Elegant Cruises & Tours is offering three Scotland cruises

Elegant Cruises & Tours is offering three Scotland cruises, including one that carries a 20 percent commission. The voyages are “Celtic Quest-In the Lands of Legends,” May 11 to 23; “Scotland Slowly,” May 23 to June 2; and “Islands and Inner Waterways of Scotland,” July 3 to 12. The July 3 trip allows agents to earn an additional 10 percent for a total of 20 percent commission for bookings made Nov. 1 through the sailing date. Sailing aboard the 104-passenger expedition ship Andrea, clients will visit Scotland’s remote islands as well as Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh during Homecoming Scotland 2009, a nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s beloved poet, Robert Burns. All Zodiac and shore excursions are included on all three sailings. “Celtic Quest” sails from Vigo, Spain, to Glasgow; “Scotland Slowly” sails from Glasgow (port of Greenock) to Edinburgh; and “Islands and Inner Waterways” cruises from Portsmouth, England, to Edinburgh. Cruise-only rates begin at $3,185 per person. Contact Riverdiscounts.com 800-640-4899

Into the heart of Borneo - a journey on the mighty Rajang River

Following in the footsteps of the British explorer and travel writer Redmon O'Hanlon, the brand new ORIENT PANDAW will make an eight-night cruise three times a month from Sibu to the Pelagus Rapids and beyond, up the Baleh River.



The Rajang River is rarely visited by travelers on account of its inaccessibility and lack of tourist facilities. It is, though, the longest river in Malaysia. Cruising in the extreme comfort of a Pandaw, passengers will be able to visit Iban longhouses, make boat trips up tributary rivers, and see the vestiges of the colonial Brooke Raja.



But above all, passengers can view from the Pandaw's observation decks the rich tropical rain forest close at hand. Jungle treks, for all levels of walkers, are a must - this is, after all, one of the most diverse and exotic eco-paradise's on the planet.



Main deck cabins start at $2,250 per person. An add-on, two-night stop in the captial Kuching is highly recommended. Kuching is easily reached from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Brunei.

Background to Pandaw Cruises

With SIX luxury ships, we are the largest river cruise company in South-East Asia. In 1995, we were the first to pioneer and explore the region’s great rivers and their tributaries: the Irrawaddy and Chindwin in Burma, the Mekong and Tonle Rivers in Cambodia, and the backwaters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.



These small ships can penetrate remote and otherwise inaccessible areas. While we offer a real adventure experience, travelers are cushioned with incredible comfort, fine dining, great cocktails, and choice wines, not to mention extraordinary levels of service.



Our SIX boutique ships were built new and designed and finished as replicas of colonial river steamers. These small ships have the highest passenger-to-space ratio of any ships afloat.

Contact Riverdiscounts.com   800-640-4899

Tauck to Use Victoria’s Jenna on China Program

Tauck World Discovery unveiled the 2009 edition of its China, The Yangtze River and Hong Kong itinerary, which will feature Victoria Cruises’ newest ship, the Victoria Jenna, scheduled to make its inaugural journey in April. Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of five-star vessels on the Yangtze River with the coveted rating from the China National Tourism Administration, and the Jenna will be its new flagship. Tauck’s escorted 16-day China, The Yangtze River and Hong Kong itinerary features a four-day sailing along the Yangtze River on the new, five-star Victoria Jenna, and accommodations in several world-class properties, including the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong, Peninsula Beijing, Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel in Xi’an, Sheraton Guilin Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai.

Also included in the tour price are 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 12 dinners, on-tour air and a multitude of shore excursions and cultural sightseeing trip.

