Delta Queen Steamboat Company
Peter Deilmann Cruises
RiverBarge Excursions
Delta Queen Steamboat
Company
Steamboats Explore Strategic Rivers Of
The Civil War
The poignant period of the Civil War is known
by many names: the War of Rebellion, the War for Southern Independence,
the War of Northern Aggression, the War Between the States.
It pitted brother against brother, divided families and loved
ones, and brought many changes to the nation as we knew it.
The legendary Delta Queen and magnificent Mississippi
Queen will explore this tumultuous time in US history during
six- and seven-night cruises in 2006.
The Delta Queen Steamboat Company, a Delaware
North Company, will take passengers on a thought-provoking and
soul-stirring journey back into this time. Passengers will
broaden their knowledge and gain new insights into the Civil
War as they steam on the strategic Wilderness Rivers that were
crucial to both sides, visit the battlefields and listen to
the haunting music of the Blue and Gray.
Several of these special guest authors and
historians will be part of each Civil War Vacation and escort
passengers on optional visits to explore battlefields and experience
living history re-enactments during these cruises:
--James "Bud" Robertson, the unchallenged
authority on Virginia's confederate soldiers, professor and
Chairman of the History Department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University in Blacksburg, Va. Robertson has written
more than 10 books and numerous articles on the Civil War.
-- Richard McMurry, author of four major
books on the western theater, including John Bell Hood and the
War for Southern Independence, and Two Great Rebel Armies.
He is currently finishing a biographical encyclopedia of Virginia
Military Institute graduates in the Civil War (being himself
a graduate of VMI).
-- William C. "Jack" Davis, primary
consultant for the A&E TV network's "Civil War Journal."
Davis, the former publisher of the Civil War Times Illustrated,
has authored more than 30 books on Civil War history.
-- Dennis Brown, screenwriter and producer
of the Lincoln at Gettysburg TV movie, The Perfect Tribute,
and a professor of history at Webster University, where his
courses include "Hollywood and the Civil War."
-- Gloria Swift, Interpretive National Park
Service Ranger and recognized authority on Shiloh; currently
researching Monocacy Battlefield. Other assignments include
Gettysburg and Harper's Ferry National Military Parks.
-- Jeffrey D. Wert, author of six books including
a biography of Gen. Custer, and the Pulitzer-nominated Gettysburg:
Day Three. He has authored more than 100 Civil War articles,
essays and columns.
- -Edward Bonekemper, historian and author
of A Victor, not a Butcher detailing his opinion that Gen. Ulysses
S. Grant has been inaccurately portrayed historically.
-- Robert Willet, noted Civil War author
of the Lightning Mule Brigade which details Col. Abel Streight's
raid on Rome, Ga. in which General Nathan Bedford Forrest pursued,
engaged, and defeated a much larger force
-- Brian Steel Wills, professor and chair
of the Department of History and archives at the University
of Virginia's College at Wise. Author of many Civil War books,
including A Battle From the Start: The Life of Nathan Bedford
Forrest.
While aboard, passengers will also enjoy
the music of the Civil War performed by Civil War Balladeer
Bobby Horton, and the sounds of Cathy Barton and Dave Para,
and spend an evening with Abraham Lincoln impersonator, James
Getty. All of this combined with our many onboard activities,
cabaret shows, music and entertainment, fine dining in an elegant
setting with everything from haute cuisine to American regional
to down home cooking, provided by our all-American staff, a
group of river veterans offering impeccable service.
Civil War Vacations will travel itineraries
along the Cumberland, Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi rivers,
with 6- and 7-night cruises on the Delta Queen: May 11-18, Nashville
to Chattanooga; May 18-24, Chattanooga to Memphis; May 24-30,
Memphis to Nashville; July 17-24, Nashville to Chattanooga and
August 7-13, Nashville to Cincinnati.
Two cruises aboard the Mississippi Queen:
May 20-27, Memphis to Nashville, and May 27-June 3, Nashville
to Memphis. Fares for a 6-night cruise begin at $1,880 and
at $2,140 for a 7-night cruise; all fares are per person, double
occupancy. Other discounts may be available at time of booking.
For reservations, contact your travel agent.
For more information or a complimentary deluxe brochure, visit
www.deltaqueen.com
or call the Delta Queen Steamboat Company toll-free at 800-543-1949.
Peter Deilmann Cruises
Deilmann Cruises Expands Garden Theme
River Cruises In 2006
Peter Deilmann Cruises is expanding its European
garden theme cruises
this year on its river ships sailing the
Danube, Dutch and Belgian Canals, Seine, Rhone and Elbe rivers.
