Azamara Refurbishments

Azamara Quest, the first of Azamara Club Cruises’ sister ships to undergo refurbishment, emerged from an eight-day drydock – complete with a refresh of all public spaces and staterooms and a new “Azamara Blue” hull.

Shipwide renovations included new carpets, upholstery and a new colour palette in public spaces; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; a resurfaced pool and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks. The Casino Bar also was expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness centre was refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements were made behind the scenes in the staff and crew area.

On the culinary front, guests can now enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships’ two specialty dining venues, as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus – Italian, French and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships’ central gathering spot, passengers can purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee.

Upon departing from Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, Azamara Quest will sail a 13-night Madeira and Canary Islands voyage, beginning Nov. 16, followed by a four-night Spanish and Northern Africa voyage on Nov. 28. The ship then departs on Dec. 2, to embark on a 16-night, trans-Atlantic voyage to Rio De Janeiro for her South America season.

Guests aboard Azamara Quest enjoy more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary red and white boutique wines to accompany lunch and dinner; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available.

CRYSTAL SERENITY South America World-Cruise Segment

Crystal Cruises (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First-time visits to the Chilean Fjords and Puerto Chacabuco, plus nearly 100 Crystal Adventures ashore highlight Crystal Serenity’s brand new itinerary around the tip of South America next winter.  Sailing from Lima to Buenos Aires for the first time February 2, 2013, the Crystal World Cruise segment takes passengers on an immersive, 24-day journey to some of the most awe-inspiring and culturally exciting sites in the Southern Hemisphere, including the  Seno Eyre Fjords, the  landscapes and wildlife of Patagonia, the  hillsides of Valparaíso (translation: “Paradise Valley”) – even the birthplace  of the tango.

Daring, over-the-top adventures include:

· a rare visit to Earth’s last great wilderness, Antarctica, with a guided trek on King George Island and zodiac ride to view penguins in their natural habitat;

· flying over the mysterious Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyph figures in the desert floor that can only be seen from above; and

· an overnight option to Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rugged expeditions offer:

· exploration of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego by horseback;

· hiking to the mouth of the magnificent Iguazú Falls;

· kayaking through the Strait of Magellan; and

· pitching in at a working Uruguayan ranch. 

Cultural and culinary experiences range from:

· exploring vineyards and tasting wines to visiting beachfront communities of the “jet set;”

· perusing local markets and taking cooking lessons with local cuisine experts to browsing the art and homes of renowned Latin American artists such as poet Pablo Neruda; and

· tracing the footsteps of Argentina’s famed “Evita” to dancing the night away at a Buenos Aires nightclub.

As part of Crystal’s 2013 World Cruise, the voyage features expanded enrichment programming and courses in wellness, language and music.  The line’s exclusive Ocean Views series will present expert lecturers discussing the day’s hot topics.

Until June 30, all-inclusive Book Now fares for the “Southern Fjord Exploration” start at $12,760/person, and can be combined with other World Cruise segments for greater savings.  2013’s complete 74-day Grand South American Exploration sails round-trip from Miami starting January 16, with a Book Now starting price of $US26,970/person, double occupancy.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travellers for two decades.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact The Cruise People at 800-961-5536 or visit our website.

LiveJournal Tags: Crystal Serenity,world cruise

Does Princess Listen To Its Passengers?

by Kevin Griffen of The Cruise People, Ltd. – London

About a month ago, on the morning of March 20, some hundred miles from land, Princess Cruises’ Star Princess was en route from Ecuador to Costa Rica, on a Round South America cruise, when she passed a small 26-foot fishing boat with three men on board named Fifty Cents.
Not noticed by those on the bridge of Star Princess was that  Fifty Cents, about a mile away, was adrift without power, and that its crew, having no radio, was trying to signal their distress to Star Princess.

Elsewhere in Star Princess, a group of three birdwatchers using binoculars and telescopic lenses, managed to spot the drifting Fifty Cents and noticed that one of its crew members, Adrian Vasquez, 18, was waving a red shirt. The Panamanian fishermen had been adrift in the Pacific for sixteen days and had no food left when Star Princess came into view.

