Princess Cruises Adds New South America and Tahiti Sailings in 2014

Crown Princess - Princess Cruises - Adds Modified 2014 Itineraries.

Princess Cruises has added several new Exotics cruise options in spring 2014, giving passengers additional vacation choices in the popular destinations of South America and the South Pacific. Options include a new South America grand adventure aboard Crown Princess – the first such voyage for the vessel. In addition, Pacific Princess will add new departures of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia cruises plus additional Hawaii and South Pacific voyages.

During Crown Princess’ South America debut, passengers can enjoy highlights such as an overnight call in vibrant Rio de Janeiro during the city’s famous Carnaval celebrations, sailing around legendary Cape Horn, an optional overland tour to the dramatic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and Princess’ first call to Ilhabela (“beautiful island”) an island that lives up to its name with lovely beaches and natural beauty. The new 49-day voyage travels from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles, sailing first to Brazil, then around Cape Horn along the Chilean Fjords and up the Pacific coast. Shorter segments of 16- to 33-days are also available.

To add more of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia voyages, Pacific Princess will move to the South Pacific to offer three additional departures of this popular 10-day itinerary. The ship will also offer new departures of a 16-day New Zealand & South Pacific sailing from Sydney to Tahiti; a 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti sailing from Tahiti to Honolulu, and a 10-day Hawaiian Islands crossing from Honolulu ending in Vancouver, British Columbia. Many voyages can be linked for a Grand Adventure of 22 to 26 days.

“South America and the South Pacific have been among our most popular cruises recently, so these new voyages offer wonderful additional opportunities for passengers to explore the natural beauty and colorful cultures of these destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Whether passengers want to meet a penguin or learn to hula, these cruises offers a great way to find the experience of a lifetime.”

The new Exotics sailings include:

49-day South America Grand Adventure – Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles
Featuring an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval and Princess' maiden call to Brazil’s Ilhabela, this adventure also starts off with calls in St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad, and Recife. After an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the cruise then sails around the famed Cape Horn at the tip of South America and features scenic cruising of the Chilean Fjords, plus calls in Montevideo, the Falkland Islands (Port Stanley), Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), Punta Arenas (Chile) and Puerto Montt. While traversing South America’s Pacific coast, this voyage offers the opportunity to take an overland tour to the famed Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, plus port calls including La Serena (Coquimbo), Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), San Juan Del Sur (Nicaragua), and Puerto Vallarta.
Departs February 15, 2014 on Crown Princess

10-day Tahiti & Polynesia – Roundtrip Papeete
One of Princess’ classic voyages, featuring an overnight in Papeete, Tahiti, plus visits to the idyllic isles of Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (for a two-day call), and Moorea.
Departures on March 12, March 24, April 1, 2014 aboard Pacific Princess

16-day New Zealand & South Pacific – Sydney to Papeete
From Sydney, the ship heads for three calls in New Zealand – Tauranga, Auckland, and Bay Of Islands. After crossing the International Date Line, passengers can relax in paradise with visits to Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea, before arriving in Tahiti.
Departs February 25, 2014 on Pacific Princess

12-day Hawaii and Tahiti – Papeete to Honolulu
The Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Hawaii will enchant passengers on this cruise featuring calls in Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Kona, Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili)
Departs April 11, 2014 on Pacific Princess

10-day Hawaiian Islands – Honolulu to Vancouver
Passengers can revel in visits to Kauai (Nawiliwili), Kona, and Hilo before heading across the Pacific for relaxing time at sea on the way to British Columbia.
Departs April 23, 2014 on Pacific Princess

Pacific Princess’ 2014 World Cruise will be cancelled to allow for these new sailings; however the first segment of the cruise departing January 20, 2014 will remain available for purchase. The 35-day sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney will feature a transit of the Panama Canal, calls to Ecuador, Peru, Easter Island, French Polynesia and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney on February 25, 2014.

Crown Princess’ previously scheduled Caribbean cruises from February 15 to April 26, 2014 have been cancelled to allow for the new South America voyage. Passengers on the rescheduled sailings are being notified and assisted with finding alternate cruise options.

