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Holland America Line’s Westerdam explores eight countries in Asia during 2019-20 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 14 May 2019 14 May 2019

The cosmopolitan cities and rich traditions of the Far East unfold for guests on Holland America Line’s Westerdam when the ship embarks on its 2019-20 season in Asia. From September 2019 through April 2020, Westerdam extensively explores Cambodia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam on cruises ranging from 13 to 16 nights.

Departing from Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; and Singapore, the contrasts between the ancient and the modern come to life as cultures steeped in tradition collide with soaring skyscrapers and bustling capitals. Nine different itineraries showcase the magic of each country and celebrate the histories and trendsetting modern cultures that have been thousands of years in the making.

“For many of our guests, a cruise to Asia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we build our itineraries to include multiple countries or in-depth explorations of an area and create meaningful and deep encounters on every voyage,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Having such an extensive season allows us to visit those lesser-explored ports that offer an incredible glimpse into local cultures, along with the must-see larger cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore that are equally as memorable and fulfilling.”

Westerdam begins the season with a 13-day North Pacific Crossing from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Yokohama (Tokyo). The ship then begins a series of voyages that explore the Far East, from Japan to Singapore.

The 13-day Japan and China cruises from Yokohama to Shanghai include three ports in Japan; three calls in China, including an overnight at Tianjin (Beijing); and one call in South Korea. Westerdam’s 14-day Taiwan and Japan cruise from Shanghai to Hong Kong starts with an overnight in Shanghai and includes five ports in Japan; Manila, the Philippines; and two ports in Taiwan, with an overnight in Keelung (Taipei).

Westerdam’s 14-day Far East Discovery cruises between Singapore and Hong Kong call at four ports in Vietnam, including an overnight in Da Nang; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Ko Samui and overnight at Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand.

The 14-day East Asia cruise is roundtrip from Hong Kong and includes two calls in China, including an overnight in Shanghai; two calls each in Japan and Taiwan; and a call at Manila.

Celebrating the first cruise of 2020, Westerdam embarks on a 16-day Far East Discovery voyage Jan. 16 that follows the same itinerary but adds an overnight in Hong Kong.

A series of 14-day itineraries continues the ship’s Asian exploration

Westerdam’s 14-day Taiwan and Japan cruise between Hong Kong and Shanghai visits the Philippines, South Korea, two ports in Taiwan and four calls in Japan.

Cruising roundtrip from Shanghai, the China, South Korea and Japan cruise features four calls in China, including overnight calls at Shanghai and Tianjin (Beijing), and two calls each in Japan and South Korea. The China Explorer from Hong Kong to Yokohama includes two ports in Japan and five ports in China, with overnights in Tianjin (Beijing) and Shanghai.

Westerdam‘s Japan Explorer is a roundtrip Yokohama journey with six additional ports in Japan, including an overnight in Kobe (Osaka), and two calls in Taiwan. Then a Japan and Russia itinerary roundtrip from Yokohama visiting an incredible eight ports in Japan and a northerly exploration up to Vladivostok, Russia. The final cruise of the season is a 16-day North Pacific Crossing on April 25, 2020, from Yokohama to Vancouver.

Collectors’ Voyages offer longer explorations of the region

Back-to-back cruises can be booked together to form a longer Collectors’ Voyage that provides a more in-depth exploration of the world’s largest continent. Combining two itineraries, the Asia Collectors’ Voyages range from 26 to 30 days and feature few if any repeating ports.

Asian culture comes to life on board with EXC Encounters & Shore Excursions

Throughout the cruises, EXC programming brings Asia's local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life on board. Through EXC Encounters, guests can participate in activities like transforming a piece of paper into origami art, perfecting chopstick skills, learning the etiquette of local tea ceremonies, and exploring the poses and postures of the statues of Buddha.

Guests who want to learn more about the region can attend an EXC Talk by an EXC Guide about the ports of call, or head to an EXC Port to Table cooking demonstration, cooking class or themed mixology class featuring local fare. The Dining Room and Lido Market also will showcase the flavors of Asia.

Asia cruises feature a diverse selection of shore excursions that allow guests to immersively experience each port of call. Tours focus on culture, history, nature, architecture, adventure, culinary topics and family outings. Exclusive culinary-themed shore excursions in partnership with FOOD & WINE magazine showcase the regions' food scenes from a local perspective.

