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Louis Cruises to add themed cruises to its Eastern Mediterranean programme

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 August 2012 22 August 2012

Louis Cruises, the Cyprus based cruise shipping company, says it will present a new enrichment themed cruise program to Greece and Turkey featuring an expert-led, interactive lecture series Ancient Empires to Modern Metropolises included as part of the popular 7-day cruise itinerary. The autumnl sailings that will feature the new themed cruise lecture series will depart on September 21st and September 28th, 2012 from Athens/Lavrion, and visit Istanbul, Izmir, Patmos, Santorini, Mykonos, Heraklion (Crete), and Rhodes. Additional themed cruise programs and departure dates will be announced in the upcoming months for 2013.

Guided by a celebrated Historian, travelers will feel like insiders as they explore each city's background even before they actually visit each of the famous places of worship, magnificent historical monuments, and era-defining neighborhoods they will enjoy on our 7-day cruise, said Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO of Louis Cruises. These lectures will bring history to life for travelers, providing them with an enriching and profound destination experience beyond any other cruise company in the Eastern Mediterranean. We are committed to growing by innovation and are pleased to provide the opportunity for guests to really explore our area, our region, and more of its distinctive ports and islands.

Historian, Author and Lecturer, Angelos F. Vlachos acclaimed for his work with University of Peloponnese, Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts will guide travelers through time during hour-long, interactive seminars each day onboard the cruise, providing enriching and insightful details about the history and culture of each place to be visited.
Each port-of-call will be showcased in a seminar to give travelers an insiders perspective into the destinations. Heres a look at the lecture series events:

Istanbul-Izmir: Throughout this interactive talk, travelers will hear fascinating details of Turkish history from the Byzantine glory to the Ottoman Empire, featuring historical leaders from Constantine the Great to Mohamed the Conqueror. Participants will delve-into the milestones and monuments of major urban centers that have formed the history of nations in the region. Guests will hear stories from the Byzantine, Ottoman and contemporary times regarding public sphere, administration, entertainment, and everyday life. Focused on Greece and Turkey, this seminar will highlight the regions significant civilizations from ancient times to now including: the ancient Greek civilization in Asia Minor (from Troy to the classical and Hellenistic monuments of Izmir); the Ottoman dovlet (state) to the modern nation-state; on through to Greek-Turkish relations in 19th and 20th century.

Patmos-Mykonos-Santorini: During this seminar, travelers will learn about the dawn of civilization in the Aegean region, discover the mysteries of the Orient exploring religion and society in the archipelago; examine the impact of orthodox culture and how it continues shaping local communities in Greece; and understand how the communities have transformed over the years from more isolated societies to popular tourism destinations.

Rhodes-Heraklion: This seminar will take travelers on a journey of enlightenment starting thousands of years ago with The Minoans and featuring the birth of this kingdom in the Mediterranean islands. As Vlachos unveils the details of history, participants will learn about the western presence in the south Aegean, including Venetian ruling in Crete; the Knights of St. John the Divine in Rhodes; and Crete in the 20th century from World War II to society and economy at the crossroads of cultures.

This exciting seminar series will be held only on these two departures this fall; space is limited. Travel agents and travelers are recommended to book now to see the regions heritage via this holistic, insightful, and enlightening journey for a distinctive Louis Cruises signature Sea of Memories experience this September.

With 25 time-honored years in cruising throughout the Mediterranean and 75 years of award winning history in tourism, Louis Cruises offers an unparalleled cruise experience onboard its celebrated fleet of destination-friendly cruise ships. As part of the lines enhanced focus on showcasing its Hellenistic identity, guests sailing onboard Louis Cruises vessels can more fully experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Greece and the picturesque Greek islands on their next Mediterranean adventure.

Louis Cruises takes extra care to design itineraries that include the best ports in their best seasons allowing ample time to enjoy their uniquely individual charms coupled with meticulously planned shore excursions for a truly insightful look into each destination. The lines vessels transport passengers, both literally and figuratively, to the lands of philosophers and dreamers -- from the grandeur of Ancient Greece and the legendary Greek Isles to the treasures of Turkey and beyond! Sailing with Louis Cruises, travelers can expect a complete destination experience, timely arrivals, flexible and imaginative itineraries, smooth embarkation and disembarkation, fascinating shore excursions, and unparalleled Greek hospitality for a lifetime of enriching memories.