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Sea Voyager Expeditions Offers Fall Discounts in Central and South America

Sea Voyager - Sea Voyager Expeditions

Travelers looking for a true adventure experience amongst four of the world’s most fauna- and wildlife-rich countries -- Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador -- are being offered a special incentive from Sea Voyager Expeditions – 25% to 35% savings on almost all of the September-December, 2012 departures.  A 2012 Special Edition brochure, available on the company’s website, details the itineraries.  The discounted fares on the 13 eight-, 11- and 12-night sailings range from $2,460 to $5,588 per person, double (normally $3,785 to $8,950) while unaccompanied single travelers guests booking a single cabin pay $3,785 to $5,195 (vs. $6,415 to $8,950).  Booking deadlines for special pricing is day of voyage; offers are capacity controlled and based on stateroom availability.

    The new cruise line sets itself apart from competitors by focusing attention on these underexplored regions and their untouched wilderness, rarely-visited small villages and Indigenous peoples.  All four of the specially-priced itineraries transit the Panama Canal – truly a unique experience from the perspective of a small ship.  Included are all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees, and transfers when the SVE air program is used.

    Itineraries with savings are the 12-night “Pacific Wilds of Ecuador, Colombia & Panama” and its similar reverse sailing, “Last Frontier of Panama Colombia & Panama” visiting Colombia’s Malaga Bay and Gorgona Island NP and hike Panama’s Darien Jungle and Ecuador’s Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve – and specially priced at $3,672 to $6,712; eight-night “Unspoiled Pacific of Panama & Costa Rica” where highlights include Las Perlas Islands, Coiba Island – the world’s 3rd largest marine park, and Osa Peninsula - named by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth” - $2,567 to $4,762; and the eight-night “Treasures of Costa Rica & Panama” where guests explore the Secas Islands with hikes, by Zodiac and kayak, and snorkel the secluded bays, Marenco Biological Reserve with its monkeys, toucans, parrots, manta rays, dolphins and other exotic wildlife, and Panama’s Darien Jungle with a visit to the local Emberá village - $2,567 to $4,762.

    Accompanied by experienced naturalists and guides, guests participate as much or as little as they wish – hiking the near-virgin forest trails one day, relaxing in the warm waters of a secluded beach or kayaking the calm waters of a hidden bay the next.  Naturalists span the sciences - birds, marine mammals, plants, history/culture, etc. -- sharing their love and knowledge of the region’s tremendous offerings, while the friendly international crew ensures the onboard comfort and needs of the guests are met.  Meals are prepared by talented chefs making use of local ingredients, freshly caught seafood and, of course, locally grown coffee.

    Lead by former executive director of International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and eco-tourism expert Denise Landau, Sea Voyager Expeditions offers true adventure cruises vs. the more commonly known soft-adventure sailings – where guides lead passengers along well-worn paths, amid groups of others visitors while pointing out the local animals and sights.  “We have chosen to specialize in this region and share its spectacular diversity as exploration from the sea floor to the rainforest canopy is possible,” states Denise Landau, CEO and president.  “Our itineraries are as varied as the noisy monkeys, the myriad of colorful butterflies, and the thousands of species of birds unique and endemic to this region.”  

    The M/V Sea Voyager is a versatile expedition ship designed for the tropics.  Its 60-passenger capacity allows for easy on/off access, a more personal experience, and close to nature feel.  All staterooms are air-conditioned with outside views through panoramic windows, ample storage, and private bath.  The ship has a roomy lounge with large windows, bar, fitness room, library with WiFi, massage room, dining room with 2-12 guests per table, buffet, deck space, fore, aft and covered decks, and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs, kayaks, swimming and snorkeling.

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Holland America Outlines 2012/2013 South American Cruises

Holland America's Prinsendam

Guests looking for vibrant ports of call, historical adventures and an extreme range of climates can chart a southerly course to South America aboard three Holland America Line ships come fall 2012. ms Veendam, ms Maasdam and ms Prinsendam head to South America on a series of cruise expeditions featuring exceptional scenic cruising around the continent.

 

The popular itineraries range from 13 to 68 days and include a new 49-day extended, port-intensive Amazon and Carnival Voyage aboard Maasdam in early 2013.  A 23-day Amazon Explorer Cruise in November 2012 and a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in January 2013 aboard Prinsendam are additional highlights of the line’s 2012-13 South America cruise schedule.

