16-Day Scenic Yangtze Discovery Itinerary
To keep its portfolio of introductory programs to China fresh and engaging, Ritz Tours has unveiled the new 16-day Scenic Yangtze Discovery itinerary featuring a four-night cruise on the Yangtze River as well as visits to Beijing, Xian, Guilin and Shanghai.
The Scenic Yangtze Discovery tour begins in China’s capital city of Beijing, host city for the 2008 Summer Olympics, where travelers will visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square; the ancient Forbidden City (the world’s largest palace complex and home to the Ming and Qing emperors); the ornate Temple of Heaven; the sprawling Great Wall; the emperor’s Summer Palace; and the Ming Tomb Museum. Nighttime dining includes a traditional Peking Duck Feast.
From Beijing, tour participants travel to Yichang where they will board a deluxe Victoria Cruises ship and set sail on the Yangtze River from Yichang to Chongqing. Sites along the way on the “River of Heaven” include the Three Gorges Dam, the largest interlocking dam project in the world; the Three Gorges – Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge; Daning River or Shennong Stream; and shore excursions to Fengdu, nicknamed the “Ghost City,” among other stops.
While on-board the Victoria Cruises vessel, passengers will enjoy a wide range of activities linked to the culture of China and the spellbinding Yangtze River. These include informative lectures, Tai Chi lessons, painting demonstrations, lessons in the Mandarin language, traditional fashion shows, and the sounds of Chinese music.
The sail ends in Chongqing where travelers enjoy a spicy Sichuan lunch followed by a plane ride to the 5,000-year-old-city of Xian, known as the starting point of the famed Silk Road. Highlights include the massive City Wall, cited as the best preserved ancient wall structure on earth, and the impressive Terra Cotta Warriors. While in Xian, tour participants will enjoy an Imperial Dumpling Banquet featuring more than 180 varieties of this savory treat. The evening culminates with an enjoyable Tang Dynasty Stage Show.
After Xian, the next stop on the itinerary is Guilin, a city of great natural beauty located on the banks of the Li River. Travelers can explore Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Cave where fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations leave lasting impressions on all who see them. The tour features a cruise on a riverboat down the Li River highlighted by the scenery of Southern China and brief tour of Yangshuo. At night, guests will enjoy a Minority Folk Dance.
The Scenic Yangtze Discovery tour concludes in the cosmopolitan port city of Shanghai. Since the turn of the 20th century, Shanghai has developed under international influences best displayed through architecture along the Bund, a mile-long stretch on the Huangpu River. A city tour includes a visit to the Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, a drive along the bustling shopping area of Nanjing Road and some time at the Shanghai Museum. Nighttime entertainment includes a thrilling performance of Chinese acrobatics, one of China’s oldest performing arts.
Priced from $2,799 per person, based on double occupancy, the 16-day Scenic Yangtze Discovery features roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco (starting at $2,949 per person, double, from JFK in NY); airfare between cities visited in Asia; accommodations in five-star hotels (the Crowne Plaza Beijing in Beijing, Hyatt Regency in Xian, LiJiang Waterfall Hotel in Guilin and Crowne Plaza Fudan in Shanghai); sightseeing in air-conditioned motor coaches; meals and entertainment per the itinerary; and the services of knowledgeable tour guides.
Departure dates are available from March 30 – Nov. 23, 2007. Single supplements cost an additional $900 to $1,000 per person depending upon the date of departure. Add-on airfares are available for departures from various cities in the U.S. and Canada (including, but not limited to, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago and Toronto). Add-on prices start from $150 per person depending on gateway.
For those looking to extend their travels in Asia, Ritz Tours sells attractively-priced Super Value Extensions to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo that can easily and conveniently be added on to the end of the Scenic Yangtze Discovery program.
For more information, see your local travel agent or contact Ritz Tours at 208 S. First Street 2nd Fl., Alhambra, CA 91801; telephone: (800) 900-2446/(626) 289-7777; fax: (626) 281-0117. Visit Ritz Tours in cyberspace at www.ritztours.com  or send e-mail to china@ritztours.com.

Intrav Offers Savings Off Single Supplements For Select European Bookings
Single travelers with INTRAV can now discover the world in luxurious style and comfortable elegance at an outstanding value.  Guests who book select Europe and Asia sailings by April 9, 2007 will enjoy 50 percent off regular single supplement rates*, reaping savings of up to $2,540.  
From Holland’s scenic waterways to the historic ports along Europe’s classic Rhine and legendary Danube, or from the hidden islands of the Philippines and East China Sea to Japan and beyond to Russia’s Far East, these extraordinary voyages embody "Old World" romance and the heart of Asia, where East meets West.
The following voyages offer the special savings:
European River Cruises
Springtime in Holland and Belgium—78-Passenger Rembrandt • Departure: April 11, 2007. From $3,495. Plus, save $500 off economy or business class airfare
Experience nature’s bounty along the waterways of Holland and Flanders at the best time of year — spring, when the verdant countryside is fresh with new blooms, and the air is crisp and clean.
*Single Supplement: $1,500 NOW $500
-- The Classic Rhine—78-Passenger Rembrandt • Departures: May 11 & 29, 2007. From $3,595*. Discover some of Europe’s most intriguing history and enticing scenery during this cruise along the legendary Rhine River, presenting Europe in a kaleidoscopic sweep of culture and landscapes.
*Single Supplement: $1,500 NOW $500
-- Danube and the Black Sea—98-Passenger Sound of Music • Departure: May 25, 2007
From $5,095*
Cruise along the Danube through the countryside of Eastern Europe, which seems to have been created by an artist’s brush.
*Single Supplement: $2,150 NOW $500

Small-Ship Expedition Cruises
-- The Philippine Islands—128-Passenger Clipper Odyssey • Departure: April 3, 2007. From $8,775. Plus, save $1,000 off economy or business class airfare
Explore the countless islands of the Philippine archipelago, visiting historic islands and bays that were home to legendary World War II battles and naval bases, and come face-to-face with the remarkable scenic beauty of the region.
*Single Supplement: $3,790 NOW $1,250
-- Temples & Gardens of Ancient Japan—128-Passenger Clipper Odyssey • Departures: May 1, 11 & 23, 2007. From $9,175*.
Immerse yourself in the myth and mystique of Japan and the serene beauty of South Korea on this incredible voyage aboard the comfortably elegant Clipper Odyssey.
*Single Supplement: $2,970 NOW $1,250
-- The Islands of China & Japan—128-Passenger Clipper Odyssey • Departure: April 18, 2007. From $7,235.
Chart a course for adventure, discovering the tranquil beauty and poignant history of the East China Sea during this intriguing voyage aboard the comfortably elegant Clipper Odyssey. Sailing with fewer than 130 guests, explore the wealth of “hidden” islands that stretch from China’s cosmopolitan Hong Kong to tiny Miyajima in Japan.
*Single Supplement: $3,200 NOW $1,250
-- Islands of the Russian Far East—128-Passenger Clipper Odyssey. Departure: June 2, 2007. From $9,105*
Embark on a unique voyage of discovery, sailing with fewer than 130 fellow passengers from Russia’s Kuril Islands to the Kamchatka Peninsula aboard the comfortable Clipper Odyssey.
*Single Supplement: $2,815 NOW $1,250
For additional information about INTRAV call (800) 456-8100 or visit www.intrav.com.
Since its founding in 1959, St. Louis-based INTRAV has built a formidable reputation as an innovative designer and operator of worldwide river cruises, land and safari journeys and small-ship expeditions. 

Great Lakes Cruising Revitalized, but Book Soon Before It's Gone
Known as the ship that started the revitalization of passenger cruising on the Great Lakes, traveler favorite MV Columbus will not be returning to the Great Lakes in 2008-and possibly not for many years to come.
With a capacity of 420, the German-owned MV Columbus has been the largest cruise ship sailing the Great Lakes since 1998, with sailings offered exclusively through the Great Lakes Cruise Company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The ship is an impressive sight from land and an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of the shoreline and these legendary waters. Satisfied passengers have come from all over the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as from Europe and as far away as Japan, all of them delighted not only by the breathtaking scenery, but also by the ship's state-of-the-art facilities.
During her final season on the Great Lakes, three 10- and 11-night cruises will be offered aboard the MV Columbus in fall 2007: September 17 - 27; September 27 - October 8; October 8 - 18.
In addition to MV Columbus, the Great Lakes Cruise Company features five other cruise ships that will sail over 50 voyages during the 2007 season. Ports of call on these inland seas take in the civilized pleasures of Chicago, Milwaukee, Toronto and Traverse City as well as dramatic cliffs, canyons and waterfalls just beyond the shore. Passengers enjoy stops at historic Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls, Marquette, Thunder Bay, and many more unique ports while savoring the northern wilderness and the lakes themselves.
For more information, visit http://www.greatlakescruising.com  or call toll-free 1-888-891-0203.