The fishermen waved for help and the birdwatchers alerted the crew, but to the amazement of both groups, Star Princess carried on. Later that day, Fifty Cents’ Capt Oropeces Betancourt, 24, died of dehydration, and five days later, Fernando Osorio, 16, succumbed to dehydration, sunburn and heat stroke.

The sole survivor, Adrian Vasquez, 18, was not rescued until twelve days after Star Princess passed, when he was found by a larger fishing vessel near the Galapagos Islands, six hundred miles from Rio Hato, Panama, from where the little fishing boat had set out. After pushing his friends’ bodies into the ocean, Vasquez had managed to survive on rain water, raw fish and floating coconuts

Despite the birdwatchers having reported the boat in distress, the master of Star Princess, Capt. Edward Perrin, a veteran who had previously served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, was never informed and was later said to be devastated when advised of the men’s fate.

Press reports stated that Judy Meredith, one of the birdwatchers, from Bend, Oregon, described seeing a man waving a red T-shirt. She said:“You don’t wave a shirt like that just to be friendly. He was desperate to get our attention.”

She was apparently not allowed to go to the bridge to tell the captain, and the only crew member she could find was a member of the ship’s sales team. The birdwatchers said they showed the crew member the drifting boat through a telescope. When the liner did not stop they thought the crew must have alerted the authorities.

A statement issued by Princess Cruises on Thursday said that it “deeply regrets that two Panamanian men perished at sea after their boat became disabled in early March. Since we became aware of this incident, we have been investigating circumstances surrounding the claim that Star Princess failed to come to the aid of the disabled boat, after a crewmember was alerted by passengers. The preliminary results of our investigation have shown that there appeared to be a breakdown in communication in relaying the passenger’s concern. Neither Captain Edward Perrin nor the officer of the watch were notified.”

I am sure that spurious press reports speculating that the ship had to proceed in order to meet her schedule are just that – spurious. But we now wait to hear the results of this investigation as to specifically how it was the master was not informed of this serious report by passengers on that cruise. Does Princess not listen to its passengers? Or is there some other explanation?

LiveJournal Tags: Star Princess,Fifty Cents

Old Time Service with Modern Technology

Image via Wikipedia

The Cruise People, Ltd. now has a wonderful research tool.  Whether you are thinking about cruising for the first time or you are an experienced cruiser, we can help you find that perfect cruise.  Fun, sun, beaches, adventure, culture or sights – there is a cruise here for you.

We have over 20,000 ocean and river cruises to show you including detailed itineraries, port descriptions and useful information about your cruise ship.

You can use the Quick Search to start or choose one of the offers or other links on this page.

LiveJournal Tags: cruise research,research ships,search itineraries,search ships,search ports

Master Photographers Aboard Crystal Cruises in 2012

Crystal Cruises is featuring award-winning Master Photographers to shoot guest portraits on eleven 2012 sailings.  "The Master Collection" line-up consists of top-tier professional portrait photographers who have the distinction of being Fellows (highest certification possible) of the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) and the Master Photographers Association (MPA).

During their voyage, travellers can arrange private photography sessions aboard Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, or at exotic destinations on land with pros renowned for their portraiture.  Individuals, couples, or families/groups can opt for different wardrobe, locations, and activities to customize their shoots.

Reservations include pre-planning consultation, unlimited shoot time, unlimited number of pictures, and photo review.  Final, retouched photographs are printed in a handcrafted, custom-bound, 16"x12", embossed-aluminum album.  Other framed photo and presentation product options are available to celebrate a special occasion, create a family treasure, or just give a grand gift to one’s self. All products are created at Europe’s leading professional photo laboratory and shipped anywhere in the world four weeks after the end of the cruise.

Operated by esteemed photography company Paragon Pixels, the programme is an expansion of the popular "Crystal Celebrations" Private Portrait Program.

