Travel expert Valerie Wilson christens the AmaPrima

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 07 August 2013 07 August 2013

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways christened its newest ship in Vilshofen, Germany yesterday, amid great fanfare provided by dancers, singers, musicians, stilt walkers and other local performers. The highlight of the event was the traditional christening of the AmaPrima by its honorary godmother, Valerie Wilson, founder, chairman and CEO of NYC-based Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc.

"Almost everyone in Vilshofen played some kind of role in the AmaPrima’s christening ceremony today," noted Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-owner. "We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive or festive atmosphere, or for a warmer welcome for our godmother, Valerie Wilson. It’s been a simply wonderful day for all involved."

The afternoon festivities kicked off with rousing oom-pah music performed by a local band, and costumed stilt walkers who moved amongst the crowd gathered along the banks of the Danube River. As the AmaPrima cruised into port, the Triumphal March from Verdi’s opera “Aida” played over loudspeakers and artillery experts shot ceremonial gun salutes from the top deck of the ship. AmaWaterways’ Manager of European Operations, Wade Korzan, served as Master of Ceremonies and greeted the enthusiastic onlookers, local dignitaries, river cruise executives, journalists and passengers. Kristin Karst and AmaWaterways’ president and co-owner Rudi Schreiner made speeches, as did Valerie Wilson and Vilshofen Mayor Georg Krenn.

Wilson christened the AmaPrima in the time-honored tradition, breaking a bottle of Champagne against the ship’s hull. Amid a chorus of cheers and applause, doves were released into the sky as the Vilshofen Fire Department sprayed a plume of water high over the river.

Other highlights included a special blessing of the ship by a local pastor, songs by soprano Heidlinde Schmid and an Indiana Jones-like whipcracking demonstration (a Bavarian tradition). Children from a folkloric club performed traditional dances and presented the Vilshofen flag to the AmaPrima’s captain, Jan de Bruin, who also signed the town’s ceremonial “Golden Book” along with other VIPs in attendance.

The tradition of christening a ship originated more than 4,000 years ago. A respected and well-known woman is selected to serve as a new ship’s honorary “godmother,” entrusted with blessing the vessel to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. The AmaPrima’s godmother, Valerie Wilson, heads one of the largest privately owned and family-managed travel agencies in the United States. She has been honored with many prestigious awards, serves on numerous advisory boards and has shared her expertise with readers of The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Town & Country and Travel + Leisure, among others. She is also the author of “Valerie Wilson’s World…The Top Hotels & Resorts.”

The AmaPrima, a sister ship to the award-winning AmaCerto (2012), is a deluxe 164-feet passenger vessel that incorporates such innovative design features as Twin Balconies (an AmaWaterways exclusive) and spacious staterooms that measure up to 350 sq. feet. Guests also enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations with unlimited fine wine and beer, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness studio, and complimentary in-room Internet, Infotainment and Wi-Fi. The AmaPrima even carries a fleet of bicycles on board so guests can enjoy Europe’s scenic riverside bike paths on their own.

Holland America Line features its most extensive Canada and New England program with 48 sailings in 2014

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 06 August 2013 06 August 2013

In 2014, Holland America Line is offering an extensive Canada and New England program with 48 sailings spanning spring, summer and fall. With three ships departing from five convenient homeports, more travelers can experience the region's breathtaking scenery, historic seaports, culinary treats and cultural charm.

Scheduled May through October, the nine different itineraries on Eurodam, Maasdam and ms Veendam depart from Boston, Mass.; Montréal and Québec City, Canada; Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and New York City. The cruises range from seven to 15 days and include family-friendly summer cruises and visits during the height of the fall foliage season as summer turns to autumn and the jewel-toned leaves offer one of nature's most impressive showings.

"Canada and New England is one of the most picturesque, historic and culturally rich regions in the world, making it an ideal vacation for families, nature lovers and history buffs," said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line's executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "With our comprehensive program featuring three ships sailing throughout the year, our guests can enjoy a variety of experiences in spring, summer and the beautiful fall season."