Silversea Cruises present 2013 cruise programmes

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 August 2012 21 August 2012

Silversea Cruises, the luxury segment cruise line based in Monaco, has released two new brochures showcasing over 200 voyages sailing from January through December 2013 to over 450 destinations on seven continents.

The new 2013 Voyages atlas immediately captures the imagination with an exquisite cover design that hints at the luxurious travel experiences revealed within its 176 pages. Devoted to the remarkable journeys of Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit, this comprehensive guidebook showcases Silversea's exclusive world, where luxury is found in every detail, the company said in a statement.

Also just released is Silversea Expeditions' 2013 Voyages brochure. Formerly enfolded within the company's main atlas, it is now available as a stand-alone 48-page guide to Silver Explorer's amazing voyages of adventure. It highlights 27 expedition cruises sailing from pole to pole and to some of the world's most remote destinations in between.

"Our new brochures reveal the many unique elements that are woven together to create an extraordinary vacation experience for our guests," said Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. "These include intimate ships, luxurious amenities, superb cuisine, amazing destinations, and the ability our guests have to personalize their experience with bespoke land adventures, options for customizing their suites and a choice of cruise-only or all-inclusive pricing."

Silversea's 2013 Voyages atlas opens with several pages of stylish imagery and engaging content devoted to revealing the hallmarks of Silversea's unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides a snapshot of "What's New" followed by detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including shore excursion recommendations, descriptions of land programs, deck plans and general information. A pricing summary booklet is contained in the back cover pocket.

2013 Highlights:

WORLD CRUISE 2013
An epic 115-day journey from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale awaits guests when they board Silver Whisper on January 5. Crossing the equator four times, the World Cruise itinerary will follow the tropical belt to 52 destinations in 28 countries with overnight stays in several key ports. The warm-weather journey will explore an array of far-flung cultures and scenic wonders including New Zealand and Australia's remote west coast; the idyllic isles of French Polynesia; fascinating Asian cities of Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore; and Africa's rarely seen western coast. Guests may choose to extend their voyage an additional three days to disembark in New York, or 15 days to disembark in Southampton.

GRAND VOYAGES
Created for travelers who can spare the time and prefer a more immersive experience in the lands they visit, this special collection offers extended voyages from 34 to 54 days. These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard the line's elite, all-suite ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must-see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path -- all on one cruise.

SOUTH PACIFIC VOYAGE
From the glamorous City of Angels to the moonlit beaches of Bora Bora to the sheer, emerald cliffs of Kauai's Na Pali coast and back, guests will enjoy a 31-day roundtrip journey exploring the enchanting cultures of the South Pacific. This uniquely immersive voyage (#5304) departs February 1 from Los Angeles aboard Silver Spirit.

AmaWaterways appoint Natalie Ford UK national sales manager

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 August 2012 21 August 2012

Just four years after appointing Fred. Olsen Travel as main UK agents, sales professional Natalie Ford has been appointed as National Sales Manager for award winning river cruise operator AmaWaterways. Natalie’s appointment enhances the Fred. Olsen Travel team further and comes as a result of the growth in sales and brand awareness of the luxury river cruise operator, AmaWaterways, the river cruise line said in a statement.

Ama’s UK General Manager Fay McCormack said “We’ve seen phenomenal growth in the AmaWaterways brand over the last four years. British guests have really taken to river cruising and enjoy the high standards that AmaWaterways offers. We’re delighted to have had such excellent support from the travel trade during this growth period. Natalie is known to many agents as a result of her career in cruise sales and we’re really pleased that she’s taken on the new role of National Sales Manager for AmaWaterways in the UK .”

Natalie started her travel career working as a travel agent for Lunn Poly (now Tui). She completed her NVQ and was promoted branch manager of the Beckenham store. After a six month sabbatical in Cyprus she spent 8 years working as a branch manager for Thomson at Canary Wharf , then became CCS Sales Executive, South East, working with key accounts within the cruise industry. Her most recent roles were as Business Development Manager for MSC, with specific responsibility for developing MSC’s agency sales, and Group Sales Manager for South Quay Travel, packaging holidays for groups and promoting Marco Polo and Ocean Countess.

