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CRUISE WEST ENTERS EUROPE MARKET IN 2009 WITH NEW DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

September 22nd, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in 2009 Itineraries, Cruise News, River Cruise News, Small ships under 150 Passengers

SEATTLE, September 18, 2008 – Cruise West  the global leader in small-ship voyages, travels to Europe for the first time in 2009 with 11-and 12-day Danube River cruises. The new Vienna To Bucharest route provides tours in Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and cruising in the Danube Delta onboard the elegant, new 148-guest Amadeus Diamond; the luxury vessel is launching in 2009 . Eighty percent of the cabins have large "French balconies" providing a full wall of glass to view the passing scenery . Four departure date options include July 16 and 24,2009 and October 13 and 21, 2009. The inaugural July 16 Chairman’s Cruise will be hosted by Cruise West Chairman Richard West and wife Leslie West and the October 13 sailing is a PENTAX Photography Cruise featuring field events and onboard workshops all co-hosted by professional PENTAX photographer Kerrick James. P re-and post-cruises are available in Prague and Transylvania on all four sailings.


"Cruise West offering European river cruising is a natural progression as we continue to provide intimate, up-close experiences not available on larger vessels and provide new itineraries for our Quyana Club Members (repeat guests),” remarked Cruise West’s newly-appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “With the value of the Euro where it is, cruises provide a cost-effective way for travelers to experience Europe and our itineraries ensure that guests see destinations as they never have before.”

Depending on the direction of their cruise, guests will be greeted at the Vienna or Bucharest airport before transferring to the Amadeus Diamond . The next 11 to 12 days, varying slightly based on the vessel’s route, will be filled with such highlights as city tours of Budapest, Osijek, Belgrade and Bucharest. Also exclusive to Cruise West guests is exploration of the remote areas of the Danube Delta aboard specialty vessels. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the best-preserved Delta in Europe and the largest reed bed in theworld. Travelers will dine on local cuisine and experience traditional culture at horse shows, wine-tastings atworld-renowned vineyards as well as exclusive insider-access such as breakfast at the Nunnery of Saun and dinner along the Black Sea. As with all Cruise West voyages,knowledgeable Exploration Leaders accompany the cruise and share insightfulinformation on the flora, fauna, culture and history of the region.

The Danube River cruise begins at $5,199 per person including taxes, port charges, fees and onboard services. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and are exclusive of airfare. Trips booked before December 19, 2008 will receive an early-booking discount of up to $1,100 per cabin.  Call riverdiscounts.com 800-640-4899

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

September 18th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in Eco-Cruises, New Itineraries, Small Ship Extra Values, Small ships under 150 Passengers

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

Star Clippers promotes Far East sailing

August 30th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in Cruise News, New Itineraries, Sailing Ships, Small ships under 150 Passengers

Starflyer 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

August 18th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in 2009 Itineraries, New Itineraries, Small ships under 150 Passengers

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

River Discounts Uniworld Savings

August 18th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in River Cruise News, River Cruise Special Values, Small ships under 150 Passengers

Riverqueen RiverDiscounts.com announces special pay-in-full and early booking discounts on Uniworld river cruises through Russia, and Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul. By planning ahead, guests save money while experiencing the big, bold and beautiful destinations of Russia, and Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul.

Couples who book a 2009 Uniworld cruise to Russia or Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul, and pay for their trip before November 30, 2008, can save up to $1,200 per couple ($600 per person), and those who place a deposit on their cruise by December 31, 2008, can save up to $600 per couple ($300 per person). All cruises include riverview staterooms, all meals onboard, fully hosted shore excursions with local English-speaking guides, transfers on arrival and departure days, and the services of a Uniworld Cruise Manager.

Cruises range from 14 to 17 days and highlight some of the region’s most famous landmarks – Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Catherine’s Palace, the Hermitage Museum, Yalta’s Livadia Palace, and Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.

