posted by admin on May 27
Holland America Invites the World to Celebrate 50 Years of Grand Voyages
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
As the first cruise line to take on the world, Holland America began Grand World Voyages in 1958. As 2008 approaches, Holland has grand plans for a global-size celebration! Guests can choose from full circumnavigation and circle continent sailings onboard either ms Amsterdam or the intimate ms Prinsendam for tours lasting up to 114 days.
Global Circumnavigation Onboard Amsterdam
With a total of 320 days of cruising, 118 ports and 74 countries, the 114-day global circumnavigation cruise literally puts the world at your feet. The Amsterdam will usher 1,380 guests on January 4, 2008, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through the Panama Canal and on to the South Pacific, New Zealand, the Far East, India, Arabia, the Mediterranean, Black Sea and North Africa. A stop in Bermuda rounds out the tour before returning to North America. Passengers can disembark in New York or continue on to Fort Lauderdale.
While you might expect to see classic destinations on the itinerary, Holland America has also opted to include several lesser-known, but equally exciting, ports. A maiden call at Phu My, Vietnam, is one of the most intriguing, but those onboard Amsterdam can also look forward to visiting Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Fuerte Amador, Panama; Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand; Sochi, Russia; Sevastopol, Ukraine; Split, Croatia and Tripoli, Libya.
Overnight stays are scheduled for Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, Venice and other popular destinations. Plus, a first for Grand World Voyages: Guests will get to tour Fiordland National Park’s Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound in New Zealand.
73-Day Grand Africa Voyage on Prinsendam
If intimate cruising is more to your liking, Prinsendam (which accommodates 793 guests) is the perfect vessel for your world cruise. Visits in the Caribbean and Caicos Islands start your voyage in a tropical and relaxing manner before whisking you away to the remote Madeira Islands. As you embark on the African continent, plan to explore the untouched savannahs of Cape Town and Durban, South Africa; the stunning beaches of Mombasa, Kenya and the amazing wildlife of Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Late-night departures are planned regularly throughout the cruise to allow you the most time for excursions, shopping and sightseeing.
Both Ships Upgraded for 50th Anniversary
But the ports are only part of the excitement! In additional efforts to make this noteworthy occasion truly spectacular, Holland has recently upgraded both Amsterdam and Prinsendam. Mariner’s Dream staterooms with plush linens, the Neptune Lounge exclusively for suite guests, the Pinnacle Grill for reservations-only dining of the highest caliber and many other exceptional features have been retrofitted to the two ships, which will carry world-tour passengers.
Shorter Tours Also Available
For those who can’t spare 114 days to explore the world, shorter tours are available. Segment cruises and circle continent sailings can range from 16 to 58 days. While shorter voyages, these tours focus on specific regions of the world and offer multiple opportunities for exploration.
Special Incentives
Currently, Holland America is offering early-booking bonuses for travelers who book world tours now. Those perks can include free airfare, prepaid gratuities, shipboard credit, packages, luggage shipment, limousine transfers and more. Check with your Holland representative or your travel agent for details when booking.
For most people, a world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime event. If you’re going to invest the time and money to see the world, doesn’t it make sense to do it in grand style? Choose the destinations, the length of time and the ship you prefer and then make plans to see wondrous things you’ve never even dreamed of before!
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm"> Alaska cruises</a>. Visit them today!
Carnival Cruise Line Introduces Fleetwide Upgrades
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Carnival Cruise Line has always offered excellent value in cruising, but, these days, passengers will find even more to love. Carnival Cruise Line has recently announced several fleetwide upgrades, including more comfortable beds, shipwide WiFi service, a new loyalty program and more.
Carnival Concierge Club
As a way to reward past cruisers for their loyalty to Carnival, the new Carnival Concierge Club has been unveiled. For passengers who are platinum cardholders and have sailed with Carnival 10 times or more, certain privileges and perks are available, including:
One delivery of petit fours and/or canap ©s to your cabin
Personalized stationery
One specialty Carnival logo item
Guaranteed dining or supper club reservations
Waiving of $20 entry fee to blackjack tournament
Priority reservations and free treatment upgrades at Spa Carnival
Free wash-and-fold laundry service
Preferential embarkation and debarkation
Fully staffed concierge desk, at your service
and more!