Asia cruise fares start at $949 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Several Asia sailings are eligible for Holland America Line’s Oceans of Extras promotion where travelers looking to plan ahead for next year can take advantage of up to a $600 shipboard credit depending on the stateroom booked. Suite guests also receive a $100 beverage card and a Signature Dining Package including dinner in the Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto. Guests receive all benefits when booking a stateroom on an eligible cruise from May 16 to June 30, 2019.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launches inaugural ‘Authentic Japan’ cruise in early 2021

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 15 March 2019 15 March 2019

One of the highlights of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ new 2020/21 ocean programme is its inaugural 14-night D2101 ‘Authentic Japan’ fly-cruise, from Tokyo in January 2021, aboard Boudicca. This sumptuous itinerary features three maiden calls in Japan – Beppu, Hiroshima and Nagoya – and focusses upon the themes of ‘authenticity’ and taking guests ‘closer’, as part of Fred. Olsen’s range of new ‘Community & Way of Life’ cruise experiences.

This enlightening and enriching adventure around the islands of Japan is full of immersive experiences, which will allow guests tounearth the country’s fascinating way of life.

Embark on an unforgettabletour to Kamakura, the place where the Samurai originated; don a traditional Kimono, as part of a traditional tea ceremony in Kobe; be captivated byGeishas, as they perform dances to Japanese music in Tokyo; sampleclassic cuisine, such as Sake rice wine and sushi; and relax in the thermalhot springs at Beppu. This exotic fly-cruise finishes off in style with a visit to the capital of Taiwan, Taipei (via Keelung), and takes in the iconic skyline of Hong Kong.

Details of Fred. Olsen’s new ‘Authentic Japan’ fly-cruise are as follows:

Boudicca’s 14-night D2101 ‘Authentic Japan’ fly-cruise, ex Tokyo, Japan on 14th January 2021

Ports of call: Tokyo, Japan (overnight stay) – Nagoya, Aichi, Japan – Kobe, Hyogo (overnight stay) – Hiroshima, Japan – Beppu, Oita, Japan – Nagasaki, Japan – Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan – Hong Kong (overnight stay)

Prices start from £3,349 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded Interior Room, and accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port / airport taxes, flights and transfers.

Plus, as part of exclusive launch offers, all guests who book by 31st May inclusive will have their gratuities covered by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, with this cruise also qualifying for the ‘Three Cruises for the Price of Two’ offer.

In 2020/21, Fred. Olsen’s fleet of five smaller, more intimately-sized ocean and river ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch, plus river cruise addition, Brabant – will be visiting no fewer than 277 destinations in 90 countries, across six continents, covering 104 areas of scenic cruising, on 170 different itineraries. Complementing the UK departure ports of Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh (Rosyth), Fred. Olsen will also be offering an expanded programme of exotic fly-cruises in 2020/21.

Guests booking their holidays with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines can also benefit from its ‘Book with Confidence’ guarantee. This means that, once a booking is confirmed, Fred. Olsen guarantees that no surcharges or supplements will be added to the cruise price.

Bookings are underpinned by the security of ABTA and ATOL protection, as well as Fred. Olsen’s industry-leading ‘Enjoyment Promise’, giving real peace of mind.

What is more, all cruises, shore tours and purchases made on board Fred. Olsen’s ships are priced in Pounds Sterling – so that guests can explore the world without having to worry about exchange rates.

Up to 30% savings on upcoming Ponant sailings

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 07 January 2019 07 January 2019

PONANT, the leader in luxury polar expeditions, is offering additional savings on select sailings to Central and South America in 2019 and to the Mediterranean in 2020. With additional incentives for early bookings, travelers can save up to 30% on fares throughout the regions.

Beginning with the 2019 sailings, PONANT will have four ships in Central and South American waters, calling at ports in Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Peru, Guatemala and more. Guests will discover exceptional natural and cultural wonders, including pre-Columbian monuments and colonial cities. Many, such as ancient Palenque and Uxmal in Mexico, and Chile's historic port of Valparaiso, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Over 30 itineraries are still showing availability during 2019, many of which offering additional savings through a PONANT bonus offer. The 14-day Chilean Fjords & Patagonia sailing on Le Boreal, for example, sails from Ushuaia in Argentina to Valparaiso in Chile from 4 March 2019 to 17 March 2019 and is available with a savings of up to 25%. The itinerary offers contrasting landscapes and still-unspoiled lands.