On the Yangtze River, the tour will include a four-day Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang aboard the Victoria Jenna; a spectacular view of centuries-old pagodas and temples nestled along the mist-shrouded Yangtze; many onboard activities such as Tai Chi lessons and a host of nightly entertainment options; an excursion to the impressive Three Gorges Dam Site in Sandouping, an extraordinary feat of engineering and major highlight of the river cruise; an additional excursion, such as a tranquil journey through the Yangtze’s scenic Daning or Shennong River tributaries to the Small Gorges. In Shanghai, the tour will feature a sightseeing tour of Shanghai, including the classical Yu Gardens, featuring over 30 pavilions; a spell-binding performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobat Troupe; a chance to explore Shanghai’s best preserved ancient town, Zhu Jia Jiao, which dates back 1,700 years and boasts willow-lined streets; and a farewell dinner and cocktail party. Pricing for Tauck’s 2009 departures of its 16-day itinerary begins at $5,990 per person double occupancy, plus international air. (Selected 2009 departures of China, The Yangtze River and Hong Kong feature smaller group sizes with a maximum of 26 Tauck guests, and are priced from $6,130 per person plus air.)

Contact RiverDiscounts.com for extra Savings 800-640-4899

Pacific Delight Tours Publishes Quick Guide

Pacific Delight Tours grouped five of its most popular tour packages in one easy-to-read “2009/10 Quick Guide,” with offerings suitable for every level of traveler. To kick off this new brochure, Pacific Delight is giving early-booking savings of up to $500 per couple for bookings made by Dec. 31. Program choices include major highlights of China: magnificent Yangtze River scenery on three- and four-night cruises; imperial Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City; the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs; Shanghai’s Shanghai Museum and Jade Buddha Temple; Xi’an’s famed legions of terra-cotta warriors; Lhasa, Tibet’s mountainous capital; and the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Prices range from $1,588 to $7,588 per person, double, before the early-bird savings. One of Pacific Delight’s most sought-after trips is the 17-day Classic China & Yangtze River Gold Experience -- an intimate, one-of-a-kind perspective into the country’s ancient history and culture, escorted by knowledgeable guides exclusive to the company.

This deluxe vacation, limited to just 16 guests, features accommodations in Asia’s best hotels; Junior Suites with balconies aboard Victoria Cruises’ newest and most luxurious ships; private shore excursions; superb meals; front section seats to many performances; and exclusive sightseeing. Cities include Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong. Land-only prices are $6,788 to $7,588 per person, double, with 12 departures between April and October 2009; early-bird savings are $500 per couple. With no more than 26 participants, the upscale, fully escorted 13-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River Imperial Experience, provides an in-depth view of each city visited: Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall and a pedicab ride through Beijing’s old Hutong area; Xi’an’s 2,200-year-old terra-cotta warriors and horses, the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which includes a Pacific Delight exclusive – a white-glove handling of treasures in the private artifact room; and Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Museum and renowned acrobatic show. Special meals include a Beijing Duck welcome dinner, Defachang Restaurant dumpling lunch and Tang Dynasty dinner and show. March 2009 to March 2010 departures are $2,918 to $3,688 for land only; early-bird savings are $300 per couple.

Two of Pacific Delight’s Deluxe SuperValue Tours, offering value and variety, are highlighted in the Quick Guide. The 12-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River provides travelers with an affordable way in which to delve into China’s Imperial cities -- Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing -- and receive a strong understanding of the country’s history, art, archeology and architecture. The land portion of the tour is complemented by four nights of Yangtze River cruising aboard Victoria Cruises’ Premier Series five-star fleet, sailing the most spectacular portions of this legendary waterway. Land-only prices are $1,588 to $2,288 for departures between March 2009 and March 2010; early-bird savings is $100 per couple.

The 11-day Golden Route SuperValue is similar to the Historic Cities & Yangtze River but substitutes the Yangtze River cruise with a two-night stay in Guilin, a city set among some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. While there, guests visit the magnificent rock formations at Reed Flute Cave and Fu Bo Hill and take a cruise on the Li River, passing lush green landscapes and picturesque villages. The land-only prices range from $1,648 to $2,188 on year-round departures; early-bird savings is $100 per couple. Pacific Delight’s China Escapade Series of vacations offer off-the-beaten-path itineraries to some of China’s most exotic regions. The 15-day Tibet & Yangtze River Escapade is an escorted journey that takes adventurous travelers to Tibet’s 1,300-year-old capital city of Lhasa, nearly 12,000 feet above sea level. Guests explore the many monasteries and palaces, including Norbulingkha, Sera or Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and the greatest architectural structure in Tibet, the 1,000-room Potala Palace, once the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. A Tibetan dinner and show includes the traditional Yak Dance. Other special sites include the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, with its Imperial Vault of Heaven; the terra-cotta warriors and Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an; and the Giant Pandas at the Chongqing Zoo.