Departures Across the Summer Perfect for Getaway or Family Vacation

Veendam kicks off the line's Canada and New England season with a nine-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Québec City departing May 1, 2014. The ship will make its way up the coast with calls at Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

From May 10 through the October 11 departure, Veendam will sail 17 seven-day itineraries between Québec City and Boston. Ports of call include Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor, with scenic cruising on the St. Lawrence River. These sailings also include an overnight at Québec City, Holland America Line's number-one rated port of call.

Departing Aug. 16, Veendam adds a single cruise roundtrip from Boston that highlights the historic coastline. During the seven-day itinerary the ship calls at Bar Harbor; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Sydney, and Portland, Maine. While ashore, guests will be able to sample the famous Maine lobster, admire the photogenic lighthouses and learn about the area's interesting maritime history.

Maasdam begins its season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Montréal departing May 2. During the voyage, guests will visit Charleston, S.C.; Newport, R.I.; Bar Harbor; Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown; Gaspé, Sept-Îles, Saguenay and Québec City, Québec, and Trios-Rivieres, Canada, before arriving at Montréal. Highlights include an overnight at Québec City, scenic cruising in the Saguenay Fjord and the only Canada and New England sailing to call at Trios-Rivieres.

From May 24 through the Oct. 11 departure, Maasdam offers seven-day sailings between Montréal and Boston, with calls at Québec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor. The itineraries feature scenic cruising on 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 departing Oct. 18 from Montréal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Québec City, Saguenay, Sept-Îles, Gaspé, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor and New York City. Guests can take in the beautiful landscape at peak fall foliage time on scenic cruising along the Saint Lawrence River, Saguenay Fjord and Gaspé Bay. Guests may also choose a 10-day option to sail from Montréal and disembark in New York.

Fall Foliage Cruises Bring Region to Life with Nature's Colors

In September and October, during the height of the 2014 fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises between New York and Québec City, and one 12-day cruise from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale. On the 10-day itinerary departing Sept. 14 the ship calls at Boston, Portland, Maine; Saint John, Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown, with an overnight at Québec City. The Sept. 24 departure spends 10 days exploring Québec City (overnight), Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Portland, Boston and Newport, with scenic cruising along the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Saguenay Fjord. On the 10-day return trip from New York to Québec departing Oct. 4, the ship calls at Boston; Rockland, Mass.; Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown, concluding with an overnight at Québec. Guests will enjoy scenic cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Saguenay Fjord, as well as the line's only call at Rockland this season.

Eurodam concludes its New England season on a new 12-day cruise from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale departing Oct. 14. The itinerary begins with an overnight at Québec City and then sails for Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Portland, Boston and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, two back-to-back sailings can be combined for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to get to know each port better with repeating calls. Guests can hunt for antiques, explore the charming fishing towns, learn about local history and sample more of the region's fresh seafood.

On Location Provides Engagement with the Cruise Destination as Guests Sail

On each Canada and New England cruise, Holland America Line's "On Location" enrichment program brings local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life both onboard and ashore to deepen guests' appreciation of the region. Guests might enjoy a New England clam bake or a Fiddlin' Flapjack breakfast, complete with authentic Canadian maple syrup and featuring local Cape Breton Celtic fiddlers. Other activities to enjoy include regional beer and wine tastings, a Canadian Bar mixology class, cultural cooking demonstrations, and a special Quebecois L'auberge de Lido or New England sailaway party.

Explore4 Early Booking Promotion Gives Added Perks for Planning Now

Presently, Holland America Line is offering the Explore4 early booking promotion that features a free Signature Beverage Package or beverage card, a free specialty restaurant dinner, free or reduced fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom and 50 percent reduced deposits for bookings on select 2014 cruises made before October 15, 2013. Guests may receive all four offers when booking a qualified itinerary.