"One’s wedding might be the only time one secures a professional photographer to record meaningful moments in one’s life," says Paragon founder Keith Roberts.  "This programme provides rare access and opportunity to have one’s personality, relationship, lifestyle, or intimate vacation memories beautifully captured by a prominent industry artist."

Photographers include:

• David MacDonald: UK Family Portrait Photographer of the Year
• Sophocles Alexiou: Four-time BIPP Gold Medal-winner for Outstanding Photographic Art
• Richard Dutkowski: Past MPA President, UK Master Photographer of the Year
• John Parris: British Fashion, and Scottish Wedding, Photographer of the Year
• Kevin Wilson: 17-time Kodak European Gold Award-winner, three-time Kodak UK Portrait Photographer of the Year

One Master Photographer will be on each of the following sailings: January 18 LA-Sydney; February 6 Miami-Rio; February 7Sydney-Singapore; March 3 Buenos Aires-Miami; March 13: Hong Kong-Osaka; March 31 Osaka-LA; May 8 NY-London; July 8Copenhagen-Stockholm; September 5 London-NY; October 12 Athens-Venice; October 31 NY-LA;

The Master Photographer will also host an informal talk giving trade tips and insight into their life and work, as well as mentor staff photographers while aboard.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact The Cruise People at 1-800-961-5536.

del.icio.us Tags: portrait photography,shipboard pictures

MSC Cruises a Repeat Winner for ‘Best Onboard International Experience’ in Porthole Poll

For the second year in a row, MSC Cruises has received Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for "Best Onboard International Experience."

For the 13^th consecutive year, readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine voted via mail, fax and online in a variety of categories.

"With a great mix of guests, cuisine and entertainment on board, MSC Cruises offers a unique international ambience," said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. "Our readers who have experienced the product clearly recognize this, and I congratulate MSC on its win."

"This award is especially significant because it was decided by the magazine’s readers — our guests. It is rewarding to know that our guests continue to recognize and enjoy the unique international flavour of an MSC Cruises experience," said Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc.

"MSC Cruises has always prided itself on the international experience we offer our guests, from the cuisine and entertainment to the crew and overall ambiance, whether they cruise with us in the Caribbean, Canada/New England, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South Africa or South America," Sasso said.

For more information about MSC Cruises, contact The Cruise People at 1-800-961-5536.

Not well-known in North America, MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 11 ships: MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. Its 12th ship, MSC Divina, a sister ship to MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, debuts in May of 2012. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, theCaribbean, US and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

Longer Passenger Freighter Voyages

Pacific Express 3 Service – Complete, round voyage is approximately 77 days. From New York to Tanger Med (Morocco), Suez Canal passage, Jebel Ali (UAE), Singapore, Hong Kong, Chiwan (China), Xiamen (China), Shanghai, Pusan (South Korea), Houston, Mobile, Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, and back to New York. Priced from EURO 100 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Pad Service – Complete, round voyage is approximately 84 days. From New York to Savannah, Kingston (Jamaica – no embarkation or disembarkation), Punta Manzanillo (Panama), Papeete, Lautoka (Fiji), Noumea (New Caledonia), Sydney (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Napier (New Zealand), Tauranga (New Zealand), Punta Manzanillo, Kingston, Savannah, Philadelphia, Tilbury (England), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Dunkerque (France), and back to New York. Priced from EURO 110 – 120 per day.

MEX Service – Complete, round voyage is approximately 77 days. From Valencia (Spain) to Barcelona (Spain), Fos Sur Mer (France), Genoa, (Italy), Malta, Damietta (Egypt), Khor Al Fakkan (UAE), Port Kelang (Lalaysia), Nansha (China), Xiamen (China), Kwangyang (South Korea), Busan (South Korea), Shanghai, Ningbo (China), Xiamen, Nansha, Chiwan (China), Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), Port Kelang, Beirut (Lebanon), Malta and back to Valencia. Priced from EURO 100 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Indamex Service – Complete, round voyage is approximately 56 days. From New York to Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, Port Said (Egypt), *Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), *Port Qasim (Pakistan), *Nhava Sheva (India), *Mundra (India), Damiette (Egypt) and back to New York. Note – no embarkation or disembarkation in starred ports (*). Priced from EURO 100 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