 

“South America remains a guest favorite because it offers everything in one region – from exotic ports of call to well-known cities, and from the warmth of the Amazon to the snow-capped glaciers of Antarctica,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Holland America Line offers travelers an opportunity to explore the cultures and natural treasures of South America via an extraordinary premium cruise experience at an exceptional value.”

 

From November 2012 to March 2013, the 1,350-guest Veendam will sail a series of six 13-day and one 17-day itineraries between Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sailings include multiple days cruising the scenic fjords of Chile, calls at exotic locations such as Ushuaia (the southernmost town in the world), sailing around Cape Horn and a visit to the Magellan Strait, gateway to Antarctica.

 

Cruise fares begin at $1,399 per person, double occupancy, for the 13-day sailings, and $1,699 for the 17-day voyages.

 

In addition to Veendam’s series of cruises, two non-repeating itineraries also are available throughout the season: a 14- or 18-day South America cruise departing Boston, Mass., or Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile, Oct. 20 and 24, 2012, respectively; and an 18- or 21-day South America cruise departing Valparaiso to Fort Lauderdale or Boston, April 13, 2013. These itineraries include a full transit of the Panama Canal in addition to extended port calls at Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama, and Callao (Lima), Peru.

 

Veendam also sails a 21-day South America and Antarctica Explorer Holiday cruise departing Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso Dec. 20, 2012, and a 20-day South America and Antarctica Explorer cruise departing Valparaiso to Buenos Aires, Jan.10, 2013. A 21-day South America and Antarctica Explorer cruise returns from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso on Jan.30, 2013. All voyages include scenic cruising throughout the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula and an overnight call at Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires.

 

Cruise fares begin at $1,699 per person, double occupancy, for the 14- and 18-day sailings; $2,099 for the 18- and 21-day sailings departing Valparaiso; and $3,799 for the 20-day Antarctica sailing.

 

Explore the Amazon, Experience Carnival on Maasdam

Aboard Maasdam, guests will sail one unique 49-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage, conveniently sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 18, 2013.

 

Guests will spend 49 days exploring 25 ports throughout all three of the “ABC Islands” — Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao — Barbados, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Dominica, French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, crossing the equator twice during the voyage. A highlight of the voyage is Carnival, a festive four-day celebration often referred to as the world's largest party that happens Feb. 9 - 12.  Extended calls at seven ports  — Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Buenos Aires, Callao (Lima), Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil allow extra time ashore to enjoy historical and local attractions.

 

Shorter segments of Maasdam’s Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage are available for guests with less time. The 23-day segment departs Fort Lauderdale for Rio de Janeiro Jan. 18, 2013, and a 26-day segment departs Rio de Janeiro for Fort Lauderdale Feb. 10, 2013 that includes cruising down the Amazon River and crossing the equator. The 26-day itinerary also includes a two-night call at Rio de Janeiro where guests can experience exciting Carnival.

 

Cruise fares begin at $7,999 per person, double occupancy, for the full 49-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage; $2,999 per person for the 23-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage and $5,199 for the 26-day segment.

 

Departing January 5, 2013, Prinsendam sails south once again on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. During the voyage, Prinsendam will circumnavigate the continent and spend seven full days cruising the Amazon River and four days of scenic cruising in Antarctica. Overnight calls include Callao, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. Shorter segments are available.

 

Cruise fares begin at $12,999 per person, double occupancy, for the 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage.

 

Shore Excursions, Overland Tours in South America

Holland America Line guests can experience some of the most iconic and world-famous South America attractions and destinations by taking an award-winning shore excursion or in-depth overland tour, many of which visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 

A selection of the featured tours include:

•              Iguazu Falls: Natural Wonder of the World — This unforgettable tour enables guests to see the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, located at the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Guests will ride a train to Devil's Throat (a cliff at Iguazu Falls) and take a guided walk to view the falls. The spectacular display is made up of 250 giant cascades twice the height of Niagara Falls.

•              Cuzco & Machu Picchu Overland Adventure — This fascinating excursion includes a sightseeing drive through colonial Cuzco to see the main square and cathedral, followed by a Vistadome train ride along the Urubamba River and a coach ride to Machu Picchu — the Lost City of the Incas — at an elevation of 7,874 feet. 