Travelers can select from six river cruises, including two on
the five-star Mozart sailing the Danube, April 16-23 and September
24-October 1. French gardens are visited on two river cruises—the
Seine on the Cezanne, June 17-24, and the Rhône and Saône
rivers on the Princesse de Provence, June 18-25.
Participants on the five-star Heidelberg
cruise roundtrip from Amsterdam on the Rhine, July 22-29,
visit Dutch and Belgian cottage gardens, while those on the
five-star Dresden tour classic gardens in Germany's Saxony
and Elbe River regions, September
23-30.
River ships dock right in the heart of town
and Deilmann prearranges all aspects of the gardening shore
excursions—transfers, entrance fees, meals or snacks, local
guides, etc., together with the services of an experienced gardening
escort. The seven-night garden cruise packages start at $1,945
per person for an outside twin cabin. Airfare
is additional.
-- The Gardens Along the Seine river cruise
tour on the Cezanne, roundtrip from Paris, June 17-24, explores
the Royal Gardens at Versailles, the terrace garden of Chateau
de Filiere with its canals and parks, the abbey garden of the
Cloister of Saint-Wandrille, the
private garden d'Angelique at Montmain, the
French garden of Saint-George Abbey and Monet's garden in Giverny.
The five-star Cezanne is the participants' hotel in Paris for
two nights and then sails on to Les Andelys, Le Havre, Caudebec
en Caux, Rouen and Vernon. The eight-day garden cruise package
rate starts at $2,745 per person for
an outside twin and $3,375 for a single in
a twin cabin.
-- On the Provencal Gardens Along the Rhône
and Saône Rivers cruise tour, June 14-July 1, the four-star
Princesse de Provence sails roundtrip from Lyon. Excursions
include the rose garden of Saint Nicolas in full bloom; the
formal garden of Chateau de la Chaize; the Jardin de la Maison
de Sante painted by Van Gogh; the Italian-style country estate
garden of the Chateau de Brantes and a private garden at Sainte
Andre-Abbey. Prices for this eight-day garden cruise tour start
at $2,020 per person for an outside twin cabin.
Depending on the itinerary, non-gardening
river cruise companions deduct between $450 and $650 from the
garden cruise price. Deilmann arranges hotel stays, other shore
excursion packages, air transportation, meet and greet service
and transfers between airports and ships for all river cruises.
Other Deilmann theme cruises this year offer
golf, music, equestrian and cycling tours. Gardening buffs
can view and download the day-by-day itineraries of each gardening
program and cruise in the 2006 Garden Programs brochure by logging
on to
www.deilmann-cruises.com.
RiverBarge Excursions
RiverBarge Offers Special ‘Breeders Cup’
Journey In October
This fall, guests aboard the R/B River
Explorer from October 27 to November 5 will take part in
a very special ten-day excursion highlighted by a day at the
2006 Breeder's Cup Classic Championships. The journey includes
viewing fall foliage along the banks of the Ohio River, touring
prestigious stud farms and cheering some of the fastest animals
on four legs at historic Churchill Downs. The special America's
Junction Breeder's Cup Excursion turns guests from fans into
thoroughbred experts when it is time to cheer for win, place
and show on race day.
Dr. Jim Claypool will be on board the entire
trip presenting several programs on Kentucky history and the
horse racing industry. There will also be guest appearances
by three Triple Crown jockeys, Jean Cruguet, Ron Turcotte and
Steve Cauthen.
The journey begins in Cincinnati, Ohio, the
Queen City of the West. A tour of Three Chimneys Stud Farm—home
to past Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones—highlights the second
day of the journey. A stop at Keeneland Race Course for the
final day of its
racing season offers a historical perspective
of this region's rich horse history. A full day of barging on
the Ohio River, taking in the scenic shoreline and passing through
Meldahl and Greenup Locks awaits travelers.
The R/B River Explorer then makes its way
to Huntington, W.Va., home to the Heritage Farm Museum and Village,
an open-air museum that has preserved a piece of Appalachian
history. The next landing is Portsmouth, Ohio, where guests
can view the colorful murals painted on the floodwall and explore
its charming shops and galleries.
Horse country is also bourbon country and
the R/B River Explorer will stop at Ripley, Ohio, which will
include a visit to Labrot & Graham Distillery, America's
oldest operating bourbon whiskey distillery and makers of Woodford
Reserve, and nearby Kentucky State Horse Park. The grand finale
of the Breeder's Cup journey will be a three-day stopover in
Louisville, Ky., for a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum and
stakes races at historic Churchill Downs—a
prelude for a day of races at the 2006 Breeder's Cup Classic
on Saturday, November 4. The following day is spent at the Breeder's
Cup Classic Championships. Churchill Downs is hallowed ground
for American sports fans and the day of races will lead up to
the final and richest race, the Breeder's Club Classic. The
best of the best will take center-stage in the winner's circle
as the multi-million dollar extravaganza comes to a conclusion.
