News & Updates
Holland America Line Award "Best Overall Cruise Value (17 consecutive years), World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society, Ocean & Cruise News!"
Windstar Cruises Ranked #1 by Celebrated Living for Fourth Year as Top Small/Mid-Size Cruise Line
Holland America Line
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE OFFERS GRAND EXPERIENCES WITH FALL 2011 AND 2012 GRAND VOYAGES
Seattle, Wash, August 18, 2010 In fall 2011 and early 2012, Holland America Line again will offer grand voyages that touch all seven continents. The ms Amsterdam and ms Prinsendam each sail two itineraries designed to discover and explore remarkable destinations - from famous landmarks to smaller, lesser-known ports.
Amsterdam sails a 70-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage in fall 2011 and then returns to world cruising in January 2012 with a 112-day Grand World Voyage that visits the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the Mediterranean. Following its 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in January, Prinsendam will depart in March to the Mediterranean and the Holy Lands for a 62-day Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage.
"Based on extensive research on our previous grand voyages and a survey of past guests, we created itineraries that feature the most coveted sights and experiences the world has to offer," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "From creative and varied menus that reflect ports of call, to tailored activities and unique amenities, Grand Voyages guests will experience Holland America Line at its finest."
The voyages feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites, first-time calls at new destinations and extended time in port with late departures, overnights and overland tours.
Grand Voyages offer an enhanced onboard cruise experience with the opportunity to fully experience the pleasures of life at sea. Activities are enhanced with local cultural entertainment and special guest headliners and lecturers. Grand Voyage dining is distinguished by a different experience every day, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine and wines. The premium, mid-size ships selected for sailing Grand Voyages are large enough to offer the diverse amenities today’s discriminating travelers expect, yet small enough to preserve an ambiance of sophistication and an extra measure of personal space. And service levels are at their highest, with nearly one crew member for every two guests, with top staff hand-selected from across the Holland America Line fleet.
Grand Asia & Australia Voyage
In fall 2011, Amsterdam wraps up the year with a 70-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage sailing from Seattle, Wash., to Los Angeles, Calif., departing Sept. 26. Following calls throughout Asia, the cruise continues to western Australia and then explores the South Pacific. Overnights include Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, China; Tokyo and Kobe, Japan; Singapore, and Sydney and Perth, Australia.
Grand World Voyage
Amsterdam will sail its seventh circumnavigation with a Grand World Voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., departing Jan. 6. The 112-day adventure first calls in the Caribbean, then moves on to South America, sailing around Cape Horn for a scenic cruise through the Chilean Fjords and then south to Antarctica. Amsterdam then sails west to Tahiti, followed by calls in Australia, the Far East and Indian Ocean, before transiting the Suez Canal and sailing through the Mediterranean and back to South Florida.
Overnight calls include the Great Barrier Reef from Sydney, Hong Kong, Mumbai, India; Barcelona, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Singapore, and Piraeus (Athens), Greece.
The voyage also features a maiden call at Mangalore in Southern India. Hundreds of shore excursions, overland tours and the opportunity to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites add color to this world cruise.
Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage
Prinsendam returns to South America, Antarctica and the Amazon in 2012 on a 68-day itinerary departing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale Jan. 4. The ship will transit the Panama Canal to South America's Pacific coast then circumnavigate the continent.
Prinsendam will spend eight days cruising the Amazon River and four days of scenic cruising in Antarctica. The itinerary also features five maiden ports of call: Bocas del Toro, Panama; Matarani, Peru; Cabedelo, Brazil, and Ancud, Chile. Overnight calls include Manaus, Brazil, in the Amazon; Rio de Janeiro; Buenos Aires, and Callao (Lima), Peru.
Guests sailing on this voyage also will enjoy a scenic daylight cruise past the Romanche, Alemania, Francia and Italia glaciers in Chile.
Grand Mediterranean & Black Sea Voyage
Upon its return to Fort Lauderdale, Prinsendam embarks March 12 on a 62-day journey to the Mediterranean and Holy Lands roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
For the first time, Prinsendam will call at Durrés, Albania's second-largest city and one of Europe's oldest cities, Saint Raphaél in the beautiful Cóte d'Azur region of France, and Castellón de la Plana, in the Costa del Azahar region of Spain.
Overnight calls at Seville, Spain; Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; Piraeus (Athens); Venice, Italy; Barcelona, and Lisbon, Portugal, allow time for exploration of some of the world's most interesting destinations. This voyage can be combined with the Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage for a 130-day cruise.
Reservations can now be booked for 2011 and 2012 grand voyages
Reservations are being taken for all of Holland America Line's 2011 and 2012 grand voyages, and early-booking bonus amenities for full-cruise guests include prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and a complimentary shore excursion or event for select stateroom categories. Amenities vary by cruise, stateroom category and booking date.