•              Patagonian Experience: Otway Sound & Penguin Reserve — During this adventure, guests will take a motor coach ride across mostly unpaved roads and farms bordering Otway Bay for magnificent views of the Pinto Range. The tour also allows guests to get up close and personal with thousands of Magellan penguins near their caves and nesting areas.

•              Drive to Tierra del Fuego National Park — Tierra del Fuego encompasses the city of Ushuaia, Cape Horn, the Magellan Strait and is a gateway to Antarctica. This national park was created to protect the southern portion of the sub-Antarctic forest. Today it provides visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Andes and the region’s forests, rivers, lakes and is home to a wide variety of birds. A short stop at Lapataia Bay, the southernmost place that can be reached by road, also is included in this tour.

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Princess Cruises Announces 2011/12 South America Sailings

(July 21, 2010) – With a rhythmic samba beat and colorful cultures, South America appeals to all the senses. Detailing its fall 2011-spring 2012 cruise season, Princess Cruises will offer travelers an alluring selection of South American cruises and cruisetours, taking passengers down the Amazon River, around Cape Horn, on a Brazilian Adventure, or up to the fabled Machu Picchu.

Whether they want to tango in Buenos Aires or watch for wildlife at the end of the Earth, passengers can choose from 10 Latin-flavored departures aboard Star Princess and Pacific Princess, encompassing 31 destinations. Passengers can also extend their South American cruise vacation with a cruisetour itinerary to two of the continent’s most famed attractions, Peru’s Machu Picchu or Brazil’s Iguazú Falls.

“South America offers some of the most magnificent travel experiences in the world, and many of its attractions are best navigated by ship,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We make it easy and convenient to travel between countries, and offer the perfect venue for viewing the scenery around Cape Horn, the dramatic fjords of Chile, and the amazing Amazon River.”

Rio de Janeiro figures prominently on several cruise and tour itineraries. Pulsing with life, Rio offers an experience like no other. A dazzling amalgam of Latin and African cultures, the city offers an array of attractions, including the dramatic peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, the landmark Christ the Redeemer statue who embraces the city below, dazzling white sand beaches and famous beachfronts of Copacabana and Ipanema.

Cruises rounding Cape Horn take in one of sailing’s most legendary passages that has drawn explorers throughout the ages. Today Princess passengers enjoy sailing in comfort around this once-difficult but fabled point where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet. On this route travelers can explore Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Scenic cruising through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel leads to the towering Chilean Fjords where Southern Patagonia's ice fields rival those of Alaska's Inside Passage. Passengers have a front-row view of the spectacular glaciers and can watch out for the area’s myriad marine birds.

Passengers choosing to travel up the mighty Amazon will enjoy an adventure into the Brazilian jungle, where they can visit colorful villages and learn about the unique cultures along the river’s route.

Cruisetour passengers can visit the mysterious land of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This unforgettable journey high into the Peruvian Andes defies description as visitors travel from Lima to the ruins of this terraced “City in the Clouds.”

One of the continent’s most dramatic natural wonders, Iguazú Falls is both taller and wider than Niagara Falls and spreads along nearly a two-mile stretch of the Iguazú River. Cruisetour passengers can spend several days viewing the magnificent scene from multiple vantage points.

Throughout their South America voyages passengers can visit a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including not only Iguazú National Park, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon River basin, but also Olinda Historic Center (near Recife), Salvador Historic Center, and the Historic Quarter of Valparaiso, Chile.

South America Cruises

Princess offers travelers an array of South American ports and activities on a variety of itinerary options. Ships large and small travel around the continent, giving passengers the opportunity to encounter many colorful South American cultures.

Amazon River Cruise – The intimate Pacific Princess sails up the mysterious Amazon River on a 14-day cruise that includes calls to St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Tobago, and Devil’s Island in addition to traveling along the world’s second longest river. Stops along the Amazon include Santarém, Boca da Valéria and Parintins with an overnight stay in Manaus. The ship sets sail on December 16 and 30, 2011.

Cape Horn Route to Rio – Star Princess takes passengers on an unforgettable 14-day day cruise vacation around the fabled Cape Horn as they travel between Rio de Janeiro and Santiago. Passengers will visit many South American highlights with calls to Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia and Punta Arenas. The voyage includes a variety of spectacular scenic cruising opportunities around Cape Horn, including Beagle Channel, the Strait of Magellan and the dramatic Chilean Fjords. Sailings depart on December 24, 2011, January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18, and March 2, 2012.