The final day of the journey will be a tour
of the Frazier Historical Arms Museum which harbors historical
artifacts that include Daniel Boone's family Bible, the "Big
Stick" of President Theodore Roosevelt and the ivory-handled
pistol of General Armstrong Custer. Travelers will also learn
about the mystery and beauty of glass through a tour of Glassworks.
The all-inclusive prices are $4,300 per person,
based on double occupancy, for the Royal Deck and $4,475 for
the Platinum Deck. All scheduled shore activities, onboard entertainment,
onboard meals, soft drinks, coffee and tea, port charges, gratuities
and taxes are included. Each evening will feature open bar during
Bargin' Hour and
complimentary wine with supper. For further
information, please visit
www.riverbargecruises.com.
Avalon Waterways
Delta Queen Steamboat Company
French Country Waterways
Peter Deilmann Cruises
Victoria Cruises
Avalon Waterways
Save $400 per couple on Select Avalon
River Cruises In Europe
There's nothing more appealing than cruising
your way through beautiful landscapes, medieval castles, picturesque
villages, and bustling cities-and all from Europe's famous waterways.
When you book a 2006 Avalon Waterways Tulip Time or Rhine River
cruise vacation between January 2 and February 28, 2006, you'll
save $400 off per couple on the air-inclusive price!*
Book a 2006 air-inclusive "Tulip Time"
or select "Rhine" Avalon Waterways river cruise vacation
to receive the $200 off per person offer. Booking must be made,
under deposit, and discount applied between January 2 and February
28, 2006 for travel through December 31, 2006. The full discounted
price, plus $200 deposit, plus applicable travel protection
fees must be made at the time of deposit to receive the discount.
Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2006 bookings
only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation
penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Website:
www.avalonwaterways.com
Avalon Offering New Imperial Waterways
Cruises In Russia
The ten-night cruise from St. Petersburg
to Moscow, or 11-night cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg
with accommodations in an outside cabin with hotel-style beds
on the Avalon Anastasia includes stops at:
St. Petersburg: Welcome reception; Guided
sightseeing, visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage Museum
and Peterhof Palace. Travel to Peterhof by hydrofoil. Music
performance.
Scenic cruising on Ladoga and Onega Lakes;
Visit to Kizhi Island
Kizhi Island: Guided walk, visit the open-air
museum, Cruise the Volga-Baltic Canal and White Lake
Goritsy: Guided sightseeing, visit Kirilov
Belozersky Monastery
Yaroslavl: Guided sightseeing, visit the
Church of Elijah the Prophet.
Uglich: Guided walk, visit Church of St.
Dmitry on the Blood, Cruise the Moscow Canal
Moscow: Guided sightseeing, visit Red Square,
the Armory Museum in the Kremlin and performance at the Moscow
Circus
Cruise package includes airport transfers
when making flight arrangements with Avalon Waterways and superb
dining with all meals on board including cocktail reception,
welcome dinner, Captain's Gala dinner, one sitting with open
seating arrangements, quality wines with every dinner on board.
More information at www.avalonwaterways.com
or http://www.avalonwaterways.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1846.
Delta Queen Steamboat Company
Delta Queen Steamboat Co. To Operate 2
Steamboats During 2006
The Delta Queen Steamboat Company will operate
two steamboats during the 2006 season, with the legendary Delta
Queen and the magnificent Mississippi Queen steaming
on the inland rivers of America. The New 2006 Steamboat Schedule
for the two boats has just been released, with Special Offers
on many cruises. This schedule insert is designed to be used
in conjunction with the current 2006 brochure, This is Our America.
2006 prices on page 83 of the brochure still apply.
Both boats will return to service in April
2006. The first cruise of the season will be a
seven-night cruise aboard the Delta Queen,
and begins in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 21 with visits
to Oak Alley Plantation and St. Francisville; Natchez and Vicksburg,
Mississippi, Helena, Arkansas, with arrival in Memphis, Tennessee
on April 28.
The Mississippi Queen, celebrating 30 years
on the inland rivers in 2006, begins her season on April 23,
with a seven-night Memphis, Tennessee round trip Quilting on
the River cruise that visits New Madrid, Missouri and spends
three days docked at the annual Quilting Convention in Paducah,
Kentucky where passengers can enjoy the many quilting exhibits
and workshops held during this event, and return to their floating
hotel each evening for dinner and our onboard entertainment.