Peter Deilmann River Cruises Offering Golf Theme Cruises In 2007
Seven Deilmann river cruises on the inland waterways of the Rhine, Rhône, Seine, Danube and Elbe rivers offer golfers the opportunity to visit historic European cities and towns and golf on renowned European courses. River golf theme cruises depart between May 19 and Oct. 1, 2007.
Golf theme cruises are scheduled on six Deilmann river ships beginning with the Spring Golf Cup aboard the five-star MV Casanova sailing from Basel, Switzerland, to Passau, Germany, on the Rhine and Main rivers and the Rhine-Main Canal, May 19-31.  This golf package combines a seven-night cruise with five nights at the five-star Steigenberger Hotel in the resort town of Bad Kissingen in Germany and six rounds of golf.  On the cruise itinerary are the Alsatian city of Strasbourg, the wine town of Rüdesheim, the baroque city of Würzburg, medieval Bamberg and historic Nüremberg. 
The 12-night cruise and golf program is priced from $3,446 per person for an outside twin cabin, all meals on board, five hotel nights with breakfast, six rounds of golf in Strasbourg, Miltenberg, Bamberg, Bad Kissingen and Würzburg, green fees, guides, pull carts and half-day excursion to the High Rhön nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Non-golfer deduction is $680. 
Golfers on the two Normandy Golf cruises sail the Seine from Paris to Rouen and enjoy seven nights on the five-star MV Cezanne, seven rounds of golf and three nights at the deluxe Hotel Hostellerie de Tourgeville in a large park setting, a few minutes from Deauville, May 19-31 and Sept. 15-27.  Golf is played at courses in Paris, Vernon, Le Havre, Omaha Beach Golf Club at Bayeux, the Deauville Golf Club and the St. Julien Barrier Golf Club. The 10-night cruise and golf package is priced from $4,507 per person, outside twin, and includes transfers, green fees, guides, pull carts, full-day excursion to Honfleur and Deauville and all transfers.  Non-golfers deduct $1,068 from the cruise rate.
Depending on the itinerary, non-golfing river cruise companions deduct between $660 and $1,068 from the river cruise golf package price. Golfing guides for each of the river cruises are players and tour managers from different clubs in Germany. Deilmann arranges air transportation, meet-and-greet service, transfers between airports and ships, hotel stays and reduced-rate shore excursion packages for the river cruises. Additional cruise dates are available for groups of six or more players.
Golfers can view and download the golf brochure online at www.deilmann-cruises.com  by clicking on Theme Cruises on the home page. Details on the golf and cruise itineraries are available from Peter Deilmann Cruises by calling 1-800-348-8287 or by e-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com. 

Tauck Signs Exclusive Agreement With Victoria Cruises For Yangtze River Cruise Segment On China Tours
Victoria Cruises, the largest fleet of vessels on the Yangtze River with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration, is pleased to have been selected as the exclusive provider of Yangtze River cruises for Tauck World Discovery, a tour operator with more than 80 years of experience designing escorted vacations with unique and imaginative itineraries. “At Tauck, our primary objective is to exceed travelers’ expectations by ensuring that every component of our escorted journeys can be described as that from which dreams are made, and there is not a single cruise line on the Yangtze that fits this criteria more perfectly than Victoria Cruises,” said Len Pacitti, product manager for Tauck.
Tauck’s escorted 17-day China, The Yangtze River & Hong Kong itinerary features a luxurious four-day sailing along the Yangtze River on one of Victoria Cruises’ finest five-star vessels; accommodations in several world-class properties, including the Peninsula Beijing, Sheraton Xian Hotel, Hilton Shanghai, Sheraton Guilin and Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel; 16 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 14 dinners, from authentic Chinese cuisine to gourmet American and European fare; and a multitude of shore excursions and cultural sightseeing, including:
-- Beijing—A visit to Tiananmen Square with a tour of the 15th century palace at Beijing’s Forbidden City; a cable car ride in Beijing to the highest point of the Great Wall, followed by a walk along the ancient ramparts; a tour of Beijing’s Summer Palace, once a retreat for the Forbidden City emperors (includes a dragon boat lake cruise); and a visit to the 15th Century Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a round, three-tiered structure considered one of the best examples of traditional Chinese architecture;
-- Xian—An outing in Xian with the Terra Cotta Warriors, an army of more than 8,000 life-sized 3rd century statues, followed by an evening performance of traditional dancing;
-- Yangtze River—A spectacular view of centuries-old pagodas and temples nestled against mist-shrouded cliffs along the 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; and an excursion to the impressive Three Gorges Dam Site in Sandouping, an extraordinary feat of engineering and major highlight of the river cruise;
-- Shanghai—A sightseeing tour of Shanghai, including a visit to the Bund, a riverside promenade with grand colonial buildings, followed by a stop at the classical Yu Gardens, featuring over 30 pavilions; a spell-binding performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobat Troupe; a chance to explore Shanghai’s best preserved ancient town, Zhu Jia Jiao, which dates back 1,700 years and boasts willow-lined streets; a visit to a silk weaving factory in Shanghai, where travelers will learn how silk is collected and woven; and a stop at the Shanghai Museum to peruse cultural relics spanning 5,000 years of history;
-- Guilin—A private boat ride along the Li River in Guilin, where picturesque surroundings are reminiscent of Chinese scroll paintings and an authentic experience of the ancient art of reflexology in Guilin to rejuvenate the feet and counteract any soreness.
-- Hong Kong—A tram ride to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of Hong Kong; time at the sophisticated beach area of Hong Kong’s Repulse Bay; a boat ride on a traditional sampan through the Aberdeen harbor in Hong Kong, home to a unique community of people who have lived on the water their entire lives; a visit to Stanley Market and plenty of time to wander the market-lined streets of Kowloon for serious bargain shopping – Hong Kong style; and a cocktail party and farewell dinner in Hong Kong
Pricing for the China , The Yangtze River & Hong Kong itinerary begins at $5,990 per person, double occupancy, and does not include air costs.
For more information or to book, consult your local travel agent or contact Tauck at 800-788-7885. Visit Tauck on the web at www.tauck.com.
For more information or to request brochures, contact Tauck World Discovery at 800-788-7885 or visit www.tauck.com.

Groups Can Lock-In 2007 Prices On 2008 Tauck River Cruises
Families, groups of friends, alumni associations and others who plan their vacations in advance can now save by traveling with Tauck on a European river cruise. The Connecticut-based tour, cruise and safari operator has announced it is holding 2007 river cruise prices for 2008 departures, for groups of ten or more travelers who place deposits on 2008 journeys by July 31, 2007.
The savings apply to groups traveling on four Tauck river cruise itineraries; Amsterdam to Budapest (15 days, from $4,590); The Blue Danube (13 days, from $3,790); Budapest to the Black Sea (12 days, from $3,690); and Grand European Cruise (24 days, from $7,530).
European river cruising has been one of the most dynamic travel categories for Tauck in recent years, averaging strong double-digit growth and highlighted by the addition of new itineraries and the launch of Tauck’s elegant new MS Swiss Emerald in 2006.  Robin Tauck credits the popularity to the inherent ease in river cruising, and Tauck’s expertise with shore excursions. “River cruising allows travelers to visit a number of destinations within a region, with the convenience of unpacking their bags just once,” explained Tauck.  “Also, the constant, close proximity to shore enables us to really showcase the incredible variety of towns and cities along the way.  For Tauck, that’s an opportunity to leverage our 82 years of expertise and create shore excursions that go off-the-beaten-path to deliver authentic, insider experiences.  What’s more,” added Tauck, “each Tauck river cruise has every shore excursion already included in the price.”
Those interested in 2008 departure dates and other program details can contact their travel professional, or call Tauck at 1 800 468 2825.