Brazilian Adventure Cruise – Passengers can experience a combination of Brazilian flavor and Caribbean fun on this 15-day sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Ft. Lauderdale. Star Princess starts with an overnight in Rio, then calls at the Brazilian ports of Salvador and Recife, plus visits the islands of Barbados, Antigua and St. Maarten. The sailing departs March 17, 2012.

Passage to Rio – Travelers can visit three continents on this 16-day journey across the Atlantic with this voyage from Venice to Rio de Janeiro, which includes an overnight stay in Venice and calls at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Malta (Valletta), Tunis/Carthage (La Goulette), Gibraltar, and Recife (Brazil). Star Princess sets sail on December 8, 2011.

Cruisetours

To go beyond South America’s ports and visit some of the continent’s inland wonders, Princess offers land and sea cruisetours featuring the famed Machu Picchu or stunning Iguazú Falls. These seamless vacation options combine easily with Princess’ cruise offerings.

The five-day Machu Picchu Explorer tour offers the opportunity to explore Peru’s magnificent ruins. From Lima, travelers will not only enjoy a guided tour of the fabled site of Machu Picchu, but also the historic city of Cusco and the nearby Sacred Valley and Sacsayhuaman Fortress, as well as enjoy rail travel up into the mountains. The package combines with Princess’ Cape Horn Route to Rio cruise.

The four-night Iguazú Falls Experience cruisetour features extra time to explore lively Rio de Janeiro, plus two days to take in one of the continent’s most spectacular natural wonders, Iguazú Falls. Travelers will not only experience the drama of the falls from several vantage points, but also enjoy excursions on an Ecological Jungle Train and a boat ride to see the falls from the river. Travelers will spend two nights in Iguazú Falls and two nights in Rio on a package that combines with Princess’ Cape Horn Route to Rio or Brazilian Adventure cruises.

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Holland America 2011 & 2012 South America Cruises

In 2011 and 2012, three Holland America Line ships –– ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam and ms Prinsendam –– will explore South America’s rugged natural beauty, indigenous cultures and contrasting cities during unforgettable cruising expeditions. The itineraries range from 12 to 37 days and include two extended, port-intensive Collectors’ Voyages aboard Veendam. A 66- and 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage aboard the Prinsendam is also part of the line’s 2011 and 2012 cruise schedule.

The recently upgraded Veendam and Rotterdam will sail a combined eight South America itineraries, featuring 44 ports of call.

“ South America is one of the most popular, ‘must-see’ destinations in the world,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Holland America Line offers an extraordinary cruise experience as well as in-depth explorations of this vast and diverse continent at an exceptional value.”

From Nov. 2011 to March 2012, the 1,350-guest Veendam will sail a series of 12-, 16- and 17-day itineraries between Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that include multiple days cruising the fjords of Chile, port calls at exotic locations such as Ushuaia — the southernmost town in the world — and a visit to the Magellan Strait, a gateway to Antarctica. A call at the Falkland Islands affords guests the opportunity to encounter penguins up close and personal.

Cruise fares begin at $1,399 per person, double occupancy for the 12-day sailings; $1,799 for the 16-day sailings; and $2,799 for the 17-day sailings.

In addition to Veendam’s series of cruises, two varied itineraries also are available throughout the season: an 18- or 21-day Inca Discovery Cruise departing New York or Fort Lauderdale , Fla. , to Valparaiso Oct. 16, 2011; and a 19- or 22-day Inca Discovery Cruise departing Valparaiso to Fort Lauderdale or New York March 31, 2012.

These itineraries include a full transit of the Panama Canal, in addition to extended port calls at Fuerte Amador ( Panama City ), Panama , and Callao ( Lima ), Peru .

Cruise fares begin at $1,999 per person, double occupancy for the 18- and 19-day sailings.

Veendam’s Collectors’ Voyages

Veendam’s Collectors’ Voyages — which offer the ultimate blend of combining two back-to-back sailings — depart Valparaiso Feb. 16, 2011, for a 30-day South America adventure and March 4, 2011, for a 42-day sailing. The line offers also offers two awe-inspiring Inca Discovery Voyages with options to sail between either New York or Fort Lauderdale and Valparaiso : a 34- to 37- day sailing departs Oct. 16, 2011, and a 31- to 34-day journey departs March 19, 2012.