A three-night Yangtze River cruise and three nights exploring Shanghai conclude the adventure. Land-only prices for the April-October 2009 departures are $3,918 to $4,388; early-bird savings is $100 per couple. The programs include pre-confirmed hotels, intra-Asia air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing, local guide or tour escort, transfers, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling. Transpacific air is available at attractive rates. Prices are subject to change. Pacific Delight Tours offers escorted and independent tours to China, the Orient and Southeast Asia. For more information, call 800-640-4899

An Expedition on the Mighty Rajang River on the new RV Orient Pandaw

The Rajang River, at 640km is the longest river in Malaysia, flows across Borneo from Sarawak into Indonesian Kalimantan. Though well know to many from Redmon O’Hanlon’s classic Into the Heart of Borneo, there is very little tourism here due to the river’s remoteness and lack of facilities. The scenery is magnificent – a total jungle experience with the rainforest tumbling into the fast flowing river.

The Rajang is navigable on a ship of Pandaw’s size for at least 250km until the Pelagus Rapids, and further on its main tributary the Baleh River. The river is peopled with the Iban, headhunters till the 1950s, whose unique long house culture survives well to this day, blending well animist tradition with modernity.

More information

General Tours Introduces Cruising to Oberammergau

General Tours World Traveler is offering four small ship journeys featuring the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2010. These 15 guaranteed departures combine all-inclusive luxury cruising aboard the five-star ships of Peter Deilmann with comprehensive escorted touring. Each itinerary concludes with two nights in the Oberammergau region and excellent seats for the 41st presentation of this historic Passion Play. Departing Amsterdam on May 8, 2010, Holland at Tulip Time & the Passion Play begins aboard the intimate MV Casanova. The one-week cruise through Holland and Belgium features 8 escorted excursions, including Bruges, Brussels, and the famed Keukenhof Gardens. Priced from $5,299, this 10-day, all-inclusive cruise & tour features 26 meals, complete sightseeing, luggage handling, and port charges.

Treasures of the Danube & the Passion Play on the MV Mozart cruises to Austria, Hungary and Slovakia with a deluxe hotel stay in Salzburg, a visit to Berchtesgaden, and two nights in the Oberammergau region with tickets for the Passion Play. With 29 meals and complete sightseeing, this all-inclusive cruise & tour is priced from $5,799. General Tours Oberammergau 2010 offerings also include two in-depth cruise & tours in Germany. The Rhine, Black Forest & the Passion Play begins in Amsterdam aboard the MV Heidelberg, flagship of the Peter Deilmann fleet. Priced from $6,799, this 12-day all-inclusive cruise & tour features 32 meals, complete sightseeing, luggage handling, port charges, and reserved A1 seats for the Passion Play. Berlin to Prague along the Elbe & the Passion Play is a 14-day cruise & tour priced from $7,399. As with all of the company's European river cruises, General Tours is promising guaranteed prices, no fuel surcharges and no currency adjustments on all 15 Oberammergau cruise & tour departures. For more information, contact Riverdiscounts 800-640-4899

Star Clippers promotes Far East sailing

Star Clippers is offering free airfare from San Francisco or Los Angeles, to Phuket, Thailand, and return air from Singapore, on the Nov. 29 Far East sailing aboard Star Clipper.

The offer is available to residents of North America and Latin America.

The 14-night cruise between Phuket and Singapore combines a seven-night round-trip Phuket itinerary with a seven-night Phuket to Singapore voyage.

Contact RiverDiscounts 800-640-4899

Cruise West Announces 26 Itineraries in 29 Countries for 2009 Season

SEATTLE, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading small-ship cruise line Cruise West has announced 26 itineraries for the 2009 season, including four new and one re-introduced cruise. The four new voyages will visit Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, the Danube River, the East Indies and Melanesia; the Vietnam itinerary is being re-introduced by popular demand.