Cruise fares for 2014 Canada and New England itineraries begin at $799 per person, double occupancy for a seven-day sailing and include Explore4 Early Booking Promotion offers. With free or reduced third and fourth guests, a family of four can take a dream vacation to Canada/New England next summer on select dates with fares starting at $799 for the first and second guest, and the third and fourth guests in the same stateroom sailing for free.

Royal Caribbean celebrates dual milestones for Quantum and Anthem of the Seas

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 03 August 2013 03 August 2013

Excitement was in the air at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on Friday, as Royal Caribbean International marked two important milestones in the development of its Quantum class of ships. Quantum of the Seas, scheduled to be delivered in the autumn of 2014, received its first block as the keel was officially lowered and put into place. In conjunction, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum's sister-ship, had its first piece of steel cut, signaling the first step in the ship's construction.

"Today is a very special day in the development of our new Quantum class, as we are now two steps closer to delighting guests around the world with Quantum cruising," said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "It's incredibly rewarding to see Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas coming together so well, and today we not only honor these two very important milestones, but also recognize the years of hard work and dedication from the team developing these ships."

The keel laying marks an important milestone in the development of Quantum of the Seas as it signifies the beginning of the ship's physical construction. During the ceremony, a 430-ton block measuring 59-ft by 75-ft (18 x 23 meters) was lifted into the building dock with an 800-ton crane. Newly minted coins were placed under the keel which then stays in place until the end of construction. Once the ship is nearing completion the coins are retrieved and presented to the ship's Captain and crew to be placed onboard the ship. According to maritime tradition, the coins are said to bring luck to the ship during its construction and then to its Captain and crew when she is at sea.

The groundbreaking Quantum class ships will debut new unprecedented features, such as RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea; the North Star, an engineering marvel that transports guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; transformative venues, such as The Sea-Plex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars,
roller skating and more; and the cruise line?s largest and most advanced staterooms ever, including the industry's first-ever Virtual Balcony staterooms, which offers expansive, real-time views of the ocean and exciting destinations for interior staterooms.

The Quantum class will debut in autumn 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015. Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms.

SuperStar Libra to operate cruise to Yangon

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 02 August 2013 02 August 2013

Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific,says  will operate a even night cruise departing from Penang to Krabi / Yangon / Phuket on 11 August.

The special cruise marks Star Cruises’ first return to Yangon, also known as the “Garden City of the East”, in 10 years since SuperStar Virgo’s first call to the port in 2003.  It will also be SuperStar Libra’s first call to this largest city of Myanmar since home porting in Penang in 2010.

Michael Goh, Senior Vice President of Sales, Star Cruises, said, “We’re excited to bring SuperStar Libra’s guests to Yangon for the first time to explore top tourist attractions such as the sacred gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda, the cultural National Races Village and the traditional Thanlyin morning market, to name just a few.”

“Travellers can experience the multicultural facets of Yangon through a wide range of shore excursion selections that include Myanmar-style dining at House of Memories, visits to Bogyoke Aung San Museum--dedicated to the founder of modern Myanmar General Aung San--and shopping for precious Burmese gems,” he added.

There is no better way to escape from everyday life than to cruise on SuperStar Libra, an exclusive, world-class floating resort in the high seas. The ship offers an impressive array of facilities, entertainment, recreational activities and services coupled with warm Asian hospitality. Travellers can enjoy the unique shopping-at-sea experience in the 149-square-meter retail area that features retailers such as China Duty Free, upmarket wristwatch and jewellery boutique Canopus and gold specialty shop Eternal Elements. Duty-free merchandise includes designer handbags, perfumes, accessories and an array of fashion items.

 Besides this special cruise, SuperStar Libra continues to offer the well-received 4D3N itinerary from Penang to the idyllic Phuket and Krabi departing every Sunday. From Wednesday to Saturday, travellers can immerse in another dimension of cruise fun on SuperStar Libra’s daily1-night high sea experience.