MSC Cruises enhances offerings for children

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 August 2012 21 August 2012

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MSC Cruises has announced the introduction of three innovative features which will ensure that the whole family has an even more enjoyable holiday at sea, the company said in a statement.

First of all, MSC Happy Dinners will offer the perfect recipe for an ideal family meal. Children are served their own dinner from the kids’ menu while parents are enjoying their first course. However, when the younger members have finished at their usual lightening speed, instead of waiting (im) patiently for mum and dad, they are collected by specialised kids’ club staff and whisked off to have fun with friends, leaving their parents to enjoy the rest of their dinner in peace.

For children who would relish the freedom of eating with their friends, MSC Fun Time Dinners may prove even more tempting. Youngsters dine in a separate, specially decorated area of the buffet restaurant, supervised by the entertainment team, before departing for the Mini or Junior Clubs. To add to the fun, three of these events are themed – Welcome Party, Italian Party and Farewell Party. Parents then pick up their children when they have finished their own leisurely meal. Suitable for children aged from three to 11, both initiatives are completely free of charge. Parents simply need to register their children in advance.

Last but by no means least; MSC Cruises has introduced a second, late afternoon nanny-hour to its kids’ club programmes. Every day from 9am to 10am - and now also from 5pm to 6pm – MSC’s children’s team offers a special treat for babies and toddlers aged 10 to 36 months and their parents, in the form of an organised programme of activities, including musical games, baby disco, puzzles and drawing.

Holland America Line unveils 2013-14 programmes

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 August 2012 21 August 2012

Holland America Line, which is part of the Carnival Corp & plc group, says it launches 2013-14 world wide programme this week.

“This week sees the launch of the new 2013-14 Worldwide Cruise Holidays brochure from Holland America Line (HAL). Offering more than 125 exciting itineraries between December 2012 and April 2014, the brochure covers destinations including Alaska, the Amazon, Asia & Pacific, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal and South America,” the company said in a statement.

In preparation for the launch of its 2013 product, Holland America Line recently introduced “Early Advantage”, a programme encouraging guests to book early for 2013 cruises and enjoy lower fares, free upgrades and “worry-free” deposit terms whereby they can make changes to their booking without penalty, prior to the balance due date.

Holland America Line’s Managing Director UK, Lynn Narraway, commented, “We want to assure guests of the advantages of booking early, with significant savings and enhancements across the board.”

Destinations covered in the new brochure include:

Ex-UK: Continuing with Holland America Line’s popular ex-UK programme, for the third year, the ms Ryndam will cruise an extended series of ten round trip cruises from Dover from May until August 2013, providing British guests with the perfect “premium” no-fly product. The Ryndam will offer six, seven night Fjords cruises; two, 14-night Baltic cruises and two unique 14-night “Voyage of the Midnight Sun” Fjords and North Cape cruises, which sail as far as Honningsvag, within the Arctic Circle.

Europe: Holland America Line features seven ships in Europe for summer 2012. The Eurodam, Prinsendam, Ryndam and Rotterdam will offer primarily Northern Europe and Baltic cruises, while the Noordam and the ms Nieuw Amsterdam will cruise 7-12-night Mediterranean itineraries from Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona, Venice, Piraeus and Istanbul. For the first time the Veendam will cruise Holland America Line’s annual 35-night “Voyage of the Vikings” cruise from Boston (USA), which combines a scenic circle around Iceland with calls in Newfoundland, Greenland and Eire. In the autumn, the Prinsendam will offer Eastern Mediterranean, Holy Land and Black Sea cruises from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Piraeus (Athens).

Caribbean, South America and Panama Canal: With calls at Grand Turk, San Juan (Puerto Rico), St Thomas and Holland America Line’s own award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Early Advantage 2013 prices start from just £499* for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, featuring a FREE upgrade from ocean view staterooms (priced at £699pp) to Verandah staterooms, with fly/cruise arrangements available on request. Or guests may venture deeper into the region’s more exclusive islands on a choice of 10-21-night Caribbean itineraries. There’s even a 33-night Caribbean Odyssey roundtrip Southampton departing 18th November 2013 for guests who prefer not to fly.