12-Day Affordable Yangtze Adventure Led By Travel Pro Pauline Frommer
Discover the intriguing historical sites and rich culture of China during an exclusive 12-day Victoria Cruises’Affordable Luxury Adventure July 22 – August 2, 2007 along with expert travel writer and radio broadcaster Pauline Frommer (daughter of travel industry legend Arthur Frommer and co-host of the nationally syndicated radio program The Travel Show). “The Frommer name is synonymous with extensive travel knowledge, making this exclusive and exciting program a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travelers who will get to experience the majesty of China and the Yangtze alongside one of the best, brightest and most respected minds in the travel industry,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises, one of the partners in the program.
In addition to deluxe hotel accommodations in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, exciting sightseeing, and a magnificent Yangtze River cruise on Victoria Cruises’ newest vessel (the Victoria Anna), the Affordable Luxury Adventure program features special events hosted by travel expert Pauline Frommer that are not available on any other itineraries to China.
The itinerary for this dynamic program includes the following features (and more):
-- Roundtrip coach-class air transportation on Continental Airlines (business class air available for an additional charge)
-- Deluxe hotel accommodations in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai
-- Intra-China air transportation
-- Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
-- Four-night Yangtze Cruise aboard the Victoria Anna, the newest and most elaborate ship in the Victoria Cruises fleet, plus shore excursions (the cruise sails from Yichang to Chongqing)
-- Exceptional sightseeing tours such as Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall in Beijing, the archeological marvel of the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, and the Bund and Nanjing Road in Shanghai (all tours features English-speaking guides and air-conditioned motorcoaches)
-- Nighttime entertainment including a festive Peking Duck Dinner in Beijing, a Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show in Xian, and a thrilling Chinese acrobatics performance in Shanghai
-- *Special Pauline Frommer-hosted events onboard the Victoria Anna such as a cocktail party, an autograph session and photo opportunity, and a Q&A session
-- All ground transfers and baggage handling
-- Completely escorted program from start to finish under the guidance of professional tour directors
The 12-day air-inclusive Affordable Luxury Adventure is priced from $4,295 per person, based on double occupancy. The single room supplement is $995. This exclusive program has one departure: July 22 – Aug. 2, 2007.
Travelers can take advantage of a special bonus discount of $300 per person off the cost of the program when booked and a deposit paid by April 21, 2007.
optional four-day/three-night extension to Hong Kong, priced from $995 per person, double, can easily and conveniently be added on to the end of the trip. Airfare, hotel accommodations, transfers, daily breakfast and a half-day tour are included in the cost. The single supplement is $495.
To book this exclusive 12-day Affordable Luxury Adventure to China, please contact Pathway Travel Agency, Inc. at 1-866-940-7400; fax: 212-967-8070; e-mail: hfpathwaytravel@msn.com. A deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve space on the trip. Final payment is due on or prior to May 15, 2007. Major credit cards are accepted. This tour is commissionable to travel agents so please call for further details.
For more information on Victoria Cruises, visit www.victoriacruises.com.

Amadeus Waterways Adds Provence and Spain Itineraries In 2008
Amadeus Waterways, represented in Canada by GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel & Tours, has added some enticing new itineraries to its new 2008 Waterways of Europe brochure.

Provence & Spain—From $2,760 (cruise only), with various departure dates throughout 2008. This 15-day itinerary will take you from Paris to Barcelona with stops in many beautiful and culturally stimulating cities along the way.
Highlights include guided city tour of Paris and Lyon; a wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape, an area renowned for producing some of the world’s best wines; guided city tour of Avignon, a beautiful historic city that dates back to the Roman Empire; and a guided city tour of Barcelona,
From $2,040 (cruise only), with various departures throughout November and December 2008
Amadeus also presents a new Christmas Wonderland itinerary through France, Germany and Holland and allows visits to a variety of Europe’s beautiful and historic cities (Paris, Frankfurt, Cologne, Amsterdam). This 12-day itinerary is a great way to enjoy Christmas holiday. Highlights include
--  A guided city tour of Paris, as well as optional tours to Luxembourg
--  A guided tour of Reichsburg Castle, a structure which dates back to 1000 A.D.
-- A visit to the Christmas Markets of Cologne, Frankfurt , and Dusseldorf
--  A guided city tour and canal cruise in Amsterdam
--   A guided city tour of Cologne and the Cologne Cathedral
These are only two of many fascinating excursions offered in Amadeus Waterways’ new 2008 Waterways of Europe brochure. To obtain a copy of this brochure, please contact GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel & Tours by calling 905–258– 7778.

Avalon Waterways announces New Wine- and Music-Themed Cruises
Many industry experts agree that niche vacations and river cruising are two of the hottest travel trends.  In fact, the USTOA considers river cruising the fastest growing form of travel – with more than 50 percent in growth last year over 2005 – and a recent TIA study shows more Americans are focusing their travels around culinary and cultural activities.  Now, Avalon Waterways is joining those two trends with an expanded series of themed cruises.  Travelers will have the opportunity to sail some of Europe’s most picturesque rivers aboard Avalon’s award-winning ships, while pursuing their personal passions.
-- The 11-day Legendary Danube vacation allows travelers to “uncork” the magic of this beautiful blue river and cultivate their wine knowledge on a leisurely journey from Prague to Budapest, filled with rich history lessons along the way.  Guests will enjoy private tastings, special food pairings and the options to visit a local winery or attend a lecture at the Austrian Wine Academy of Und.  Adding to the experience, a nationally known food and wine aficionado will accompany the voyage and give shipboard lectures throughout.  Moreover, all of the wine-themed activities are included in the vacation for no additional cost.  A similar wine-themed cruise sold out in 2006, so Avalon Waterways is offering this Legendary Danube vacation on two departure dates, November 1 and November 8, 2007, and at the same rate as non-themed itineraries – a land-only price starting at $1,849.
-- The 15-day Magnificent Europe vacation is a journey into the celebrated lyrical past of classical Europe, navigating travelers along the Danube and Rhine rivers, from Amsterdam through Cologne and on to Bratislava and Vienna, the City of Music.  Guests can attend private on- and off- board concerts by La Strada-Trio, the Avalon Youth Choir, the Musikverein Ansfelden and the Aphrodites women’s chamber orchestra.  They will also have the opportunity to attend interactive lectures about the history of European music while on the ship.  All performances and lectures are included in the vacation for no extra charge.  Departing on November 4, this musical Magnificent Europe itinerary is available at the same rate as non-themed voyages – a land only price of $2,999.
addition to the themed activities during these vacations, Avalon Waterways always provides its passengers with nightly piano music, access to local entertainment, wine at dinner and turn-down service each evening.  Avalon’s ships also offer larger rooms with hotel-style beds, modern facilities and satellite television.  In addition, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies in most staterooms offer passengers the chance to take in views of the passing villages and countryside, day and night, regardless of weather. 
Consumers can book reservations or request Avalon’s European River Cruises 2007 brochure by seeing a preferred travel agent, calling toll free 877.380.1535 or visiting www.avalonwaterways.com .
Travel Agents can request special flyers promoting Avalon’s wine- and music themed cruises or Avalon’s European River Cruises 2007 brochure by calling toll free 877.380.1544 or visiting www.avalonwaterways.com/agents.