Cruise fares begin at $3,199 per person, double occupancy, for the full 30-day Collectors’ Voyage.

Uncover the Incan Empire, Timeless Wonder of Machu Picchu

Aboard Rotterdam , guests will sail two unique Incan Empire Cruises, conveniently sailing roundtrip from the U.S.

Guests will spend 30 days exploring 15 ports along the west coast of Mexico , Guatemala , Nicaragua , Panama , Costa Rica , Ecuador and Peru during the ship’s Incan Empires voyage. The round-trip San Diego , Calif. , cruise departs Feb. 2, 2011, and features extended calls at Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta , Mexico , allowing guests extra time ashore to enjoy the history and local attractions. A two-night call at Callao ( Lima ) enables guests to take an excursion to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu . This popular itinerary will be offered again, departing Feb. 3, 2012.

For the adventurists who wish a blend of the exotic, Rotterdam will also embark on a 60-day round-trip San Diego sailing in January 2011 and again in February 2012. Aptly called Polynesian Paradise & Incan Empires, the itinerary will cover the Hawaiian islands of Hawaii , Maui, Oahu and Kauai before crossing the International Date Line and sailing deep into the South Pacific, Central and South America, and Mexico .

Cruise fares begin at $3,099 per person, double occupancy, for the full 30-day Incan Empires cruise. Fifteen-day segments between San Diego and Callao also are available with fares starting at $1,699.

On April 17, 2011, Rotterdam sets sail on a 30-day Secret Civilizations round-trip Fort Lauderdale cruise that visits ports in Colombia , Costa Rica , Ecuador , Guatemala , Honduras , Mexico , Nicaragua , Panama and Peru . The itinerary features a double daylight transit of the Panama Canal on the way to and from Callao , where guests can observe the intricate passage through the lakes and locks of the man-made engineering marvel.

Cruise fares begin at $3,299 per person, double occupancy, for the full 30-day Secret Civilizations cruise. Fifteen-day segments between Fort Lauderdale and Callao also are available with fares starting at $1,799. Fares for the full 60-day Polynesian Paradise & Incan Empires voyage begin at $6,649 per person, double occupancy.

Cruise the Mighty Amazon River , Cross the Equator Twice

Once again, in 2011 and 2012, Prinsendam sails its amazing Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage round-trip Fort Lauderdale with departures on Jan. 5, 2011, and Jan. 4, 2012. During the 66- or 68-day cruise, the ship will circumnavigate South America, cross the equator twice, visit the remote continent of Antarctica and spend eight days exploring the Amazon River . In addition to several Caribbean islands, guests will visit ports in Brazil , Uruguay , Argentina , Antarctica, Chile , Peru , Ecuador and Panama . In all, guests will visit 13 countries, 29 ports and all three “Big A’s”: the Andes, the ice of Antarctica and Brazil ’s exotic Amazon rain forest.

Fares for the 66-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage begin at $10,199 per person, double occupancy. Shorter segments are available for guests with less time.

The ship returns to South America on a 24-day Amazon Explorer voyage departing Fort Lauderdale Nov. 27, 2011. Guests will call at several ports in Brazil , many of which are only accessible by water. The itinerary also features an overnight stay at Manaus , the furthest navigable point on the river for ocean-going vessels.

Cruise fares begin at $3,899 per person, double occupancy, for the full 24-day Amazon Explorer cruise.

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Voyage of Discovery M/S Discovery to Sail South America

(February 9, 2010) -- Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery will embark on its first-ever circumnavigation of South America next January, with cruises and cruise combinations from ten to 77 nights. Early-booking savings up to 32% are available, along with free and reduced air add-ons from the line’s 26 North American gateway cities.

The South American deployment continues the line’s expansion of winter itineraries following six seasons in Antarctica. Currently, the 650-passenger Discovery is sailing in India, Asia and Africa.

Mark Flager, vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services, said the South American itineraries were suggested by past passengers and travel agents. “Our guests and agents have told us they’re quite keen not only on the great cities of South America, but also on the Amazon River, Falkland Islands, Chilean Fjords and the Galapagos Islands,” Flager said.