Renowned for leisurely Panama Canal sailings, for 2013 Holland America Line continues to offer a regular programme of 14-night cruises sailing from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale and reverse, as well as longer voyages that include visits to Caribbean islands and a full daytime canal transit. Early Advantage prices start from £1,299* per person for a 14-night Panama Canal cruise, featuring a FREE upgrade from inside to ocean view staterooms. Fly/cruise arrangements are available on request.

Alternatively explore the wonders of South America on one of HAL’s inspiring itineraries on the Veendam, Statendam, Prinsendam or Maasdam with highlights including; Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Chile, Uruguay and plenty of scenic cruising Cape Horn, the Beagle and Cockburn Channels, Amalia Glacier, Chilean Fjords and the Strait of Magellan. Early Advantage prices cost from just £999* for a 13-night cruise, with free upgrade from interior to ocean-view staterooms on select sailings. Fly/cruise arrangements are available on request. Longer voyages may venture into the Amazon River or spend days exploring the white continent of Antarctica.

Alaska: An extended Alaska programme features more 7-night sailings from Vancouver due to high demand, with the introduction of a 3rd ship, the ms Amsterdam departing on Fridays, and yet more choice of Holland America Line’s own touring programmes, which highlight Alaska’s incredible scenery and chequered history, and all include a leisurely Inside Passage cruise. Alaska tours feature a new, easy to read format which highlights the time spent in each location. Prices start from £649* per person for a 7-night Glacier Bay cruise and £899* per person for an 11-night “Direct to Denali” CruiseTour that features an unforgettable train ride through the vast wilderness of Denali National Park as well as glaciers galore! Fly/cruise and fly/tour arrangements are available on request.

Australasia and South Pacific: It has never been easier to see the wonders of Tauranga, Napier and Milford Sound in New Zealand, or enjoy the sights and sounds of Tasmania and Melbourne, than on a 14-night Holland America Line cruise sailing from Auckland to Sydney or reverse. Due to the popularity of this programme, ms Volendam will be joined by larger “Vista-class” ms Oosterdam in this region for winter 2013, offering more capacity and more verandah staterooms. The Volendam will cruise a spectacular 16-night Great Barrier Reef Explorer cruise from Sydney in November 2013, ending Singapore, which spends three full days cruising the highlights of this UNESCO site, as well as calling at Komodo Island and Indonesia. Early Advantage Prices start from £1,499* pp, including a free upgrade from inside to ocean view stateroom. Another programme highlight is the 34-night Australia Circumnavigation onboard ms Volendam, departing 20th October 2013, with prices from £3,499pp. Both ships will also cruise a series of exotic cruises from Sydney, which visit beautiful South Pacific islands, including Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Samoa. Longer itineraries (from / to Los Angeles or even Vancouver) also encompass the Hawaiian Islands. Prices start from £899* for a 10-night Pacific Treasures cruise.

Asia: Guests may discover the Orient in Holland America Line style in an extended programme of Asia cruises onboard the ms Volendam that offer in-depth land tours to see wonders like the Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City in the People’s Republic of China, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, as well as scintillating homeport cities like Hong Kong and Singapore. Early Advantage prices start from £1,299* per person for a 14-night Far East Discovery cruise departing 7th January 2013 and including a free upgrade from inside to ocean view stateroom. Now guests may voyage direct from the UK with Holland America Line. January 2013 sees a first for the line when flagship ms Rotterdam will cruise an 88-night “Passage to Asia” cruise roundtrip Southampton, with prices from £7,299pp. Shorter sectors are available with fly/cruise fares on request.

Grand World Voyage and Grand Voyages: The 115-night Grand World Voyage sets off from Fort Lauderdale on 5th January 2013 on flagship Amsterdam, and combines experiences that range from mystic Machu Picchu to Walvis Bay in Namibia; Vietnam’s paddy fields to Hong Kong’s high rise towers; St Lucia’s twin volcanoes to Easter Island’s mysterious stone figures. The 68-night Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage onboard the elegant explorer ms Prinsendam for instance, departs from Ft Lauderdale on 5th January 2013 and circumnavigates the continent in the wake of the great renaissance explorers, contrasting the beaches of Buenos Aires with the mighty Amazon River and the “white continent” of Antarctica. Cruise only prices start from £8,599 pp* with shorter sectors available. Holland America Line will also feature a 64-night Grand Mediterranean voyage on 14th March 2013 and a 75-night Grand Pacific & Far East Voyage departing 20th September 2013.