 RiverBarge Excursion Lines Announces Quilter's Retreat on the River
 Invite your clients to join us on this special eight-day quilting excursion. Guests will improve their quilting skills during 3 classes taught by appliqué artist, Linda M. Poole, national quilting instructor and author of Turkish Delights to Appliqué, Bended Bias Appliqué and Quilted Fairie Tales.
This Expanding Frontiers excursion from July 10-17, 2007, begins with an overnight stay in Nashville, Tenn., home to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Barge on the Cumberland and Ohio rivers. In Paducah, Ky., guests will receive a private tour of the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society and stop at Hancock Fabrics of Paducah. Witness the amazing Confluence, where the Ohio and Mississippi rivers meet! On the Upper Mississippi River, we’ll stop in Cape Girardeau, Mo., home to Old St. Vincent’s Church and more. At the Sewing Basket Quilt Shop, your clients will enjoy a lecture and demonstration. We’ll also visit Chester, Ill., and experience a French Colonial District Tour. This excursion ends with and an overnight stay in St. Louis, Mo., home to the Gateway Arch and the Museum of Westward Expansion.
For further information about RiverBarge Excursion Lines, or to make a reservation, call 1-888-898-0492. e-mail: groupres@riverbarge.com , website: www.riverbarge.com 

Victoria Cruises Sets Sail In 2007 With Exotic Itineraries
Committed to delivering an unmatched and equally unforgettable Yangtze River sailing experience in China, Victoria Cruises, the premier innovator and pioneer along these mighty waters, is presenting an exciting series of itineraries for 2007. This year, 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 2007.
-- 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 16-30, 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. 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; and Fengdu, the ghost city, known for its gardens, temples and statues of ghosts and devils. Depending on river conditions, the excursion to Fengdu may be substituted with a visit to Wanzhou, the gateway to the Eastern Szechuan Province. When construction is completed at Shibaozhai, expected in October 2007, Victoria Cruises will once again visit the famed 400-year-old, 12-story wooden pagoda here, instead of Fengdu.
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. 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, historic and scenic 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, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), one of China’s most outstanding scenic attractions, 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 19-31, 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. Shore excursions cost an additional $225 per person. The downstream program sails on Mondays, and the upstream program sails on Sundays.
Enhancing the already-impressive Victoria Cruises experience, last year the company welcomed its largest, most elaborate ship (the Victoria Anna) as well as expanded its menus on all seven ships in the fleet with more Western-style specialties.
The state-of-the-art Victoria Anna, featuring 154 cabins, debuted on April 25, 2006 and currently boasts the highest passenger capacity and the most suites of all vessels sailing the mighty Yangtze. Furthermore, the Victoria Anna is the first ship in the fleet to have two dining options—the Dynasty Dining Hall and the Top of the Yangtze, an a la carte dining room. The Victoria Queen, which is currently being refurbished, will also feature a la carte dining service. For the 2008 season, all ships in the Victoria Cruises fleet will include a second a la carte dining option.
For guests’ dining pleasure, all seven ships in the Victoria Cruises’ fleet feature new menu items conceived by acclaimed chef Walter Staib and his company Concepts By Staib, Ltd. Victoria Cruises had hired Concepts By Staib, Ltd. to expand its menus with more Western-style specialties that would complement the existing Chinese food as well as train the Victoria Cruises’ food and beverage staff in successfully implementing the recipes.
A selection of the new dining specialties that cruisers are able to enjoy on any of the seven ships in the Victoria Cruises’ fleet include: Mushroom Chicken Rolls, Barbecued Meatballs with Hong Kong-style Sauce, Vegetable Soup, Beef Stroganoff, Pork Chops with Mushroom Sauce, Pasta Salad, Rice Pudding, Chocolate Mousse Cake and many other choices. Menus vary slightly per ship. For more information and a free color brochure or copy of the 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 www.victoriacruises.com.
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. An American-managed company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration.

 

 

February, 2007

French Country Waterways Offering Savings On Luxury Barge ‘Esprit’
French Country Waterways has announced a special summer rate of $2,995 for its leisurely six-night cruise aboard the 18-passenger luxury barge Esprit through Burgundy’s fabled Côte d'Or wine-growing region.  This is a savings of $1,900 or 38 percent off the normal price of $4,895, and is offered on a space available basis for weekly departures from July 1 through August 26, 2007. 
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. 
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 vineyards dating back to the 12th century; 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 menu gourmand of seasonal Burgundian specialties served with the finest vintages of the Côte de Beaune and Chalonnais regions.  Aboard the barge sumptuous four-course French dinners, blending classic cooking techniques with the trend towards lighter, healthier dishes, are served with some of the finest wines from France, such as 1995 Meursault Perrieres-Premier Cru, 1993 Pommard Pezerolles-Premier Cru and 1995 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) 924-2454 in MA. Website: www.fcwl.com

General Tours Selects Victoria Cruises As Sole Provider For Yangtze River Cruises
General Tours World Traveler has reached an exclusive agreement with Victoria Cruises, the largest fleet of vessels on the Yangtze River with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration. As a result of this contract, Victoria Cruises is now the sole provider of Yangtze River cruises for the tour operator.
General Tours offers numerous tour packages to China and the Orient, many of which encompass a Yangtze River sailing onboard one of Victoria’s contemporary vessels. A popular example is the value-priced Yangtze Sampler, which offers a deluxe 12-day vacation inclusive of a four-night cruise on the magnificent 266-passenger Victoria Katarina; seven nights hotel accommodations in first-class properties throughout Beijing, Xian and Shanghai; and airfare within China.
The 12-day Yangtze Sampler also features a plethora of shore excursions and cultural sightseeing, including:
* a stroll through the courtyards and palaces of Beijing’s imposing Forbidden City;
* a kite-flying session in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, with a master kite maker;
* a walk along a section of the Great Wall near Beijing;
* a visit to the Ming Tombs near Beijing, burial site of 13 Chinese emperors;
* an excursion to the impressive Three Gorges Dam Site in the city of Sandouping, an extraordinary feat of engineering and major highlight of the river cruise;
* passage through scenic small gorges of either Daning River or Shennong Stream, two of the most notable tributaries for the Yangtze River
* the “Ghost City” of Fengdu, featuring numerous 14th Century temples complete with carvings and depictions of spirits from the “underworld” of Chinese mythology; depending on weather, Fengdu tour may be substituted by an excursion to Wanzhou, a 2,000-year old city known as the “Gateway to the Eastern Sichuan Province”
* a tour of the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum in Xian, regarded as China’s most important archaeological site;
* an exclusive “white glove seminar” in the city of Xian, in which guests are permitted to handle and examine ancient Chinese relics;
* all the pandas you can handle at the Beijing and Chongqing Zoos; and more
Pricing for the Yangtze Sampler begins at $1,999 per person, double occupancy, and does not include international airfare. Air transportation to China is available from all major gateways starting at $750 per person.
For more information or to book, consult your local travel agent, contact General Tours directly at 800-221-2216 or visit General Tours’ website at www.generaltours.com.

 

December, 2006

anals of France Wine Cruise in Languedoc, France on the Canal du Midi
Canals of France has created a special six-night cruise designed for wine enthusiasts looking for an elegant, relaxing way to taste their way through the Languedoc wine region in Southern France.  Groups of 4 to 12 can float down the gorgeous Canal du Midi, a UNESCO heritage site, aboard luxury barges Tango or Fandango while exploring the fascinating wine scene of one of France’s most interesting wine areas.
The cruise features the area’s most innovative wine producers in the Corbieres, Minervois, Fitou, Faugeres, and Saint-Chinian, to name a few. In 2005, many of these vintages won the top international prizes and the Languedoc is now considered the wine area to watch among wine experts the world over.  Some of the wineries visited during the cruise include: Domaine Massamier la Mignarde, Château d'Auzines, Domaine de L'Orthau, Domaine de L’Hortus, and Domaine Borie de Maurel.
The cruise route is the 350-year-old Canal du Midi between Beziers and Carcassonne, considered the most beautiful waterway in Europe.  Besides the area’s great wines, Languedoc offers rich sightseeing such as the medieval city of Carcassonne, vibrant markets, roman ruins, abbeys, lovely villages as well as a visit to the famous Noilly Prat distillery in Marseillan. 
Barges Tango and Fandango are historical transport barges which have been ingeniously transformed into luxury boutique hotel barges. Both vessels offer three cabins with ensuite baths, twin, queen or king beds, on-board bicycles and spa.  They have been featured in national and international publications for their innovative décor and warm, personal ambiance as cruise destinations. Tango and Fandango barges are also gourmet experiences, showcasing regional specialties paired with the best Languedoc wines. A crew of 4 on each barge provides 5-star service to cruise guests.
The six- night/seven-day Wine Cruise with Canals of France is available between April and October. Prices start at $17,650 and include all meals, wines, open bar, excursions, wine tastings and transfers to and from the barge in the cruising area.
Website: www.canalsoffrance.com

 

Theme Cruises Highlight Deilmann European River Sailings In 2007        
 Great Rivers of Europe 2007, Peter Deilmann’s 120-page river cruise catalogue now available by mail or online, features new wellness and hiking theme cruises together with music, golf, gardens and cycling cruises on its eight award-winning river ships.  This is the fourth year Deilmann is offering theme cruises on its weekly cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Elbe, Neckar, Vltava, Oder and other rivers from March 24 through November 10, 2007. 