Looking ahead to 2020, availability throughout the Mediterranean includes sailings to Croatia, Athens, Istanbul, Venice, and more. Sailings such as July 2020’s Treasures of the Aegean Sea begins at $3,250 per stateroom with an additional 30 % PONANT bonus offer available. Later in the season, cabins are also still available on the October 11th Canary Islands and Cape Verde sailing, beginning at $5,380 before a 25% PONANT bonus.

Pearl Mist to sail Great Lakes this summer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 20 February 2019 20 February 2019

Pearl Seas Cruises has announced a 2019 summer season on The Great Lakes. Cruising there since 2014, Pearl Seas has perfected small ship exploration in The Great Lakes aboard their 210-passenger ship, the Pearl Mist.

June through August 2019, Pearl Seas offers two Great Lakes cruising experiences: an 11-night Great Lakes & Georgian Bay itinerary and a shorter 7-night Great Lakes itinerary – both itineraries operate between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Toronto, Canada and visit numerous American and Canadian ports of call.

Pearl Seas’ guests aboard the Pearl Mist, will enjoy amazing views from their private balconies (offered in every stateroom). Great Lakes cruises also offer all-inclusive fine dining, complimentary cocktails each evening, complimentary beer & wine with lunch and dinner, as well as award-winning onboard enrichment programs, entertainment, and guided shore excursions at every port.

Two Itineraries: The 11-night Great Lakes & Georgian Bay itinerary explores four of The Great Lakes (Michigan, Huron, Erie & Ontario), as well as Georgian Bay, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve. The 11-night itinerary also includes a visit to Niagara Falls where guests can take a boat tour of Horseshoe Falls, which brings them close enough to feel Niagara’s misty spray. Pearl Seas’ 7-Night Great Lakes itinerary, cruises through two of The Great Lakes (Michigan & Huron). Along both itineraries, guests will explore the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world, while enjoying picturesque ports and culturally fascinating tales of the Native Americans, early explorers, traders, and European settlers who influenced and developed this extraordinary region.

Shore/Port Highlights: Pearl Seas’ 2019 cruises offer an array of guided shore excursions in the most beautiful American and Canadian ports on the Great Lakes. In addition to Niagara Falls, guests will visit scenic Muskegon, MI known as the “Riviera of the Midwest,” and the quaint town of Holland, MI, settled by the Dutch in 1847, and home to the only authentic working Dutch Windmill in America. In Windsor, Ontario, guests can explore the beautiful Canadian “City of Roses,” and discover the history of the automobile at the Henry Ford Museum. On Mackinac Island, MI, guests can step back in time, touring the island in a horse drawn carriage and enjoying lunch afterwards, on the veranda of the historic Grand Hotel. And in Parry Sound, ON, guests can depart by Seaplane on an exciting aerial tour of the fantastic South Channel and Killbear Provincial Park, from a floatplane base in Parry sound!

Pre Cruise: Pearl Seas offers a Premium Pre-cruise Hotel Package on all 2019 Great Lakes cruises departing from Milwaukee, as well as transportation between airports, hotels, and the ship, in both Toronto and Milwaukee.

Norwegian Cruise Line rings in 2019 with limited-time take all six offer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 31 December 2018 31 December 2018

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced an unparalleled, value-added initiative just in time for the new year, allowing guests to enjoy all six “Free at Sea” options at no cost.

On the heels of its recent offer for 2019 Norwegian Joy cruises, the company launched “Norwegian’s New Year – Big Savings” promotion available on many of the innovative ships across its fleet. All guests who book a balcony stateroom or higher category stateroom will receive a beverage package, shore excursion credits, a specialty dining package, and an internet package – all for free. They can also take advantage of the free and reduced airfare initiative as well as Norwegian’s Friends and Family Sail Free option, which allows the third and fourth guests in a stateroom to sail complimentary.

“In celebration of an incredible year for our brand, including the unprecedented and incredibly successful debut of Norwegian Bliss, we are so pleased to offer our guests all six Free at Sea options across many of the ships in our fleet,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We’re ready to cruise into the new year providing guests the best vacation possible, allowing them to create unforgettable experiences with friends, family and loved ones.”

Norwegian’s New Year – Big Savings initiative, which equals up to $4,000 in savings, is available through Jan. 2, 2018.