“We’re thrilled to introduce travelers to the dramatic history and spectacular sights of Russia and Ukraine,” said Guy Young, president of Uniworld. “We are always seeking destinations which offer our guests enriching experiences and now these regions are even more affordable with our pay-in-full and early booking savings.”

2009 Russia, and Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul itineraries include:

  • Waterways of the Czars: 14-days from Moscow to St. Petersburg  from $2,999 per person/cruise only
  • Imperial Russia: 16-days from St. Petersburg to Moscow from $3,499 per person/cruise only
  • Land of the Cossacks: 17-days from Rostov-on-Don to Moscow from $3,099 per person/cruise only
  • Ukraine, the Black Sea & Istanbul: 17-days from Kiev to Istanbul  from $2,999 per person/cruise only

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the premier river cruise company, was recently named to Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Top 10 Small Cruise Lines, Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Gold List and their Reader’s Choice Awards for World’s Top 10 Small Cruise Lines. Uniworld features intimate boutique, hotel-style cruise ships with an average capacity of 134 guests, and a ratio of one staff member for every three guests, world-class cuisine, and expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended shore excursions. The company offers over 500 departures on more than 35 itineraries sailing on 12 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, China and Egypt.

For more information or to book a 2009 Uniworld cruise, please contact your Preferred Travel Professional. RiverDiscounts.com 800-640-4899

Take a windjammer cruise in Maine

August 18th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in New Itineraries, Sailing Ships, Small ships under 150 Passengers, US River Cruisisng
ROCKPORT, Maine —
TRV-Getaway081608_d.jpg

‘Heave ho!'' went the cry as all hands pulled down on a thick rope to haul up the mainsail of the Grace Bailey. ``Heave ho!'' we chanted again and the 128-foot schooner headed upwind, all four sails gleaming white against a cloudless blue Maine sky.

Captain Ray Williamson took the wheel as the boat quickly gained momentum, passing another anonymous island crowned with pines and rimmed with the ubiquitous Maine granite. Behind us was the vast expanse of the Atlantic, dotted with multicolored lobster buoys.



Maine’s 2,500-mile stretch of rugged coast is tailor-made for sailing. Yet most people don’t have the experience to charter their own sailboat. The next best thing: A cruise on a windjammer. Maine has the largest fleet of historic windjammers in North America.

Orion Expedition Cruises Cultural Expedition

August 18th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in Luxury Cruising, New Itineraries, Small ships under 150 Passengers
This exclusive Orion cultural expedition provides rare access to remote Arnhem Land indigenous art communities, with plenty of time ashore to meet and talk with many artists, view and purchase original artworks and visit important galleries. Orion's expedition team and specialist guest lecturers enhance the experience with comprehensive briefings and workshops. Departing Thursday Island in Torres Strait on 25th April this 7 night voyage concludes in Darwin on 2nd May, 2009. Spectacularly located at the northern tip of Australia, Thursday Island is the perfect location to commence this fascinating expedition. A visit to the Gab Titui Cultural Centre reveals exquisite Torres Strait art that reflects the many unique cultures and traditions of the island communities and the islander's bond to sea and land. Orion then explores the remote coastal regions of Arnhem Land, stopping at some of the most important indigenous art centres, many with limited access due to their isolation and the need for permits to enter indigenous reserves. Travelling the coast on Orion is the perfect way to visit these significant art communities. This voyage will appeal to those interested in indigenous art from both aesthetic and investment aspects as well. Colin and Elizabeth Laverty – whose lifetime of collecting Australian contemporary art has culminated in one of the world's most important collections of Aboriginal art – will join the voyage to share their thoughts on the importance of Australian indigenous art; while Howard Morphy, Director of the Research School of Humanities at the Australian National University and extensive author on Australian Aboriginal art will also offer insight to provide a better understanding of indigenous art in Australia. They will be joined by Hetti Perkins, a member of the Eastern Arrernte and Kalkadoon Aboriginal communities. Currently Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the Art Gallery of NSW Hetti has worked with indigenous visual art for over twenty years.