Carnival Comfort Bed Sleep System
Developed exclusively for Carnival, this sleep system will all but guarantee you the best night’s sleep you’ve had in a long, long time. With a premium Bonell-spring inner core and high-density foam, these quilted-top mattresses can only be described as plush and luxurious. Add to that a set of high thread count, ring-spun, ultra-soft cotton sheets and fluffy faux down pillows that cradle your neck and head, and you’ll drift away to dreamland in sheer extravagance every night.
Personal Cell Phone Usage
For some people, getting away from it all means turning off the cell phones and every other form of communication to enjoy complete rest and relaxation. For others, not having access to a cell phone just creates more stress in their lives. That’s why Carnival has taken special measures to afford guests the ability to use their own personal cell phones while onboard any Carnival ship. This service is currently installed on the Carnival Triumph and will be retrofitted on the other 21 ships by early next year.
Provided your call plan allows coverage in the areas in which you are cruising, you can place and receive calls using your own mobile phone throughout your cruise.
Wireless Internet Access Fleetwide
Another technological advancement is the “100% bow to stern” installation of wireless Internet access (WiFi) on all Carnival ships. Whether on the deck by the pool, in the casino rolling the dice or relaxing in your suite, you’ll have full wireless Internet access to use with your wireless-enabled laptop. This project is roughly 75% complete. Shipwide WiFi will be fully installed on every Carnival ship by the end of 2006.
Recognizing its guests’ needs and making every attempt to accommodate requests for new features, Carnival is certain these new upgrades will thrill its past and future passengers. The Fun Ships are now also the most comfortable and most technologically advanced ships at sea.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for super deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm">Hawaii cruises</a> and other destinations from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
Cunard Cruise Line Appoints New Captains
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
British-owned Cunard, home to the three most well-known cruise ships in the world, recently announced a changing of the guards, so to speak. Two new captains have been positioned over the Queen Victoria and the entire Cunard fleet. While both gentlemen are native to Cunard, Captain Paul Wright and Captain Bernard Warner have been promoted to new positions.
Captain Paul Wright Will Command Queen Victoria
A 26-year veteran of Cunard, Captain Paul Wright was previously appointed Master of Queen Mary 2 (in 2004) after overseeing her construction. Prior to that, Wright commanded Cunard’s flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2. With his new appointment, Wright will be Master of Queen Victoria, which is due to enter service in December 2007.
When asked about the maiden voyage of Queen Victoria, Captain Wright commented, “I fully expect that sailing Queen Victoria into Southampton for the first time will give me a most memorable event - and I have no doubt it will be equally memorable for those who turn out to greet us; nothing stirs the imagination quite as much as a new Cunarder arriving in port for the first time. She will be a magnificent vessel built in true Cunard style.”
Queen Victoria will truly be a marvel, as she delivers a series of firsts for the Cunard line and cruising in general. For instance, the first private boxes at sea (in the Royal Court Theatre) will be made available on Queen Victoria. Likewise, a floating museum and a two-story library will be introduced. Luxury and elegance have been unleashed in the construction of this ship: That will be made clear to all who sail her.
Captain Bernard Warner Appointed Commodore of the Cunard Fleet
After serving as Master of Queen Mary 2 since 2005, Captain Bernard Warner has been appointed Commodore of the entire Cunard fleet. Sailing since the age of 16 when he entered Warsash School of Navigation at the University of Southampton, Warner began his career piloting cargo ships after joining P&O. His first passenger ship was Oriana, which he commanded in 1969. After sailing numerous ships within the Princess fleet, he realized a lifelong dream upon being appointed as Master of Queen Mary 2.
“I am honoured by this appointment to Commodore of the fleet of the most famous shipping company in the world, and I look forward to re-joining Queen Mary 2 on 20 February in Sydney when both Queens will be together for what promises to be a spectacular occasion,” stated Warner.
Queen Victoria is slated to make a grand entrance, as have her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2. In true Cunard style, Queen Victoria will exude grandeur and grace, magnificence and majesty with rich wood paneling, chandeliers, and marble, metal and ornamental glasswork throughout the public areas. Offering luxury at every turn, Queen Victoria will honor ocean liners of centuries past with her continued focus on excellence. Join Captain Wright as he sets sail in one of three Queens to rule the seas this coming December.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/articles/queen_mary_2.htm"> Queen Mary 2 cruises</a>.