The four grand voyages are available to book for the full cruise or in segments ranging from 18- to 112-day sailings.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE INTRODUCES INTIMATE APPROACH TO SHIPBOARD ENTERTAINMENT
Seattle, Wash, August 4, 2010 With the recent launch of the 2,106-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line is showcasing its new approach to shipboard entertainment, opting to bring more intimacy to evening shows.
Exemplifying this new direction is the singing group Cantaré, a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire covering several eras.
"With this new approach we've focused on getting top-notch performers, and you'll see more faces from Broadway, 'American Idol' and other well-known performance outlets gracing our stage," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We're looking to share meaningful entertainment experiences with our guests through the quality of the music and performances, as well as deliver increasingly innovative and enriching options."
Several production shows will debut aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, including "N.Y.C.," a musical tour of the Big Apple; "Ladies Night," a fun and fabulous all-female revue; "Live from the Avalon Ballroom," an extravaganza of ballroom dance and music; "Garage Band," a '60s and '70s musical set in an automobile service center, and "It Takes Two," a revue of famous duets and duos.
Following the shows' run aboard Nieuw Amsterdam they will expand across the fleet by the end of 2010.
Throughout the cruising year, Holland America Line's more than 200 entertainers perform more than 90 shows on the 15 ships in the fleet. In addition to the resident performers, guests also can enjoy a variety of entertainment including comedians, musicians and magicians.
On several ships, performances take place in the new Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub that features state-of-the-art technology and a different show and themed atmosphere nightly. The Showroom at Sea is aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Statendam and ms Ryndam as part of the $525 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program.
The Showroom at Sea features a completely redesigned main stage that introduces a new seating layout and an enlarged dance floor. A new sound system, enhanced lighting and high-tech video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and décor leap off the stage and into the audience.
Holland America Line's creative team has earned more Tony, Emmy, Grammy and Oscar nominations than any other in the cruise industry. Hugh Durrant - a costume, set and theatrical designer - has won Emmy awards for his work with Cher and others, and fashion icon Bob Mackie, who created many of Holland America Line's costumes, has a long history of award-winning designs for celebrities.
Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam was named by Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands July 4, 2010. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE NAMED ms NIEUW AMSTERDAM IN VENICE ON SUNDAY, JULY 4
Seattle, Wash, July 5, 2010 In a gala ceremony rich with Dutch heritage, Holland America Line named ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Venice, Italy, on July 4. Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands officially named the premium line's 15th ship in front of invited dignitaries, cruise guests and media during the special celebration before the ship embarked on its maiden cruise.
"We are exceptionally honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima as the godmother of this beautiful ship and to continue a long and proud tradition of having members of the Dutch Royal Family name our ships," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. "The second Signature-class ship in our fleet is elegant and the largest passenger ship to sail under the Dutch flag."
Fifteen fleet captains representing Holland America Line's ships participated in the festivities, welcoming Her Royal Highness as she arrived to the pier. Following the ship's blessing and traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow as the finale, company executives and senior staff officers.
Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, the 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam is the fourth to carry that name for the line and departed on its maiden voyage roundtrip from Venice to nearby Mediterranean ports following the naming. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.
ART ON HOLLAND AMERICA LINE'S ms NIEUW AMSTERDAM CELEBRATES NEW YORK'S DUTCH HERITAGE
Costa Cruises
Costa Web Check-in : Available on-line from the comfort of your home in 3 easy steps!
Wireless Internet Onboard: Starting from today, if you have a laptop or PDA, you can take it on holiday with you and make use of the new Wi-Fi Internet connection in all public areas, pool decks and cabins available on Costa Deliziosa, Costa Pacifica, Costa Luminosa, Costa Serena, Costa Concordia, Costa Magica, Costa Fortuna, Costa Mediterranea, Costa Atlantica, Costa Romantica, Costa Classica and Costa Marina. You can simply choose among our pre-paid tariff plans that you will be able to view onboard or pay for the minutes of connection you use through your onboard bill at the end of the cruise. Throughout the duration of the cruise, you can add more credits to your card whenever you wish. *On board Costa Fortuna, Wi-Fi is not available in the cabins.
New ships: Costa Deliziosa, delivered in February 2010 and Costa Favolosa, delivering July 2011.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises on Travel + Leisure's 2010 Top 5 List of Small-Ship Cruise Lines
Voted by Readers in the 15thAnnual World's Best Awards
Seattle, July 12, 2010 - Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, is recognized as one of the "Top 5 Small-Ship Cruise Lines" in the 15th annual "World's Best Awards" voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The "World's Best Awards" acknowledges the top hotels, destinations, airlines, cruise lines, outfitters, and transportation companies in the world.
"Windstar is honored to be recognized again by the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure," said Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar Cruises. "We look forward to continuing to deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests on our luxurious ships."
Windstar's commitment to providing guests with the most casually elegant and memorable cruise vacation has consistently placed Windstar on the prestigious Travel + Leisure "World's Best" list year after year.