Cruisers can unlock stress and muscle tension in the newly designed wellness spa facilities and with massage treatments on one-week Wellness theme cruises on the 110-passenger Heidelberg, March 31 and Aug. 11, and on the Mozart, April 29 and July 22. Wellness professionals sail with the cruise to present health and fitness sessions.  New hiking programs are part of five cruises on the Cezanne and Princesse de Provence sailing on the Seine and Rhône in France with five departures between May 19 and September 22.
There are seven golf cruises on six different river ships departing between May 19 and October 6 and eight garden theme cruises on five ships with departures between May 19 and October 14. Cycling cruises are available on six vessels with multiple departures throughout the season.
Deilmann also has 15 independent cruise tour programs in 2007 including the popular 17-day package that combines Lake Como and Villa d’Este, Venice, the Orient Express to Paris and a Seine River cruise. Other itineraries focus on European capitals, northern Europe, France and the coast of Normandy and combine Seine and Rhône river cruises.  The cruise tours vary in length from nine to 17 days.
-- The 96-passenger Casanova will have seven-night cruises on the Rhine and Moselle, Main-Danube Canal and the Neckar River to Heidelberg and nine- to 11-night sailings on the Rhine and Danube and a 14-night grand cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest.  Deilmann’s new Discovery Add-ons, provide travelers with flexibility by offering them a choice of destinations at the beginning or end of their cruise. 
-- The 110-passenger Heidelberg will sail seven-night cruises on the Rhine and Moselle, Main-Danube Canal and in April on Dutch and Belgian canals. The five-star vessel will call at Rhine cities and towns in four countries visiting Amsterdam, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Basel, Strasbourg and the wine towns of Bernkastel, Cochem and Trier on the smaller Moselle River. Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Bruges and Brussels are destinations on spring flower cruises on roundtrip sailings from Amsterdam.  
-- The popular seven-night Danube cruises from Passau in the Bavarian region of Germany, two hours from Munich, will operate on the 200-passenger Mozart, which has the largest cabins of any river vessel, 203 sq. ft.  Both the Mozart and 96-passenger Casanova will sail ten- and 11-night Danube cruises from Passau to Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and other cities and towns to the Black Sea in Romania.
-- The 100-passenger Cezanne will sail from Paris on the Seine offering itineraries that feature an overnight stay on board in Paris and sailings from Rouen as well as Paris.  Cruises call at towns and villages where the Impressionist painters lived and worked.  Highlights of Rhône and Saône river cruises on the 70-cabin Princesse de Provence are the Beaujolais, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Macon-Villages vineyards and the historic Provencal cities of Avignon and Arles.  Cruises originate in Lyon and Arles.
-- The Frederic Chopin and Katharina von Bora, both 79-passenger ships, will sail alternately from Prague and Potsdam (Berlin) on seven-night cruises on the Vltava, Havel and Elbe rivers.  The 106-passenger Dresden, will offer seven-night sailings on the Elbe River alternately from Hamburg and Dresden visiting the Martin Luther town of Wittenberg, porcelain-famous Meissen, stately Pillnitz Palace, the stylish sea port city of Hamburg and beautifully restored Dresden, returning to its former glory, and on an excursion, the fascinating, continually changing capital of Berlin.

Restored, lively Berlin, now 60 miles wide with the former East and West Berlins combined, and the Czech capital of Prague, with its pristine Old World churches and spires, are the focus of seven-night cruises of the Katharina and Frederic Chopin that call at Magdeburg, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden (overnight) and Prague (overnight).
Seven of the eight Deilmann river ships are five-star; the 148-passenger Princesse de Provence is four-star.  Seven-night river cruises begin at $1,375, per person twin. The 2007Great Rivers of Europe brochures are available from travel agencies and Peter Deilmann Cruises by calling 1-800-348-8287 or by e-mail from pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com. To view and download Great Rivers of Europe and the music and other theme cruise brochures online, log on to www.deilmann-cruises.com.

Life in the Slow Lane on Europe's Waterways
Abercrombie & Kent represents a growing fleet of canal and river cruisers in Europe. Comprised of both hotel vessels and private charters, the fleet travels the waterways of Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Alsace-Lorraine, Provence, Bordeaux, Normandy, Holland, England, Scotland and Ireland. Each vessel includes comfortable cabins with private, ensuite facilities; distinctive dining with exceptional service; and spacious lounges and sundecks with al fresco dining.
New For 2007: 
-- Charlemagne. This charming 32-passenger vessel begins her season on the waterways of Holland during the flower-filled spring and then explores Germany’s delightful waterways. In the Moselle Valley, she winds her way between Koblenz and Metz, a region dotted with castles, vineyards and Roman mosaics. On the Neckar and Rhine Rivers, idyllic villages and legendary chateaux dot the route between Bad Wimpfen and Koblenz, which leads to the university town of Heidelberg. Two Owner’s Suites and 14 cabins. From $2,290.
-- Absoluut2. After beginning the season cruising in Holland, Absoluut2 spends the summer in France, cruising in Burgundy and Champagne. Visit charming riverside villages and magnificent chateaux with colorful gardens, while tasting the famous wines of France along the way. Limited to 8 guests. From $3,450.
A&K’s value-oriented pricing includes the essentials for a relaxing holiday, from accommodations for six nights and three delicious meals daily (including wine at lunch and dinner) to guided sightseeing and entry fees.
A&K specialists can customize a trip tailored to your interests, whether your passion is Antiques, Bicycling, Gardens, Golf, Opera, Theatre, Walking or Wine. We can also design itineraries in conjunction with annual events like the Chelsea Flower Show, the Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames or the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
-- In the UK, in 2007, the Magna Carta offers West End Theatre Cruises from its base in London. These customized departures include tickets to four different plays or musicals at some of London’s best theatres, along with a private performance on board.
Canal cruises emphasize relaxed, leisurely travel in country regions filled with often-overlooked sightseeing treasures. The actual miles covered are relatively few, with frequent opportunities for village walks or towpath cycling. Guided shore excursions in an air-conditioned minibus are offered to sights further afield, including opulent chateaux, quaint villages, ancient ruins and traditional vineyards. Canal barges are small, typically carrying six to 24 guests. On charter departures, all cabins on board are reserved for the exclusive use of the chartering party. For larger groups, two barges can be chartered in tandem.
River cruises cover more distance, at a faster pace, with more organized sightseeing away from the vessel, and can accommodate up to 50 guests. They may include several countries and some of Europe’s great cities. Website: http://abercrombiekent.com/

 

October, 2006

Canals of France Wine Cruise in Languedoc, France on the Canal du Midi
Canals of France has created a special six-night cruise designed for wine enthusiasts looking for an elegant, relaxing way to taste their way through the Languedoc wine region in Southern France. Groups of four to 12 can float down the gorgeous Canal du Midi, a UNESCO heritage site, aboard luxury barges Tango or Fandango while exploring the fascinating wine scene of one of France's most interesting wine areas.
The cruise features the area's most innovative wine producers in the Corbieres, Minervois, Fitou, Faugeres, and Saint-Chinian, to name a few. In 2005, many of these vintages won the top international prizes and the Languedoc is now considered the wine area to watch among wine experts the world over. Some of the wineries visited during the cruise include: Domaine Massamier la Mignarde, Chateau d'Auzines, Domaine de L'Orthau, Domaine de L'Hortus, and Domaine Borie de Maurel.
The cruise route is the 350-year-old Canal du Midi between Beziers and Carcassonne, considered the most beautiful waterway in Europe. Besides the area's great wines, Languedoc offers rich sightseeing such as the medieval city of Carcassonne, vibrant markets, roman ruins, abbeys, lovely villages as well as a visit to the famous Noilly Prat distillery in Marseillan.
Barges Tango and Fandango are historical transport barges which have been ingeniously transformed into luxury boutique hotel barges. Both vessels offer three cabins with ensuite baths, twin, queen or king beds, on-board bicycles and spa. They have been featured in national and international publications for their innovative decor and warm, personal ambiance as cruise destinations. Tango and Fandango barges are also gourmet experiences, showcasing regional specialties paired with the best Languedoc wines. A crew of 4 on each barge provides 5-star service to cruise guests.
The six-night/seven-day Wine Cruise with Canals of France is available between April and October. Prices start at $17,650 and include all meals, wines, open bar, excursions, wine tastings and transfers to and from the barge in the cruising area. More information at www.canalsoffrance.com.