French Asia Line – CMA – Complete, round voyage is approximately 70 days. From Zeebrugge (Belgium) to Port Kelang (Malaysia), Singapore, Ningbo (China), Shanghai, Yantian (China), Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), Port Kelang, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Rotterdam and back to Zeebrugge. Priced from EURO 100 – 105 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Columbus Loop – Complete, round voyage is approximately 105 days. From Vancouver to Yokohama (Japan), Shanghai, Ningbo (China), Hong Kong, Yantian (China), Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), Suez Canal passage, New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Suez Canal transit, Tanjung Pelepas, Hong Kong, Yantian, Shanghai, Pusan (South Korea), Seattle and back to Vancouver. Priced from EURO 80 – 90 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Voyage 6-10 – Complete, round voyage is approximately 70 days. Philadelphia, Savannah, Panama Canal transit, Balboa, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Timaru, Port Chalmers, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland, Panama Canal transit, Manzanillo, Cartagena, Philadelphia. Priced at approx. EURO 101 per day.

MS MSC UGANDA (Laeisz) – Complete, round voyage is approximately 56 days from the USA east coast to the east coast of South America. From Charleston to Norfolk, New York, Baltimore, Savannah, Freeport, Caucedo, Santos, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio Grande, Sao Francisco, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Suape, Caucedo, Freeport and back to Charleston. Priced from EURO 80 – 85 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Voyage 6-05 – Europe from the west coast – Complete, round voyage is approximately 70 days. From Vancouver to Oakland, Long Beach, Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Quetzal, Panama Canal transit, Cartagena, Tanger Med, Rotterdam, Tilbury, Hamburg, Le Havre, Cartagena, Panama Canal transit, Puerto Quetzal, Lazaro Cardenas, Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and back to Vancouver. Priced at approx. EURO 100 per day.

Voyage 1525 – Far East from both coasts – Complete, round voyage is approximately 104 days. From Halifax to New York, Savannah, Kingston (Jamaica), Panama Canal transit, Los Angeles, Oakland, Shekou (China), Hong Kong, Ningbo (China), Shanghai, Balboa (Panama), Panama Canal transit, Kingston, Savannah, New York, Halifax, Tarragona (Spain) Haifa (Israel), Leghorn (Italy), Genoa (Italy), Tarragona, and back to Halifax. Priced from EURO 90 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Voyage 1190 – New York to West Coast of South America. Complete, round voyage is approximately 42 days. From New York to Baltimore, Charleston, Port Everglades, Cartagena, Manzanillo (Panama), Panama Canal transit, Guayaquil (Equador), Callao (Peru), San Antonio (Chile), San Vincente (Chile), San Antonio, Callao, Guayaquil, Panama Canal transit, Cartagena, Port Everglades, and back to New York. Priced from EURO 93 – 106 per day plus port taxes/fees.

MSC LAUSANNE NSB. Complete, round voyage is approximately 63 days. From Vancouver to Seattle, Oakland, Long Beach, Balboa, Panama Canal transit, Cristobal, Gioia Tauro, Naples, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Valencia, Cristobal, Panama Canal transit, Balboa, Long Beach, Oakland, and back to Vancouver. Priced from EURO 90 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

These voyages may also be available as shorter segments subject to availability and cabotage restrictions. Round voyages may be available from most of the listed ports. For more information and to request space, contact:
The Cruise People, Ltd.
416-900-0889        1-800-961-5536        freighters@rogers.com        facsimile – 1-888-759-2990

Some World Cruises For 2013 and 2014

by Kevin Griffin of our London office writing for cybercruises.com

The upmarket lines have recently announced their intentions for 2013 World Cruises and it may be worth a look at some of their itineraries.While Crystal Cruises will dispense with its world cruise in Crystal Serenity in 2013, it will instead substitute a 74-night circumnavigation of South America, departing Miami on January 16, 2013, but the world cruise will be reinstated in 2014. Seabourn and Silversea, meanwhile, will still be offering 2013 world cruises in Seabourn Quest and Silver Whisper.