To request a complimentary copy of the New
2006 Schedule or our 2006 "This is Our America" brochure,
contact our Reservations Department at 800/543-1949 or visit
our website at www.deltaqueen.com.
French Country Waterways
FCW’s All- Suite ‘Horizon II’ Cruises
In Burgundy For The First Time
The Horizon II, a French Country Waterways
(FCW) luxury barge, will sail on three itineraries in Burgundy
for the first time in 2006. She adds Canal du Nivernais cruises
from May 21 to July 22 and a new Canal de Bourgogne itinerary
on May 14 and July 23 to “Historic Burgundy” weekly departures
the first and last part of the season, April 2 to May 7 and
July 30 to October 29. Both new routes take in Auxerre, the
charming capital of Lower Burgundy, giving passengers splendid
views of the city’s medieval church spires as the barge enters
or leaves port on the Yonne River.
Converted last year from a 12-passenger to
an eight-passenger, all-suite barge, the Horizon II has smart
nautical cherry furnishings with antique brass accents, four
suites with a king-size bed and armoire, and an expansive sundeck.
The leisurely six-night cruises at all-inclusive rates of $3,995
to $4,795 per person, double occupancy, include dinner ashore
at a renowned three-star Michelin restaurant, either L'Espérance
in St-Père-sous-Vézelay, La Côte Saint-Jacques in Joigny or
La Côte d'Or in Saulieu. Rates are lowest in April.
The scenic Canal du Nivernais, bordered by
nut and fruit trees, meanders through the Yonne River valley.
Daily excursions take in a walking tour of Auxerre’s cobblestone
streets with half-timbered houses and 15th-century clock tower;
the hill town of Vézelay, known for the Basilica of Ste. Madeleine,
a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture; Domaine de la Tour,
a 14th-century fortified château; the elegant Château de Bazoches,
the home of Louis XIV's military engineer, Maréchal de Vauban;
and a tasting of famous white wines in Chablis.
The new Canal de Bourgogne route between
Tanlay and Auxerre introduces two sights not on any other FCW
itinerary: the Renaissance Château de Tanlay, whose Grand Salon
is decorated with paintings from the Fontainebleau School, and
the 12th-century Romanesque abbey at Pontigny, where Thomas
Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, took refuge. Other excursions
are to Chablis and Forges de Buffon, the 18th-century home and
gardens created by the naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon.
Historic Burgundy, the barge’s usual route
between Tanlay and Pouillenay on the Canal de Bourgogne, includes
Abbaye de Fontenay, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries;
the splendid Renaissance château of Ancy-le-Franc; an Auxerre
walking tour; Forges de Buffon and Chablis. The cruises provide
a private tour and tasting of well-known Chablis wines in the
ninth-century vaulted cellars of Domaine Laroche; free time
to relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths;
and hot-air ballooning as an option upon request.
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 and other French regions. More than two dozen wines
and 33 cheeses are offered during a cruise. The lounge has
a well-stocked bar and a library of books, games and music.
Smoking is not permitted inside the barge.
Cruise rates cover all meals including dinner
at a three-star Michelin restaurant, estate-bottled wines at
lunch and dinner, open bar, tours and excursions, bicycles,
suite accommodations, services of the English- and French-speaking
crew and escorted transfers between Paris and the barge. Information,
brochures and reservations are available 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 Cruises
River Cruise For Opera Lovers Sails From
Berlin To Prague In May
Opera lovers can cruise from Potsdam, just
outside of Berlin, to Prague and attend opera performances in
three cities—Berlin, Dresden and Prague—on a ten-night cruise
tour on the five-star Frederic Chopin of the Peter Deilmann
river fleet with departure from San Francisco May 17. The 11-day
program features a seven-night cruise from Potsdam to Prague,
three extra nights in Berlin and Prague and a choice of six
optional opera performances. Participants from other U.S. cities
join the cruise tour in Berlin, May 18.
The operas are “Norma,” “Merry Wives of Windsor,”
“Rigoletto,” “Pelléas et Mélisande,” “Tosca” and “Don Giovanni”.
The Elbe and Vltava rivers cruise tour starts with two nights
in Berlin and ends with an extra night in Prague with deluxe
accommodations at the Grand Hyatt Berlin and the Renaissance
in Prague.
The route of the Chopin takes cruisers from
Potsdam to Magdeburg, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden (overnight)
and Prague (overnight). The opera venues are Bellini’s “Norma”
at the Berlin Staatsoper, May 19, Otto Nicolai’s “Merry Wives
of Windsor at the Dresden State Operetta, May 23, and four choices
in Prague: Verdi’s “Rigoletto” at the Prague State Opera, May
26; “Pelléas et Mélisande by Claude Debussy at the Prague National
Theatre, May 26; “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini at the Prague State
Opera, May 27, and Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”” at Theatre of the
Estates, May 27.