10 new cruises for Hebridean Princess in 2009

August 2nd, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in 2009 Itineraries, Cruise News, New Itineraries, Small ships under 150 Passengers

The popular small luxury British cruise ship Hebridean Princess, which celebrates 20 years of continued service with Hebridean International Cruises next year will be offering 10 new cruises in 2009.

Founded by a Yorkshire family of keen motor-sailors who often toured the remote Scottish western isles, they saw an opportunity to provide ‘yacht-style’ cruises around the wildly beautiful and inaccessible area. The family acquired the small Scottish ferry Columba, which was then totally refitted and refurbished as Hebridean Princess, making her inaugural voyage on 26 May 1989.

To this day, no other cruise ship follows Hebridean Princess’ itineraries, which over the years have been developed by the Captains, crew and guides. In 2009 the vessel will visit 33 Scottish islands, each with its own geographical and historical character, and will sail amongst many more of the hundreds dotting the west coast waters of Scotland. Hebridean Princess will also be visiting Norway, as well as coming south on her traditional final cruise of the year; the ‘Jewels of English heritage’ cruise along the south coast of England.

The 10 new cruises for Hebridean Princess in 2009 include:

West Coast Explorer – two seven night round-trip cruises from Oban calling at Shieldaig, Gairloch, Plockton, Inverie, Fort William, Skye, Rum and Lismore

  • Seasons of the Inner Isles – two seven night round-trip cruises from Oban calling at Craobh Haven, Crinan, Jura, Gigha, Islay, Colonsay, Kerrera, Iona, Ulva and Mull
  • Across the Isles to Tiree – two seven night round-trip cruises from Oban calling at Shieldaig, Eigg, Rum, Skye, Muck, Ulva, Iona and Tiree
  • Footloose to Harris & the Outer Isles – a seven night round-trip cruise from Oban calling at Iona, Coll, Eigg, Ulva, Mull, Mingulay, Berneray, Barra, Shiant Isles and Harris
  • South to the Small Isles – two seven night round-trip cruises from Oban calling at Eigg, Muck, Ulva, Iona, Jura, Colonsay, Harris, Pabbay, Mingulay or Berneray
  • Spring in the Sea of the Hebrides – an eight night round-trip cruise from Oban calling at Inverie, Glenmore Bay, Jura, Colonsay, Iona, Tiree, Muck, Eigg or Canna, Skye, Rum, Coll, Barra and Eriskay
  • Islands of the Little Minch – seven night round-trip cruise from Oban calling at Iona, Tiree, Skye, Canna, Eigg or Muck, Mull, Mingulay, Berneray or Pabbay, Barra, Eriskay and North Uist
  • Odyssey to the Summer Isles – seven night round-trip cruise from Oban calling at Ullapool, Gairloch, Inverie, Eriskay, North Uist, Skye, Muck or Eigg, Summer Isle of Tanera Mor and Isle Martin
  • Footloose in the Norwegian Fjords – seven night fly-cruise to/from Bergen calling at Hardangerfjord for Rosendal, Herand, Utne, Ulvik and Kinsarvik, and then Sunndal and Lysøen
  • Nordic Outposts – nine night round-trip cruise from Scrabster calling at Kirkwall, Sanday, Stronsay, Westray, Stromness, Unst, Lerwick and Fair Isle

Uniworld Increases Company-Owned Fleet To Ten With Launch Of The Majestic River Beatrice

July 19th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in Cruise News, Newbuilds, River Cruise News, Small ships under 150 Passengers

Uniworld Uniworld today announced the launch of its tenth ship, the River Beatrice. The majestic River Beatrice joins Uniworld's fleet of ten boutique, hotel-style ships, and will offer the same high standards of excellence in elegant accommodations, award-winning hospitality, and world-class cuisine. She is poised to sail in March of 2009 along the river of composers and poets, the Enchanting Danube.

"We expect the River Beatrice to be well received in her debut season in 2009, and we know she will offer an exceptional river cruise experience for our guests who want to enjoy the best sights in Europe in world-class comfort," said Guy Young, president of Uniworld. "With the addition of the River Beatrice to the Uniworld fleet, we have been able to further expand our product offering with even more cruises through this popular and historically rich region."