The 2009 cruises include stops in 29 countries and 165 ports worldwide. The voyages will include 253 departures throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and the South Pacific, with visits to 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Alaska, Cambodia, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Romania and Vietnam. Cruise West's nine small ships (with capacity ranging from 78-138 guests) allow for the company's trademark "up-close, casual and personal" experience, an opportunity not offered by larger cruise lines. Cruises range from three-night/four-day to 24-night/25-day, and start from $1,149 per person.

"Our Quyana Members (past guests) asked us to add new destinations and Cruise West listened by delivering four new distinctive itineraries and reintroducing Vietnam in 2009," said Dick West, chairman and managing director. "I personally scouted the Galapagos itinerary and the Danube River cruise. In honor of Cruise West's first European river cruise, I will host a Chairman's cruise on the first departure. As with all Cruise West voyages, these new itineraries will offer guests the hallmark Cruise West adventure -- an authentic experience."

NEW & REINTRODUCED 2009 ITINERARIES

-- Cruise West introduces the GALAPAGOS onboard the luxurious 40-guest Isabela II. The 10-day tour will start with two days in Quito before flying to Baltra Island to board the ship for an eight-day cruise. A post-cruise Machu Picchu Land Tour option is available. Three departures will be initially offered on August 23, August 30 and September 6, 2009.

-- Cruise West ventures to Europe for the first time with its 11- or 12- day Danube River cruise VIENNA TO BUCHAREST onboard the elegant new 148-guest Amadeus Diamond -- 2009 marks this vessel's inaugural year. This cruise highlights exclusive tours in Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and cruising in the Danube Delta. Four departure dates will be offered: July 16 and 24, 2009; and October 13 and 21, 2009. Add on a pre- or post-cruise Prague or Transylvania Land Tour.

-- VIETNAM is reintroduced by popular demand. Originally offered in 2007, this 12-day itinerary cruises Haiphong to Ho Chi Minh City via Ha Long Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang and the Mekong River. One departure will be offered on November 21, 2009 onboard Cruise West's flagship, the 120- guest Spirit of Oceanus. Add-on a pre- or post-cruise Cambodia and Angkor Wat Land Tour.

-- Cruise the exotic East Indies, SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY for the holidays onboard the Spirit of Oceanus. Offered December 16, 2009, this new 17-day itinerary transits the waters of early European explorers and will feature mysterious cultures steeped in ancient history in Indonesia. Spend New Year's Eve in Sydney! Port calls to be announced fall 2008.

-- Extraordinary islands throughout Melanesia are featured on the new 17- day SYDNEY TO FIJI voyage departing December 28, 2009. Visit isolated cultures and pristine waters in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and more. Port calls to be announced fall 2008.

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

For Extra Savings for Cruise West Sailings Call 800-640-4899

Silversea’s Prince Albert II

This small cruise line has brought a new level of luxury to adventure cruises, so travelers can get close to nature without sacrificing any creature comforts.

Just when I thought I had this cruising thing all figured out, along comes Prince Albert II, the luxury-injected expedition ship launched this summer by Silversea Cruises.

I'm no stranger to Silversea; sailings aboard the line's traditional ships are among my most memorable holidays at sea. Until Prince Albert II, however, I'd completely missed the boat when it came to cruising's expedition segment.

Christened by namesake Prince Albert on June 12 in Monaco, Prince Albert II is a Lloyd's Register 1A ice-rated vessel. Originally known as World Discoverer II, the ship got a multimillion-dollar renovation that included refurbishment of its exterior, technological enhancements, and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces. This 6,072-ton vessel carries just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view cabins from 180 to 600 square feet; it sails to destinations ranging from world capitals to remote islands around the globe.

Except for that ice-rating thing, Prince Albert II didn't sound too different from the Silversea I know and love: A small, intimate ship carrying affluent guests in tasteful luxury, with no pesky bar bill, restaurant surcharges or gratuities awaiting them at journey's end.

Read on

Take a windjammer cruise in Maine