The deluxe Frederic Chopin, newly built in
2002 and refurbished in 2005, is an intimate vessel of just
41 outside cabins with full-length French doors on the upper
deck and picture windows on the lower deck. Cabins have built-in
closets, color TV, desks, dressing tables, and well-appointed
bathrooms with bathrobes and hair dryers available. Refurbished
last year, the vessel is resplendent with polished wood and
original works of art. The Chopin has a sun deck, panoramic
lounge and bar, beauty salon, boutique, infirmary and doctor
on board.
The sun deck offers comfortable deck chairs
and blankets and for the music lovers’ cruise, dress on board
will be “country club casual.” 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.
Rates for the fully escorted 10-night opera
lovers’ cruise tour are $2,841 and $3,210 (lower and upper decks)
per person, double occupancy. Hotel buffet breakfasts in Berlin
and Prague, port charges, taxes and onboard gratuities are included
in the special group rate. Opera performances and air fare are
additional. A reduced rate package of six shore excursions
purchased on board is $205.
For complete details and reservations, contact
Tom Taffel at 415-566-7673 or e-mail TomTaffel @sbcglobal.net
. For more information online, visit www.TomsGroupCruises.com
. Taffel is the group coordinator and manager of San Francisco
Opera/Ballet’s Intermezzo Lounge.
Victoria Cruises
Victoria Cruises Releases 2006 Brochure,
DVD On Its Itineraries
In an effort to introduce prospective travelers
to the unmatched and equally unforgettable Yangtze River sailing
experience in China, Victoria Cruises is pleased to present
its 2006 print collateral brochure as well as the expanded DVD
version, which includes video highlights of China and the magical
Yangtze River. The full-color print brochure features 16 pages,
including detailed itineraries, descriptions of Yangtze destinations,
fleet information and deck plans, sailing dates, rates and captivating
images.
New for 2006, Victoria Cruises brings its
print images to life with a DVD offering three different segments
of video footage, including interviews, descriptions, and of
course, China’s amazing Yangtze River. For ease of viewing,
segments on the DVD are offered in three-, 10- and 20-minute
durations. All material focuses on the quality of Victoria
Cruises and the enchantment of China.
Included in the line-up of 2006 sailings
featured in the brochure, Victoria Cruises is delighted to welcome
its largest and most elaborate ship to its fleet this New Year,
the Victoria Anna. This state-of-the-art ship, featuring 154
cabins, will make its debut in April 2006 and boast the highest
passenger capacity with more suites than any other vessel sailing
the mighty Yangtze.
Also on tap for the new season, Victoria
Cruises has expanded its menus with more Western-style specialties
to further appeal to the palate of its clientele. For this
task, internationally-acclaimed Chef Walter Staib, Concepts
By Staib, Ltd., and Paul Bauer, his lead project manager, traveled
to China to fully equip the ships and train the culinary teams
with the necessary skills and recipes to prepare high-quality
Western dishes (beyond the actual recipes, this included European-style
presentations). Additionally, Associate Corporate Pastry Chef
Stephen Leffew spent a month with the chefs to improve the quality
of breads, pastries, desserts and afternoon tea accompaniments.
To further gratify the gastronomic pleasures
of the discerning traveler, the revamped menus will feature
savory appetizers, salads, entrees, sauces and desserts. These
tantalizing delights will be introduced during the launch of
the 2006 sailing season.
In 2006, Victoria Cruises is offering a variety
of programs varying from four to nine days including Three Gorges
Highlights (Chongqing-Yichang and Yichang-Chongqing), Three
Gorges Explorer (Chongqing-Yichang-Chongqing) and Grand Yangtze
Discovery (Chongqing-Shanghai and Shanghai-Chongqing). These
magical journeys offer the total Yangtze River experience --
from Chongqing to Shanghai. Offering unmatched views of the
Three Gorges and the Three Gorges Dam to Mt. Huangshan and Nanjing,
breathtaking beauty and historical significance emit a magnetic
draw for consumers worldwide. Prices start as low as $775 per
person, based on double occupancy, in a standard cabin during
the shoulder season (March 16-31, June, July, August and November)
and $820 per person, double, in-season (April, May, September
and October). Rates in junior suites, deluxe suites and Shangri-La
suites are available upon request.
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. An American-managed
company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels
with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism
Administration.
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 at www.victoriacruises.com.