The 77-night Grand South America Discovery cruise sails roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Jan. 3. Fares for the cruise begin at $12,429 per-person, double occupancy, and include free air add-ons from Voyages of Discovery’s Eastern air gateways.

Individual cruises include Belize to Bridgetown (Dec. 23, 11 nights, from $2,949 per-person, double); Bridgetown to Montego Bay (Dec. 1, 13 nights, from $2,819); Bridgetown to Buenos Aires (Jan. 3, 30 nights, from $4,739); Buenos Aires to Valparaiso (Jan 29, 24 nights, from $4,299); and Valparaiso to Bridgetown (Feb. 16, 36 nights, from $6,019).

The season begins with a 20-night “Discovery of the New World” transatlantic crossing from Malaga to Barbados, sailing Nov. 18, with calls at Cadiz, Antigua and St. Kitts, and a three-night post-cruise hotel stay in Bridgetown. Fares start at $2,779 per person, double.

The Winter 2010/11 season also features a selection of pre-, post- and mid-cruise overland tours, including a three-night excursion to the Iguassu Falls from Buenos Aires ($1,255 per person) and a two-night mid-cruise excursion visiting Machu Picchu from Callao ($1,315 per person).

Guests also can experience a day trip to the Galapagos Islands from Manta, Ecuador, or a three- or four-night cruise around the islands on the 100-passenger Galapagos Explorer II. The day trip to the Galapagos is $809 per person and the three-night cruise starts at $2,639 per person for a Classic Suite.

Special rates for single travellers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional 5% savings.

The Winter 2010/11 cruise catalog will be available in late February. Guests and travel agents are able to view these cruises now by visiting the website for itineraries and pricing. Voyages of Discovery’s website features videos of each itinerary; Winter 2010-11 programs will be available shortly at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises Anounces Celebrity Performers on Select Cruises

August 4, 2009 – Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) today announced that two star performers have been engaged to perform exclusive “Dinner and a Show” entertainment for Regent guests during upcoming long winter cruises. Florence Henderson, beloved star of TV and Broadway, will be aboard the first leg of Seven Seas Mariner’s Circle South America cruise in January, while Clint Holmes, award-winning singer and entertainer and Las Vegas icon, will be aboard the Hong Kong to Cape Town segment of Seven Seas Voyager’s World Cruise in March.

“This is yet another element of our all-inclusive luxury product,” said Kari Tarnowski, Vice President of Marketing for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “By adding this additional and complimentary dimension to our onboard entertainment we are reinforcing the tremendous value and depth of the Regent experience. These popular and dynamic stars are used to performing in much larger venues, so for our guests to be able to interact with them in our intimate and exclusive venue is truly special,” he added.

The unique “Dinner and a Show” concept was introduced aboard RSSC ships in early 2009 to instant acclaim, featuring acts such as the Tony-winning production of “Forbidden Broadway”, The Unexpected Boys, and Australian star Rhonda Burchmore. The evening begins with cocktails, followed by a specially-created music-themed menu in the exclusive Signatures restaurant, culminating in the show itself in the intimate Horizon Lounge. This event is limited to around 90 guests per evening, and the show is repeated several evenings. As with all RSSC onboard entertainment there is no charge, although reservations are necessary.

The 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner embarks on a 65-night Circle South America cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 10, 2010 visiting ports in Central America, transiting the Panama Canal to Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil (including the Amazon River) and the Caribbean.

The 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager embarks on a 119-night Grand Circumnavigation World Cruise departing from San Diego on January 14, 2010 visiting the South Pacific, Australia, the capitals of Asia, India, the Seychelles, East, South and West Africa, and the Caribbean.

Special offers for both cruises include 2-for-1 fares, Free Air (or Business Class air for $999 each way), Free Unlimited Shore Excursions, plus an additional $1000 per person savings if booked by September 30, 2009.

Celebrity Cruises Announces 2010/11 South America Season

April 30, 2009 – In December of 2010, when Celebrity Infinity makes its way from the Panama Canal to South America, the voyage will mark the line’s 11th year of sailing guests through the spectacular scenery of the region. The season will include visits to 13 countries via stops at a total of 30 ports. Rounding out the cruise offerings are a variety of available in-port shore excursions and in-depth, fully escorted land tour programs that can be combined with a cruise to create a cruisetour vacation for even richer exploration of this region. Celebrity opened its winter 2010-11 Panama Canal and South America cruises and cruisetours for sale today.