In 2009, the River Beatrice will embark on two itineraries in Europe - the nine-day Enchanting Danube from March through November of 2009 and the nine-day Danube Holiday Markets with departures in November and December 2009. Both itineraries offer guests the opportunity to experience legendary sights in four countries - Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

The River Beatrice offers luxurious staterooms of which 80% have French balconies, more junior suites than any comparable ship, and a spectacular owner's suite. Room appointments include hotel-style beds with fine Egyptian cotton sheets and European comforters, plush terry robes, soothing bath amenities, bottled water, individual air conditioning, and flat-screen televisions with a selection of viewing choices. The ship also boasts a lounge with panoramic views, restaurant, library, sundeck, massage services and fitness center. Guests even enjoy complimentary use of bicycles.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the premier river cruise company, was recently named to Condé Nast Traveler's 2008 Gold List and voted among the World's Top 10 Small Cruise Lines. Uniworld features intimate boutique, hotel-style cruise ships designed for the experienced traveler, expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended, included shore excursions, sumptuous cuisine, and award-winning hospitality from an all-English speaking staff and crew. The company offers over 500 departures on more than 35 itineraries sailing on 12 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, China and Egypt.  RiverDiscounts.com 800-640-4899

Small cruise line plans six visits

July 19th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in Small ships under 150 Passengers

Elvira Schmatzler and her companion, Virginia Cameron, have been here several times over the years but they had never witnessed the Portuguese Festival and Blessing of the Fleet.

Duncan Bailey and his wife, Barbara, had never been to Provincetown and were having fun ducking into the stores on Commercial Street. All of them, plus another 50 or so fellow passengers, arrived here recently on the Grande Caribe, a 96-passenger small cruise ship owned by the American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL). The niche cruise company has included Provincetown on its Cape Cod & Islands itinerary for the first time this summer, hoping to gauge customer interest in continuing the tour in the future.

“Most of our passengers are repeats. We wanted to offer something different, give them more variety,” said Erika Moore, ACCL operations manager. “Provincetown is so different from the other stops, a little more vibrant and eclectic. The art galleries are a draw for our people.”

ACCL has scheduled six tours into Provincetown this summer, part of a five-night cruise that includes Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Newport, R.I. The new summer tour was the result of marketing by the Provincetown Tourism Office, Chamber of Commerce and harbormaster’s office to attract more cruise ships to the harbor. The ships, which rarely stay more than 24 hours, often drop hundreds of passengers into town, and most spend money on food and shopping. A large cruise ship operated by Rosie O’Donnell’s company, R Family Vacations, is scheduled to anchor here next week.

ACCL, however, specializes in small cruise ships that can tie up directly to MacMillan Pier. That makes it easier for the passengers, Moore said, who can walk to most sites in town without having to spend time waiting for a tender to ferry them to the dock. That seemed to work for the Baileys, who ignored most of the town’s history in favor of shopping.

“There are some unique stores here that you don’t see in Inman, S.C.,” Bailey said, referring to his hometown. “We helped pump a little money into the local economy.”

Schmatzler and Cameron, who live in Plymouth and have traveled to Provincetown frequently in the past, were more interested in the Blessing of the Fleet, which took place a few yards from their ship, an unexpected bonus on their trip.

“We felt like it was a foreign country,” Schmatzler said. “[The Blessing] was so different. We didn’t expect anything like that in Provincetown.”

“It was really fascinating. The boats kept coming and coming,” Cameron said.

The ACCL cruises to Provincetown and the Islands had low passenger numbers for the four trips in June but are almost fully booked for the two August cruises. Moore said that even if the company deems the new cruise a success, they have scheduled only one trip to Provincetown next summer. The reason is that the company has to finalize its sailing schedule over a year in advance and did not have any information on the popularity of the new Cape and Islands cruise before it had to commit to the 2009 season.

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