 

Viking River Cruises Offers China Roundtrip Airfare From $199 for Limited Time
China is quickly becoming the world's number one tourist destination, and Viking River Cruises all-inclusive cruisetours allow travelers to explore China's top landmarks and become immersed in her diverse cultures through land tours combined with a Yangtze River cruise. Now, for a limited time, passengers can receive roundtrip international air from just $199 when booking a cruisetour on select 2007 dates.
When traveling to China with Viking River Cruises, passengers are escorted every step of the way by Viking River Cruises own experienced English-speaking guides who help passengers make the most of their vacation. On the Yangtze cruise portion of the trip, passengers travel aboard Viking River Cruises deluxe, 306-passenger all-balcony ships, Viking Century Sky or Viking Century Sun. Recently, Sky received the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourist Administration. Ratings are based on the quality of facilities and amenities, and a ship must be in service at least one year prior to getting rated. Sky is one of the few to receive this rating on the Yangtze, the highest rating possible (Sun has not been in service long enough to be rated).
Key to the high rating is the fact that Viking Century Sky was custom-built under Viking River Cruises supervision; includes a full Western kitchen serving gourmet Western meals and Chinese menus designed by Martin Yan; and boasts four European onboard managers to oversee customer service and quality. Each cabin is equipped with a phone, color television, private bathroom and shower, hotel-style beds, and climate control. The ship also includes a restaurant, observation lounge and bar, coffee bar, sauna, business center, internet cafe, sun deck, shop, and laundry service. A doctor, massage services, and beauty salon are also available onboard. In addition, the company is the only one with an exclusive private picnic area in the Lesser Three Gorges, and hires and supervises over 40 tour escorts dedicated to escorting passengers throughout their journey, including pre-check-in for hotels, baggage handling, and intra-China flights.
-- Roundtrip airfare to China is available from $199 on the 15-night China's Cultural Delights itinerary, which features three nights in Beijing, one night in Xian, a nine-night Yangtze cruise from Chongqing to Nanjing, and two nights in Shanghai. Passengers must mention offer "01P" to get discounted air.
-- Roundtrip airfare is available from $399 on the nine- or 10-night Imperial Jewels of China itinerary, which features two nights in Shanghai, a three- or four-night Yangtze cruise from the Three Gorges Dam to Chongqing (or the reverse), one night in Xian, and three nights in Beijing. Passengers must mention offer "08P" to get discounted air.
Offers are valid on 2007 June, July and August departures only. $199 and $399 special airfare rates are valid on departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle only. For departures from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Tampa or Washington D.C., add $100 per person. Flights from other gateways cities or upgrades to business class are available for an additional cost.
This special offer expires December 18, 2006, and is valid on new bookings only as of October 9, 2006. For more information about this special promotion, please go to www.chinaoffers.vikingrivercruises.com

 

 

 

September, 2006

Grand Circle Travel
Majestic America Line
Peter Deilmann Cruises
Tauck World Discovery
Uniworld Grand River Cruises
Victoria Cruises

 

Grand Circle Travel

Grand Circle Travel Adds New Ship for Russian Waterways For 2007 Cruises

Having established its leadership in Europe, in spring of 2005, Grand Circle launched its first Russian vessel, the M/S Tikhi Don, after refurbishing it to the tune of $8 million. The new ship, the M/S Rossia, will undergo a $11 million refurbishment in advance of hits spring 2007 debut.
The M/S Rossia will debut in the spring of 2007 on GCT's Tatars, Cossacks & the Golden Ring CruiseTour sailing the Don and Volga rivers from Rostov-on-Don to Moscow. Itinerary details and pricing for this single departure trip will be announced in September, 2006. Afterwards, the Rossia will join its sister ship, the Tikhi Don, in serving GCT travelers aboard the company's Russian Waterways CruiseTour.
GCT's 16-day Russian Waterways CruiseTour is priced from only $2995 and includes: roundtrip air transportation aboard regularly scheduled flights from Boston, New York, or Newark to Moscow, returning from St. Petersburg; accommodations for seven nights aboard a private Grand Circle river ship in an outside cabin, and for four nights in Moscow at the Holiday Inn Moscow Suschevsky Val and three nights in St. Petersburg at the Hotel Ambassador; 31 meals; all shore excursions (including ten sightseeing tours to the Moscow City & Subway, Moscow's Central Museum of Armed Forces, The Kremlin & the Armory Museum, Uglich, Yaroslavl, Lake Onega, Kizhi Island, Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg, and the Hermitage); exclusive Discovery Series events (such as a meeting with Russian WWII veterans, a home hosted lunch, handicrafts demonstrations, and a vodka tasting); the exclusive services of up to 6 resident Grand Circle Program Directors; Captains Welcome and Farewell cocktail; receptions and dinners; private motorcoach land travel; airport meet and greet service; and more.
Travelers can add three more countries to their journey by reserving an optional pre- and/or post-cruise extension (depending on which direction their itinerary sails) Three nights in Kiev, Ukraine are offered from only $$445; and five nights in the Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland are priced from $645.
In addition to the three main gateways (New York, Boston, and Newark), travelers can fly from about 130 other US cities, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington (Dulles), DC (from $3195); Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, and Tampa (from $3245); and Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle (from $3345).
For more information and free copies of a Grand Circle catalog, including "Russian Waterways," please call 1-800-248-3737. Or visit the GCT website at www.gct.com/pr.

 

Majestic America Line

‘American Queen’ Makes Her Debut as Flagship for Majestic America Line Fleet
On March 9, 2007, the crown jewel of river cruising, the elegant American Queen, makes her debut as the flagship vessel for Majestic America Line.
The American Queen features 46 specially designed journeys in 2007, exploring America's rivers, while calling on fascinating and historic ports along the way. Itineraries include the beloved and once again vibrant city of New Orleans, La. in the south to historic St. Paul, Minn., the boyhood home to American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, in the north. Aboard the American Queen, cruising the rivers provides a completely unique way to experience the heart and soul of America on the waterways that helped shape this great country with the flexibility to cruise from three to seven nights, in extraordinary places, at a wide variety of price points.
Guests who choose to travel aboard the American Queen will enjoy a one-of- a-kind extraordinary travel experience. The world's largest river cruise ship is spacious yet intimate with 222 staterooms and suites, beautifully appointed community gathering areas that reflect the character of America, and every modern comfort, convenience and service that today's sophisticated travelers expect. The ship is adorned with finely crafted hardwood fixtures, beautiful antiques and gleaming brass details. Dining aboard the American Queen is an event in the elegant J.M. White dining room. This gorgeous room, with its expansive, stained-glass topped windows rising two decks high was modeled after the main cabin of the J.M. White, one of the most luxurious steamboats ever to cruise America's rivers. The ship's spacious public areas offer something to appeal to every traveler, whether they choose to relax and enjoy a book in the Mark Twain Gallery or take in a lively, Broadway-quality performance in the two-deck Grand Saloon, one of the most elegant entertainment spaces on the river.
To properly commemorate the start of the 2007 cruise season for the American Queen -- and the inaugural year of Majestic America Line -- the company will celebrate in style with inaugural festivities in the Crescent City of New Orleans prior to the American Queen's maiden departure under the Majestic America Line flag.
For the upcoming spring season, the American Queen will explore the Lower Mississippi, starting with a seven-night cruise from New Orleans to Memphis, Tenn. Guests will be immersed in Southern hospitality, charm and culture and along the way will soak up the Delta Blues in Helena, Ark. at the Delta Cultural Center; learn more about the siege of Vicksburg in Vicksburg, Miss.; and visit the beautiful plantation homes in Natchez, Miss. and St. Francisville, La. Fares start at $1,374 per person based on double occupancy for an inside stateroom with applicable savings applied. Guests can choose to explore this popular region from March through May, with departures from either New Orleans or Memphis or with a roundtrip journey from New Orleans.
In early summer, the American Queen journeys up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, straight into America's Heartland. The ship will carry guests through the scenic panorama that embodies the region -- from pristine farms nestled in rolling terrain to steep bluffs that rise from rivers dotted with wooded islands. Shore adventures along the way allow guests to stroll through the Victorian architecture in the historic district of Red Wing, Minn.; experience the life of a barge pilot at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa; and visit the boyhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens -- better known as Mark Twain -- in Hannibal, Mo. Guests can choose to travel America's Heartland aboard the American Queen from June through November. Fares start from $2,250 per person based on double occupancy for an inside stateroom with applicable savings applied.
The splendor that comes from seeing miles of river shores awash in a dozen shades of red, gold and auburn cannot be understated, and there is no better way to experience it than when aboard the American Queen during one of her seven, Fall Foliage-themed cruises. These carefully crafted trips will make port in picture postcard towns such as Winona, Minn., a town founded by a steamboat captain in 1851; La Crosse, Wis., with its Amish Country flavor; and Alton, Ill., where guests can learn about the beginnings of Lewis and Clark's magnificent cross-country trek. From late September through mid-November, travelers may choose from Fall Foliage journeys between St. Louis and St. Paul, Minn. or St. Louis and Memphis. Fares start from $2,250 per person based on double occupancy for an inside stateroom with applicable savings applied.
During the holidays, the American Queen will return to the Lower Mississippi. From November through the New Year, guests will celebrate the holiday season steeped in unique and memorable Southern customs, including traditional bonfires on the levee to welcome Papa Noel. Guests will celebrate the bounty of Thanksgiving aboard a special Memphis-to-New Orleans cruise, and can start an unforgettable New Year's tradition with the roundtrip journey from New Orleans to ring in 2008 in style. Fares for these spectacular holiday cruises start at just $2,106 per person based on double occupancy for an inside stateroom with applicable savings applied.
Limited space and the desire to be among the first guests to experience a Majestic America Line cruise are driving travelers to booking their 2007 inaugural year cruises now. Because of that and the special savings of up to 20 percent plus additional very best buy savings of $250 on select March and April departures aboard the American Queen guests are encouraged to reserve their travel by October 31, 2006 to ensure the greatest choice and availability of departures. Other inaugural year departures provide early booking savings of up to 10 percent (up to $700 per couple). For additional information, please visit www.deltaqueen.com , call a reservation specialist at (800) 543-1949 or contact your professional travel agent.