The readers of Travel + Leisure rated contenders in the small-ship cruise category on a variety of criteria including cabins, food, service, itineraries and destinations, activities, and value. The survey was developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure in association with ROI Research Inc. Readers were invited to participate in the survey through Travel + Leisure magazine and online at TravelandLeisure.com from December 15, 2009, through March 31, 2010. A list of winners in every category can be found on the magazine’s website Trevel and Leisure. Winners will also be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure on newsstands July 23, 2010
Windstar recently released its 2011 and Winter 2012 season featuring new itineraries in the Baltic, Holy Land, Europe, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean along with its captivating Signature Collection Host Series line-up of distinguished hosts who will lecture on winemaking, culinary arts, photography, gardening and wealth management.
Windstar is currently implementing its next phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative adding amenities and enhancements to the fleet in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions which will be completed during the summer of 2010.
In addition to Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards," Windstar has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was selected for the fourth consecutive year in 2010 as the "Best Small/Mid-Size Cruise Line" by Celebrated Living, American Airline's publication for first class passengers. Windstar was acknowledged as one of "The World's Best Cruise Lines" by Condé Nast Traveler on their 15th Annual Gold List along with all three ships selected for the magazine's "Best Small Ships" list in 2010. Windstar was chosen as one the "Top 10 Cruise Lines" by Gayot.com in 2010. Windstar was also voted the "Most Popular" cruise line in the small-ship category by Zagat and received high marks in the categories of Top Overall, Top Cabins, Top Service, Top Dining and Top Facilities. Windstar recently received a "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" award in the U.K.'s Condé Nast Traveller's Readers' Travel Awards and was listed in their "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Windstar was also honored as the "Most Romantic Cruise Line" by Porthole Magazine for the fifth time in a row.
Windstar's Wind Surf Sails The Greek Isles For First Time in Six Years
Offering Six 7-Day Voyages Between Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey
Seattle, June 30, 2010 - Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers guests exceptional opportunities to experience the mythical beauty of the Greek Isles aboard 7-day voyages on Wind Surf in 2011.
"The Greek Isles sailings on our 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit have been popular with our guests and due to demand we are pleased to offer special voyages on our 312-guest Wind Surf," said Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar Cruises. "There is no better way to experience the romance of the Greek Isles than from sailing on Windstar from one magical port to the next."
Guests will enjoy the rich history and culture of the region, limestone cliffs, whitewashed villages, sandy beaches and azure waters while sailing through the Greek Isles aboard the luxurious Wind Surf.
Wind Surf's 7-day Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey sailings depart July 16; September 24; and October 8, 2011, visiting Mykonos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Kusadasi, Turkey with rates from $3,499 per person, double occupancy.
Wind Surf's 7-day Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece sailings depart July 23; October 1; and October 15, 2011, visiting Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; and Mykonos, Greece with rates from $3,499 per person, double occupancy.
Wind Surf also offers 2011 itineraries that combine the Greek Isles and Italy or Croatia:
- Wind Surf's 7-day Athens, Greece to Rome, Italy sailings depart July 30 and October 22, 2011, and visit Milos, Greece; Monemvassia, Greece; Messina, Italy; Amalfi, Italy; and Ischia, Italy with rates on the July 30, 2011, sailing from $3,399 per person, double occupancy and rates on the October 22, 2011, sailing from $2,599 per person, double occupancy.
- Wind Surf's 7-day Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece sailing departs September 17, 2011, and visits Pula, Croatia; Trogir, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Pylos, Greece; and Monemvassia, Greece with rates from $3,599 per person, double occupancy.
Wind Surf's deluxe, oceanview staterooms include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L'Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Wind Surf recently introduced new spa suites which include all the amenities of a suite along with luxurious microfiber linens, spa robes, an orchid flower arrangement, specialty pillow menu, daily fresh fruit platter, O SPA London products, WindSpa spa experiences and events as well as unlimited Pilates and Yoga classes. Bridge Suites offer everything in a suite along with the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Guests enjoy culinary wonders in Wind Surf's The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. Wind Surf also features a lounge, Yacht Club, WindSpa, casino, three bars, two pools, two hot tubs, a shop, photo gallery and watersports platform.
Special of The Month
14 nights – Jewels of The Indian Ocean - Roundtrip Port Louis - Costa Romantica
Visiting Port Louis (Mauritius), Mahe (Seycelles), Nosy Be, Diego Suarez & Tamatave (Madagascar), St. Denis (Reunion) and 4 days at sea
- 12, 26 Dec 2010
- 09, 23 Jan 2011
- 06, 20 Feb 2011
- 06, 20 Mar 2011
Inside from EUR 690.00 pp, except 6 Feb 2011 : Inside from EUR 790.00 pp
Plus port charges of EUR 195.00 & optional insurance of EUR 7.30 pp
FAMILY VALUE : Children under 18 years, sharing with 2 adults, cruise for FREE (except for port charges & insurance)
Awards
Costa Cruises Awards
Champion of the Seas Award
2003/2004/2005/2007
Best Incentive Sales 2004/2005/2006