Voyager, Voyages of Discovery’s new ship, is gearing up for her inaugural journey to South America this winter.
The 540-passenger ship, which joins the fleet in December 2012, will be undergoing her final refurbishments in Portland Port, United Kingdom beginning on Nov. 1, in advance of her Dec. 4 maiden voyage. Northern Ireland based Mivan, specialists in cruise ship refurbishment, will be completing the project which marks the final stage in Voyages of Discovery’s multi-million dollar investment to introduce the ship to its fleet.
The ship, formerly Alexander von Humboldt, was purchased by All Leisure Group in 2009 and has already received major technical upgrades plus the addition of more balcony staterooms. These changes will create extra comfort and space for guests while maintaining Voyages of Discovery’s unique style of destination and enrichment cruising.
Voyager will become the second ship in the Voyages of Discovery fleet, joining the 650-passenger Discovery, which will be undergoing extensive refurbishment prior to returning to service in March 2013. Voyager will feature 270 staterooms, of which 87 percent are outside accommodations, and 30 of which have balconies. The ship will feature open seating dining in two restaurants, plus an intimate pre-bookable specialty restaurant, The Explorer Club, at no extra charge.
Other key new additions to Voyager include:
- An explorer theme throughout the ship, reinforcing the brand’s destination-led cruise offerings
- A classic piano bar known as Scott’s Lounge
- Terrace with an all-weather dining area, enabling passengers to dine al fresco style in the Veranda Restaurant
- New digital media players in each stateroom that allow guests to access and view a large selection of films, classical concerts and documentaries
- New artwork and upgraded furnishings in public spaces
- Refurbished library and selection of reference books
- A Bridge Club that can also be used for guest speaker lectures and other onboard functions
"We are excited to welcome Voyager as she joins the Voyages of Discovery family and sails to the Caribbean for an inaugural season of exotic South America itineraries," said Steve Novello, President, All Discovery Cruising North America. "We are excited to introduce Voyager to our North American guests with her balcony suites and open seating dining that is a first for the Voyages of Discovery brand," adds Novello.
Voyager departs Dec. 4th on her inaugural 17-day sailing from London (Portsmouth) arriving in Barbados on Dec. 20th. Cruise-only fares begin at $US1,699 per person, double occupancy –only $100 per day!
After a 16-day Caribbean Gems holiday cruise on Dec. 20th that features a potpourri of idyllic islands, including Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Grenada, Tobago, Margarita Island, Bonaire Island, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica (fares from $2,799), Voyager sets off on a series of South American itineraries that include Panama Canal transits and exploration of the wonders of Latin America.
The Feb. 6, 2013 Natural Wonders of Latin America itinerary, for example, takes passengers to experience the Chilean fjords, the wildlife on Peninsula Valdes, the glacial landscapes of South America and the thriving cities of Santiago and Buenos Aires on a 20-day sailing from Valparaiso to Buenos Aires. Fares in remaining stateroom categories begin from $3,299.
Guests will be able to enjoy A Portrait of the Amazon on a 13-day cruise that departs Recife March 12, 2013 and sails to Manaus and offers the charm of Recife and Solina, beautiful desert scenery, magnificent rainforests and a cruise on the Amazon, South America’s longest river. Fares in remaining stateroom categories start from $2,099.
For the ultimate experience there is the 95-day Grand Latin America Discovery. Departing Jan. 4, 2013, this circumnavigation of South America links 6 itineraries for a memorable combination of cultures and landscapes, including the Chilean fjords, the Galapagos Islands, cruising the Amazon River, the unspoiled Falkland Islands and the bustling cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago. This cruise is selling quickly with fares in remaining stateroom categories starting from $20,499 (ocean view).
Voyager fares are $US per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Guests can select from memorable overland tours that can be added to their cruise to expand their exploration of these incredible regions, such as visits to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.
On each cruise, Voyager will offer the line’s signature elements of distinctive itineraries that blend world-class sites with smaller "hidden gems" and longer port stays. Fares include a distinguished guest speaker programme, enrichment workshops, all meals including cocktail parties and gala dinners, entertainment, and service fees for onboard bar and spa purchases.
Additional Information.
For more information or reservations, contact The Cruise People, Ltd. 1-800-961-5536 or e-mail cruise@thecruisepeople.ca