Crystal Serenity will now proceed on an 89-night world cruise in 2014, departing Los Angeles on January 18 and finishing in Southampton on April 18. Major ports include Yokohama, Hong Kong, Singapore and Cape Town, with two or three night stays at each of these, as well as two nights at Ho Chi Minh City. As well, there will be overnight stays at each of Honolulu, Osaka, Shanghai, Hanoi and Bangkok.

Under Crystal Cruises’ new all-inclusive plan the line will also be offering free flights, fine wines, premium spirits, alternative dining at Silk Road, the Sushi Bar and Prego, as well as prepaid gratuities. And champagne will be served free with lunch on boarding days. This rather modified world cruise will visit 32 ports in 19 countries and include 17 overnight port stays, giving the opportunity for more detailed exploration, instead of rushing on. The 1,070-guest Crystal Serenity achieved 1717 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships.

Seabourn, meanwhile, is offering a 116-night voyage in Seabourn Quest from Fort Lauderdale to Venice, departing on January 6, 2013. Ports of call will include three Caribbean islands, the Panama Canal, nine South Pacific islands, half a dozen calls in Australia and its islands, four calls in Indonesia, Hong Kong, two calls in Vietnam, one in Cambodia, two in Thailand, two in India, ten in the Middle East including Ashdod and Haifa, two calls in Turkey, plus Corfu and Dubrovnik before reaching Venice.

Full cruise amenities include round trip Club Class flights, or air credit, pre-cruise Gala Bon Voyage event and overnight stay in Fort Lauderdale, drinks on board, prepaid gratuities and shipboard credits. On Seabourn, all dining venues are also complimentary. And with just 450 guests, the ship offers a more intimate experience.  Seabourn Quest was awarded 1787 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

Silversea’s offer is a 115-day world cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale on board Silver Whisper, departing January 5, 2013. This cruise will cross the Equator four times, visit New Zealand and Australia and offering overnight stays in Tahiti, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, Cochin, Cape Town and Walvis Bay, but no two- or three-night stays like Crystal. This cruise will visit 52 ports in 28 countries and includes nine overnight stays.

Full world cruise guests will receive a complimentary Bon Voyage Gala and overnight stay at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles and fares will include free flights and transfers, or air credits, all-inclusive on-board package, prepaid gratuities and shipboard credits. The 388-guest Silver Whisper scored 1753 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

On the other hand, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager is offering a “build your own” world cruise this year with a marathon 210-night voyage leaving Bareclona next Monday and working her way out to Auckland and back as far as Copenhagen on June 25. While this is not a world cruise, twenty-three different sectors are available The 708-guest Seven Seas Voyager scored 1654 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

To be fair, Steven Stern, in his Stern’s Guide to the Cruise Vacation, gives all four of these ships a full Six-Stars-Plus rating. For the best advice and fares on any of these ships contact The Cruise People, Ltd.  at 1-800-961-5536 or email cruise@thecruisepeople.ca

Holland America Line’s 2013 Grand Voyages to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries

Image via Wikipedia

Holland America Line’s flagship Amsterdam and the smaller, Prinsendam, each will sail two Grand Voyages in 2013. In total, the four extensive itineraries feature 322 cruising days, visiting more than 120 ports of call in 65 countries.

Amsterdam will sail a 115-day Grand World Voyage in January and a 75-day Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage in the autumn. Prinsendam departs on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in January, immediately followed by a 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage.

"We’ve designed Holland America Line’s 2013 Grand Voyages itineraries to feature some of the most sought-after sights and experiences in the world," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Even the most experienced traveller will be inspired and impressed by our carefully crafted selection of port calls, maiden visits and extended stays."

Grand World Voyage
Departing Jan. 5, 2013, and sailing roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Amsterdam will ring in the New Year with her eighth Grand World Voyage and marking 55 years since the line began world cruising.  The 115-day journey is every traveller’s dream and features eight overnight calls, visits to some of the world’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two inaugural ports of call — Makassar, Indonesia, and Penneshaw, Australia.  Shorter segments ranging from 24 to 51 days also are available.