On September 24, Celebrity Infinity will begin her Canal/South America season with a 16-night repositioning cruise from Seattle, Washington to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by way of the Panama Canal. She will then sail four 14-night Panama Canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles, creating easy access ports for residents of both US coasts. The Panama Canal cruises in the 2010-11 season also include two 14-night “South America and Canal” voyages, two 14-night Canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, and a 16-night repositioning cruise back to Seattle on April 24.

Between the Panama Canal portions of the season, Celebrity Infinity will sail six 14-night cruises throughout South America. These voyages, taking place from mid-December 2010 through February 2011, include sailings “around the Horn” through the Straits of Magellan, between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile, most of which feature an in-port overnight stay in Buenos Aires. For the second consecutive year, there will also be two roundtrip-from-Buenos Aires “Antarctica” cruises, named for the fact that they sail through the region, past several Antarctica islands. Each of these cruises feature a visit to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, as well as panoramic cruising by Elephant Island, Paradise Bay, and Gerlache Strait in Antarctica.

While onboard, guests may choose to purchase in-port excursions that can give them a richer sense of the region. In Puerto Montt, Chile, the “Petrohue Falls and the Chilean Lake District” excursion is a city tour that includes views of Puerto Varas and Lake Llanquihue, as well as a drive to Todos Los Santos Lake for views of the Osorno Volcano, and a walk along the Petrohue River to view the falls. Chile’s Punta Arenas is the site of the “Magdalena Island Natural Penguin Reserve” excursion, where guests can visit one of the largest Magellan penguin colonies in southern Chile. In Buenos Aires, “Tango Show and Dinner” allows guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of Argentine Tango, with a visit to a tango house for dinner followed by a live tango show on the main stage. In Montevideo, Uruguay, “Day at the Estancia” takes participating guests to Estancia La Rábida, where they can experience the daily chores of the Uruguayan gaucho and learn about the agriculture, horse breeding, cattle raising and other activities at the ranch. A barbeque lunch, or “asado,” is included, complete with Uruguayan wines and traditional songs and dance. Select voyages offer a “Cuzco and Machu Picchu Adventure,” a three-day, two-night overland tour encompassing the city of Cuzco, Peru, and its famed archaeological relics as well as a day at Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." The package includes overnight stays in Cuzco and train travel to Machu Picchu.

Travelers wishing to extend their time in South America can choose from several fully escorted land tours offered in combination with cruises departing from or arriving in Buenos Aires and Valparaiso. Celebrity offers two land tour packages in South America, each as a pre- or post-cruise option. Premium hotel accommodations, ground transfers, some meals, and ample time for independent shopping, dining and sightseeing are included in the cruisetour packages.
The five-day, four-night “Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls” land tour package includes visits to a gaucho “estancia,” Buenos Aires’ old-city San Telmo region, and the city’s trendy Puerto Madero neighborhood. The package also includes a short inland flight to Iguazu Falls, one of the continent’s most stunning natural wonders, where guests spend two days exploring the massive waterfalls during included tours encompassing Devil’s Throat, the lower and upper circuits of the Argentinean side of the falls, and a Zodiak ride along the lower Iguazu River.

The six-day, five-night “Machu Picchu Adventure” land tour package gives guests the opportunity to experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas in and around the Cuzco region, as well as the capital city of Lima. The package is highlighted by train travel to and from Machu Picchu, and over four hours of exploration time at the famed archaeological site. The tour also includes a tour of Cuzco and its walled Sacsayhuaman Inca area and the Cuzco Cathedral, as well as a city tour of Lima and several other activities that will enhance guests’ South America vacation experience. Several inland flights are included.

Incredible Cruise Fare - 18 Days - $499 - That's Not a Typo

This week I rceceived mailing from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) touting an 18 Day cruise from Valparaiso, Chile to Los Angeles California, for a remarkable $499 for an inside cabin.

The Norwegian Sun departs Chile on April 12, 2009, visiting Coquimbo, Chile; Iquique, Chile; Arica, Chile; Lima (Callao) Peru; Trujilo (Salaverry), Peru; Puntatenas, Costa Rica; Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Los Angeles California where the cruise ends.

For $27.75 per day - this cruise is an incredible value.