 

Peter Deilmann Cruises

Deilmann Schedules Two Classical Music Cruises On ‘Mozart’ In 2007
Peter Deilmann Cruises plans two music theme cruises on the Danube in 2007 aboard the 200-passenger Mozart in April and October.  Each Danube music cruise offers onboard concerts, performances in Vienna and Budapest and visits to sites of musical interest in Vienna.  Classical musicians will perform solos and ensemble works on the first Mozart sailing, April 15-22, and on the second music cruise, October 7-14.  Details on the musical programs will be available shortly. 
The Danube cruises sail from the old world town of Passau in the Bavaria region of Germany situated at the confluence of three rivers – the Danube, Inn and Ilz.  The ship’s route takes travelers to three capitals – Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava - and the Austrian wine village of Dürnstein and other towns in Austria and Hungary. 
In addition to the regular shore excursions offered on the Danube itinerary, the music cruises add a focus on the musical traditions of Vienna visiting the Theatre of Vienna where Mozart’s “Magic Flute” was first played, St. Stephen’s Cathedral where Mozart married, and Figaro House where he wrote “The Marriage of Figaro”.  Participants also visit the State Opera House and the Museum of Musical Instruments in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace.  In Budapest, music cruise participants will attend an evening performance at Budapest’s Hungarian State Opera House.
Dürnstein, the ship’s first morning call, is an Austrian wine village with narrow, hilly streets, 16th and 18th century town houses, cozy wine taverns and the ruins of the medieval castle where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned. The Mozart sails on to Vienna, the incomparable Austrian city, and then through river locks and under bridges to the Hungarian capital of Budapest where cruisers will discover the pristine, restored Buda hill district rising high above the river on one side and bustling, commercial Pest on the other.  Austria’s grandiose Baroque abbey at Melk and Gothic town of Grein, the Hungarian city of Esztergom with its cathedral styled after St. Peter’s in Rome and Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, with its restored old town, are other destinations on the itinerary.
Deilmann’s five-star Mozart is notable for cabins of 203 square feet, largest of any river ship—the vessel has 100 cabins, 95 outside and identical in size, and two suites of 406 square feet.  Refurbished in 2003, the vessel’s décor features polished rosewood and original works of art. Passengers will find a spacious panoramic lounge, two bars, café, full-size indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, library, shop, beauty salon, laundry and infirmary with a doctor.  Dining is single seating in the non-smoking restaurant surrounded by windows and breakfast, morning bouillon or coffee service, lunch, afternoon tea service, a six-course dinner and midnight snack are served each day.  The cruise line expanded its no-smoking restrictions last April to include ship cabins and corridors. As on all vessels in the Deilmann river fleet, service is of the highest standard with one English-speaking crew member for every 2.5 passengers. 
Price of the music cruises start at $1,800 per person, outside double, for both value season sailings. Upper deck outside cabins are $2,520 and outside single rates start at $2,450.  Rates include seven nights accommodations, six meals daily, transfers and onboard musical performances.  The onshore performances in Vienna and Budapest plus all shore excursions are included in an optional package priced at $325 per person. 
The October music theme sailings will offer the same cruise itinerary, performances and sightseeing program. A post-cruise package to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, is an added attraction to the music cruises.  The optional program includes transfers from the ship in Passau to Salzburg, two nights at the first class Salzburg Sheraton with breakfast, chamber orchestra concert with dinner at the Hohensalzburg Fortress and half-day city sightseeing tour.  The Salzburg two-night program is priced at $490 per person double.  
Cruise details are available by calling Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by e-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com .  Details on the ship, cruise itinerary and ship photos as well as the Mozart music cruises brochure are online at www.deilmann-cruises.com.

 

Tauck World Discovery

Tauck Announces European River Cruising Plans For 2007
After growing its European river cruising business more than 600 percent in just two years, Tauck World Discovery is heading into 2007 with a new 24-day, trans-European itinerary, an earlier fall marketing effort to help Tauck agents and guests plan river voyages for the coming year, and exclusive use of one of the most luxurious river ships on Europe’s waterways; the just-launched MS Swiss Emerald.
Each Tauck river cruise has a maximum of just 118 guests, while groups on other similarly sized vessels typically average about 140 guests. The needs of Tauck’s guests are expertly catered to by three full-time Tauck Directors and an onboard Tauck Cruise Director, in addition to the ship’s staff.  Included in every Tauck river cruise are all shore excursions (with a choice of sightseeing options in many cities), wine with each onboard dinner, admission to all attractions, port charges, and gratuities to ship’s staff, local guides, drivers, and all Tauck personnel.  Also included are a number of “Tauck-exclusive” experiences, such as private dinners and special performances in historic palaces and chateaux.
Tauck’s new “Grand European Cruise” (from $7,530, double, plus air) travels from Amsterdam to the Black Sea along the Rhine, the Main-Danube Canal, the Main, and the Danube, with visits to nine different countries along the way.  Included in the price are virtually all expenses, including two nights at the Athenee Palace Hilton in Bucharest and 67 meals both on and off the Swiss Emerald. 
The new trip pairs two popular Tauck river journeys, Amsterdam to Budapest (15 days, from $4,590) and Budapest to the Black Sea (12 days, from $3,690).  A couple traveling on the combined itinerary, however, will save a minimum of $1,000 off the price of the two journeys, if they were purchased separately. Tauck’s other river itineraries include the 13-day Blue Danube (from $3,790) and Holland & Belgium in spring (ten days, from $3,190).
Tauck’s 2007 river cruises will feature either the MS Swiss Diamond or the MS Swiss Emerald.  Launched earlier this year, the 361-foot Swiss Emerald is decorated in teak, marble, brass, wrought iron and glass.  The ship has 14 elegant luxury suites, each with 300 square-feet of living space, floor-to-ceiling windows for optimal scenery viewing, hotel-style beds, marble bath with full tub, walk-in closets, flat-screen television/DVD, mini-bar and more.  The ship’s seven mini-suites and 38 staterooms are equally refined with similar décor, hotel-style beds, plasma televisions, plush terrycloth robes, slippers, and Escada toiletries. 
The 332-ft. MS Swiss Diamond was partially renovated in 2006, and offers a whirlpool, sauna, solarium, and library, along with nightly entertainment including piano music, lectures, and traditional folkloric performances.  The Swiss Diamond’s air conditioned cabins and suites are all outside-facing, and well appointed with a flat screen television, radio, direct-dial international telephone, bathrobes, slippers, mini-bar, Escada toiletries, and more.
Those interested in more information can contact their travel professional, call Tauck toll-free at 1 800 214 5158, or visit www.tauck.com.