During the Grand World Voyage, Amsterdam will call at Cartagena, Colombia, before a daylight transit of the Panama Canal. The ship continues westbound where passengers will experience calls at Bora Bora and Papeete, Tahiti, home to the famous Vaipahi Garden, rugged mountains, lush rain forests and deserted beaches.

After exploring New Zealand, Australia and Asia, Amsterdam heads west through the Indian Ocean, taking a southerly route to the continent of Africa for a journey around the Cape of Good Hope. An African exploration presents the opportunity for guests to take an overland safari and go in search of the "big five" or learn about the legendary Zulu tribe and gain a true sense of modern-day Africa.

Amsterdam continues her voyage across the Atlantic to South America and the Caribbean before returning to Ft. Lauderdale.

Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage
Designed to explore the most remote corners of the world in elegance and style, Prinsendam returns to South America, Antarctica and the Amazon on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage that sails roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, also departing Jan. 5. The itinerary offers in-depth exploration with overnight calls at Callao (Lima), Peru; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, Brazil. Be reminded though that guests are not landed in Antarctica (ed).

The South America circumnavigation includes seven full days of cruising the Amazon River down to Manaus, the furthest navigable point for cruise ships, and a daylight passage through the Panama Canal. Adventure seekers won’t want to miss the three days of scenic cruising in Antarctica where the pristine beauty and diverse sea life are showcased during the continent’s austral summer (again, no landings).

For those with less time, 32- or 36-day segments to or from Buenos Aires are available.

Grand Mediterranean Voyage
Following her Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage, Prinsendam will return to Fort Lauderdale March 14 and embark on a 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage. This roundtrip sailing takes guests on a journey across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Prinsendam calls at several "boutique" ports in the region that are not accessible to larger vessels, including Agadir, Morocco; Marmaris, Turkey; and Korcula, Croatia.

Passengers will have an opportunity to visit attractions such as the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch and the Olympic Stadium at Piraeus (Athens), Greece, and explore the Hassan II Mosque in the economical capital of Morocco, Casablanca. Travellers can explore this area in greater depth when Prinsendam docks overnight at seven ports of call: Istanbul, Turkey; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Sorrento and Venice, Italy; Funchal, Madeira; and Barcelona, Spain.

Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage
Amsterdam closes out the year with a new 75-day Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage sailing from Vancouver, B.C. or Los Angeles, Calif., to Los Angeles, Calif., departing Sept. 20/23. The itinerary features a more in-depth exploration of Micronesia,China, Japan, the Philippines and French Polynesian islands, as well as inaugural calls to Majuro, Marshall Islands, and Pohnpei, Micronesia. The cruise also offers extensive time in port, allowing guests to visit historical landmarks and experience local culture.

Following calls throughout Asia and Indonesia, the itinerary circles back through the South Pacific to the tropical island jewels of Fiji, Bora Bora and Moorea before arriving in Los Angeles. During the voyage the ship overnights in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; Kobe (Osaka), Japan; and Singapore.

Cruise fares are per person, $US,double occupancy. Rates start at $19,999 for Amsterdam‘s 115-day Grand World Voyage departing Jan. 5; $12,999 for Prinsendam‘s 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage departing Jan. 5; $11,499 for Prinsendam‘s 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage departing March 14, and $10,999 for Amsterdam‘s 75-day Grand Pacific & Far East Voyage departing Sept. 20. Segments are also available ranging from 24- to 51-day sailings.

Book Early for Best Value
Reservations are now open for all four Holland America Line 2013 Grand Voyages. Book the Grand Pacific & Far East Voyage by November 30, 2012, and the Grand World, Grand Mediterranean and Grand South America & Antarctica Voyages by May 31, 2012 to take advantage of early booking amenities.

For more information, consult The Cruise People, Ltd. at 800.961.5536 – specialists in World Cruises since 1972

Crystal Winter Collection 2012 Available

This brochure has just come in.  Please contact us if you wish a copy. Available North America only.