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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Holland America Expands 2012 New England Canada Season.

Canada and New England itineraries are known for their historic seaports, stunning scenery and culinary delights, and in 2012 Holland America Line will offer 27 cruises on three ships — ms Maasdam, ms Eurodam and ms Veendam — to ports along the eastern coast of North America.

Scheduled May through October, the itineraries range from seven to 15 days and also visit the region during the height of the fall foliage display as summer turns to autumn and leaves change to vibrant hues of red, orange and gold. Veendam repositions to the region in 2012, increasing Holland America Line’s capacity and making it possible for more travelers to experience one of nature’s most impressive showings.

“Our Canada/New England itineraries are always popular, and by adding Veendam to the area during the fall foliage season more travelers are able to see this beautiful region during this special time of year,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Maasdam is there throughout the summer as well, making it the perfect cruise for friends, couples, solo travelers and families looking to explore an interesting travel destination that’s close to home.”

Maasdam begins the season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Montréal, Québec, Canada. During the voyage, guests will visit Charleston, S.C.; Newport, R.I.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Gaspé and Sept-Îles, Saguenay; and Québec City, Québec, before arriving at Montréal. Highlights include an overnight call at Québec City, Holland America Line’s highest rated port of call, and the premium line’s only call at Sept-Îles this season.

From May 12 through the Sept. 29 departure, Maasdam offers 15 seven-day sailings between Montréal and Boston, with calls at Québec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor. The itineraries feature scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River and make an ideal option for families looking to take a summer cruise without traveling abroad.

Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing Oct. 6 from Montréal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Québec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Gaspé, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Port Canaveral, Florida.

During the height of the 2012 fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises in September and October between New York and Québec City. The ship will call at Newport, Rhode Island; Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and Saguenay. The itinerary also features an overnight call at Québec City and scenic cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

On Oct. 14 Eurodam will depart on a 13-day cruise from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale. The cruise begins with an overnight aboard ship in Québec City and then sails for Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Gloucester (Boston) and Newport.

Veendam begins its Canada/New England season with a 13-day cruise from New York to Montréal Sept. 2. The ship will call at Gloucester, Bar Harbor, St. John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Gaspé, Saguenay and Québec City along the way. Guests on this itinerary will enjoy an overnight call at Québec City before arriving at Montréal.

In September and October, Veendam will sail five seven-day itineraries between Montréal and Boston. Ports of call include Québec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor, with scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River.

Engaging Experiences On Board and On Shore

Guests can maximize their experience in Canada/New England with optional shore excursions, from history and culture to wilderness and cuisine. While onboard, guests can enjoy enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Arts Center, pampering at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon or learning the latest online techniques in the Digital Workshop powered by Windows.

For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, guests can combine two seven-day sailings for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to hunt for antiques, explore charming fishing towns, learn about local history and sample the region’s fresh seafood. Fares on 14-day Collectors Cruises reflect up to 10 percent savings.

Fares for Maasdam’s Canada and New England cruises begin at $749; Eurodam’s cruise fares begin at $1,499 and Veendam’s fares start from $1,349. Guests looking for a family-friendly vacation can book a seven-day cruise date with reduced third and fourth fares. All fares are per person, double occupancy.

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Hurricane Irene Causes Cruise Lines to Alter Itineraries

Hurricane Irene has caused cruise lines to make many last minute changes as storm approaches. To read about how the itineraries are changing click here ->
http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-08-26-Hurricane-Irene-Disrupts-Cruise-Schedule.htm

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Holland America's Veendam to Sail to Bermuda Again in 2011

July 20, 2010 – Holland America Line will offer 24 seven-day cruises to Bermuda aboard ms Veendam in 2011, continuing the schedule established this year with weekly cruises to the popular vacation destination. To learn more about the Veendam's 2011 Bermuda Cruises Click Here.

Review of Holland America's Veendam

6/18/2010 - Discovery the latest enhancements to Holland America's MS Veendam.

The Veendam has just begun sailing 7 day cruises from New York to both Hamilton, Bermuda and St. George's Bermuda (Anchor and tender into port).

The Veendam just completed a Signature of Excellence refurbishment which includes the addition of some Balcony Cabins, creation of the retreat area, cabin enhancements and public areas redesign.

To Learn more about the Veendam click here.

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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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Bermuda Government Welcomes Cruise Ships Again

Over the years, the cruise industry and the Bermuda Government have had a love hate relationship. When the cruise ships sails to Bermuda, the local hotels and restaurants complain because, cruise passengers sleep and eat on board the ships - leaving hotel rooms and restaurants empty. Rightfully so since passengers are using the beaches and attractions but generating very little revenue. The government reacts by limiting the number of ships calling at the island in hopes that hotel bookings will increase. When they restrict the number of ships, a good number of tourists find the hotels and eateries very expensive and opt not to go to Bermuda at all.

After a year or two of lost revenue or reduced tourism, Bermuda welcomes the cruise ships and their passengers back.

Last year Bermuda decided that they no longer wanted ships to call at St. George and Hamilton. All ship calls would be at the Royal Navy Dockyard and passengers would have to ferry to Hamilton or St. George - if wishing to visit those locations. Mid-way through the year, the Bermuda Government, in a turn of events, started a major effort to attract upscale cruise lines back to Hamilton and St. George. This effort did attract some upscale cruise lines to make occasional calls at these locations, but none on a regular basis.

In 2008 and 2009, only 4 ships will regularly call at Bermuda for more than one day. Changing their minds, the Bermuda Government decided that they wanted to welcome the cruise lines back, offering to allow cruise lines to open up their casinos in port after 10:00 PM. Casinos are a major source of on-board revenue for cruise lines. Previously the casinos would need to remain closed until the ship left port.

In 2010, two additional ships will be calling at Bermuda, spending extended time in the port. The Veendam will be the only ship offering calls at both St. George and Hamilton, while Celebrity Cruises will be returning to Bermuda after a 3 year absence calling at the Royal Navy Dockyard. Celebrity Cruises Summit will be sailing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ and Holland America's Veendam will be sailing from Manhattan.

These 2 ships will be calling at Bermuda, in addition to, the Norwegian Dawn (from NY), Norwegian Spirit (From Boston), Grandeur of the Seas (from Baltimore & Norfolk, Va) and Explorer of the Seas (From Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ) which are expected to continue to sail to the port thru 2010.

With 6 ships having extended stays at Bermuda, it is anticipated that cruise fares may drop in 2010 to this popular cruise destination.