 

Uniworld Grand River Cruises

Uniworld Announces Its 2007 Europe Itineraries
Uniworld Grand River Cruises has unveiled its 2007 Europe and Russia Itineraries
In 2007, Uniworld carries on this tradition by introducing exciting new itineraries, a new optional land extension program, new early booking incentives, and great group opportunities.
In 2007, Uniworld's cruise season in Europe and Russia runs from March through December with nine-to 30-day cruises and tours in 20 countries. According to Tom Russell, senior vice president, sales and marketing, "We are offering four new itineraries in 2007 with one of our major destinations being France. With the success of Uniworld's brand new Grand River Cruise ship, River Royale, and our well-received nine-day Provence and Burgundy cruise, we have added two new programs in France."
The nine-day cruise takes you roundtrip from Paris to Normandy along the Seine River with its breathtaking scenery, captivating views and enchanting surroundings. The 16-day Grand France cruise combines Paris and Normandy with Burgundy and Provence into one grand adventure. From the City of Lights, Paris, to the historic sights of Normandy, to the sunny beaches of the Cote d'Azur, connoisseurs of everything French will enjoy this comprehensive cruise that captures the joie de vivre of this beautiful country.
In addition to the new France programs, Uniworld is offering an exciting itinerary to support the ever-growing popularity of Eastern Europe. Uniworld's Eastern Europe Explorer traces the centuries-old - actually millennia-old - timeline along the Danube's riverbanks from Vienna to the Black Sea to Bucharest with a 16-day itinerary. Visits to the grand cities of Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Belgrade and Bucharest, as well medieval towns and seaside villages can be found on this all-encompassing cruise.
For those travelers looking to view some of the most stunning topography in Europe from the majestic Alps to the sweep of the Danube, the new Uniworld 16-day European Discovery cruise touches history in Switzerland, France, Germany and Austria, and travels along three legendary rivers, the Rhine, Main and Danube.
And for those with a true sense of adventure ­ three rivers, 10 countries and five capitals, you can combine Eastern Europe Explorer and European Discovery into a 30-day Grand European Explorer from Basel all the way to Bucharest.
Uniworld has also added to its extensive array of pre- and post-optional land programs, a fully-hosted six-day tour package to Madrid, Granada, and Seville, Spain.
First-class accommodations with breakfast, all transportation and transfers, entertainment, and featured excursions to the world-famous Prado Museum, medieval Toledo, and the Alhambra Palace are all included for an exceptional price.
Uniworld's Grand River Cruises include roundtrip airfare, all transfers, deluxe outside staterooms, all meals and entertainment onboard, the services of a Uniworld Cruise Manager, and select excursions ashore. All-inclusive programs with roundtrip air start as low as $1,748 per person, and with Uniworld's enhanced Early Booking and Pay-In-Full Discounts, guests can increase their savings by up to $350 per person by booking and paying their vacation package in full by October 31, 2006.
A major Uniworld value-added initiative in 2007 will be more focus on providing special group opportunities with pricing incentives and bonus amenities for guests who wish to travel with a group of friends, celebrate an anniversary, or plan a family reunion.
Travel agents can earn up to 15 percent commission on cruise rates, and their groups can earn a complimentary cruise berth with as few as 10 guests traveling together. A dedicated team of Group Specialists has been designated to handle the Travel Agent's group bookings from start to finish. http://www.uniworld.com/
 

 

Victoria Cruises

Victoria Cruises Introduces Winter Specials For Savings
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, a 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.
The following is an outline of Victoria Cruises’ steeply-discounted winter specials:
-- 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, on-board lectures and port taxes), valid for departures December 2006 through mid-March 2007. 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, on-board lectures and port taxes), valid for departures December 2006 through mid-March 2007. 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 extra ($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.
For more information and a free color brochure or copy of the expanded 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.
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. Victoria Cruises’ portfolio of ships comes in two categories – premier and classic. Premier ships (the Victoria Anna, Victoria Katarina, Victoria Empress, Victoria Prince, Victoria Queen and Victoria Star) are new or newly-rebuilt ships featuring enhanced facilities such as private balconies in every cabin, more spacious public areas, and a higher level of comfort, sophistication and décor throughout the ships. In the Classic ship category is the Victoria Rose (rebuilt in 2001). Although smaller than the other ships in the fleet, the Victoria Rose maintains the same high quality standards of the company’s other vessels.

 

August, 2006

Deilmann Reservations For 2007 River Cruises Now Open

Reservations are open for booking Peter Deilmann’s 2007 European river cruises, two months earlier than in previous years. The cruise line will operate eight vessels on 250 sailings next year following the retirement of the four-star Danube Princess at the end of October. 
Deilmann’s eight river ships will operate on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Elbe, Vltava, Oder and other rivers from late March through mid-November 2007.  Deilmann plans to replace the Danube Princess, which was sold to another company, with a five-star vessel in 2008. 
Peter Deilmann will offer ten different cruise tours in 2007 with more than 100 departures.  The river cruises will have itineraries that feature special events in 2007 and new destinations.  Selections will include independent cruise tours sailing the Seine, Rhône, Danube and Elbe rivers, Dutch and Belgian canals. Complete cruise-tour information will be available in October.  “Discovery Add-ons,” a concept introduced in 2006 in independent cruise tours, will once again give travelers added flexibility in selecting tour options by allowing a choice of destinations at the beginning or end of a river cruise. 
In 2007, the cruise line’s special interest cruises will feature new music, golf, gardens, cycling and hiking themes.  This is the third year Deilmann is offering these theme cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Elbe. 
-- The 96-passenger Casanova will cruise on three rivers—the Rhine, Moselle, Danube— and on the Main-Danube Canal and will offer a 14-night grand cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest.  The Frederic Chopin and the Katharina, both 79-passenger ships, will alternate one-week sailings from Potsdam (Berlin) and Prague on the Havel, Elbe and Vltava (Moldau) rivers.
-- Rhine and Moselle sailings on the 110-passenger, four-deck Heidelberg will sail to four countries calling at Rhine cities and towns that include Amsterdam, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Basel, Strasbourg and at the wine villages and towns of Bernkastel, Cochem and Trier on the smaller Moselle River. Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Bruges and Brussels are destinations on the Dutch and Belgian canals in April on cruises that feature tulips and other flowers on roundtrip sailings from Amsterdam.  
-- The popular seven-night Danube cruises from Passau in southern Germany, two hours from Munich, will operate on the 200-passenger Mozart, known for  the largest cabins of any river vessel, 203 square feet.  Both the 100-cabin Mozart and 48-cabin Casanova will sail ten- and 11-night cruises on the Danube from Passau to the Black Sea in Romania.
-- The 100-passenger Cezanne will cruise from Paris on the Seine offering itineraries that feature an overnight stay aboard the ship in Paris and sailings from Rouen as well as Paris.
--  The Rhône and Saône river cruises on the 140-passenger Princesse de Provence call at towns and villages with the well-known vineyards of Côte du Nuits, Beaujolais, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Macon-Villages and other wines and the history-rich Provencal cities of Avignon and Arles.  Cruises originate in Lyon and Avignon.
-- The Elbe River ship, the 106-passenger Dresden, will offer alternate weekly sailings from Hamburg and Dresden to Luther’s town of Wittenberg, porcelain-famous Meissen, the formal gardens of Pillnitz Palace as well as the gracious sea port city of Hamburg, historic Dresden, returned to its former glory, and excursions to the fascinating, continually changing capital of Berlin. 
-- Berlin and the Czech capital of Prague, with its elegant Old World churches and spires are the focus of the seven-night cruises of the twin ships Katharina and Frederic Chopin.  
Seven of the eight river vessels sailing in the Deilmann fleet are five-star. All the ships are known for fine dining, a high level of passenger service with a 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio and the elegant decor of the vessels.
Distribution of the 2007 Great Rivers of Europe is scheduled for October when  information on the 2007 river cruises and cruise-tours become available online. For brochures, contact Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or e-mail pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  Website:  www.deilmann-cruises.com