Veendam to Sail S. America in 2009-2010!
Ray Goldenberg
I received this press release from Holland America and thought it
would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings,
they are available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Holland America Line's ms Veendam to Sail South America in 2009-2010
SEATTLE, Oct. 13
With South America emerging as one of the top destinations for
cruises, coupled with the demand for passengers who wish to experience
this part of the world in a more intimate and premium fashion, Veendam
is set to cruise South America for the fall 2009 and the winter and
spring 2010 season. By the time that Veendam embarks on its sailings
in South America, it will have undergone extensive renovations that
include a new resort pool, innovative lanai staterooms, new
entertainment and enrichment options, all new stateroom decor and
more. The newly refurbished vessel will join ms Prinsendam which is
also sailing South America and Antarctica in 2010.
The 10 sailings aboard the Veendam range from 16 to 20 days. In
addition to port-intensive itineraries, guests will experience some of
the most scenic cruising in the world as the Veendam navigates around
the continent's fjords and glaciers. Additionally, she will spend more
time in ports than most major cruise lines and is the only premium
cruise line offering overnights in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires on
select cruises.
"We have seen an increase in travelers who wish to take a South
America cruise aboard a premium, mid-sized ship," said Richard D.
Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest
programs, Holland America Line. "With the newly renovated ms Veendam
sailing South America in 2009 and 2010, and the ms Prinsendam, our
793-guest Elegant Explorer, we are perfectly poised to meet travelers'
discriminating demands as well as provide a premium, enriching and
unforgettable experience to this remarkable continent."
For those who want to extend their vacation, Holland America Line
offers several pre- and post-cruise land tours. Guests can opt to
spend an extra night or two in Rio de Janeiro and Santiago de chile.
Guests also can take overland tours ranging from two to five days to
the famed ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, Iguacu Falls, located on the
border of Brazil and Argentina, and Chile's wine country.
Opportunity to explore historic Machu Picchu
Veendam's first South America sailing departs San Diego, October 31,
2009, on a 19-day journey to Valparaiso, Chile, that takes guests to a
variety of colorful ports in Mexico and Central America before making
its way to Manta, Ecuador; Salaverry, Peru; and an overnight in Callao
(Lima), Peru. While in Salaverry, guests may board a flight to take
advantage of Holland America Line's optional, three-day, two-night
shore excursion to one of the new seven wonders of the world: Machu
Picchu.
Itinerary offers abundant scenic cruising
Departing Valparaiso November 19, 2009, and March 7, 2010, Veendam
sails a 16-day South America Explorer cruise that is among the most
scenic in South America. Ports of call include Ushuaia, Argentina, the
town at the end of the world; Montevideo, Uruguay; Punta Arenas,
Chile; and Puerto Montt, Chile. With an overnight in Buenos Aires,
guests can take in a tango show or visit the legendary Iguagu Falls.
Veendam sails the reverse itinerary from Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso
on December 5, 2009, as well as February 19 and March 23, 2010.
Antarctica 20-day cruise
Veendam departs December 21, 2009, on a special holiday cruise and
again, January 10 and January 30, 2010-at the height of the austral
summer-for a 20-day Antarctica voyage. Cruises for December 21 and
January 30, begin in Valparaiso and end in Rio de Janeiro. The January
10 cruise sails the reverse itinerary. These cruises offer the
ultimate blend of exotic ports and scenic cruising with calls in
Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, Chile, as well as Ushuaia, Argentina.
Following the rounding of Cape Horn, a nautical milestone, the ship
continues to Antarctica, where glaciers adorned with penguins welcome
the ship. Antarctica's pristine beauty and diverse sea life are
showcased as Veendam spends three days exploring this mysterious and
remote continent. Veendam also pays calls in Stanley, Falkland
Islands, Buenos Aires (the Paris of South America) and Montevideo,
Uruguay.
17-day South America-to-Fort Lauderdale 2010 crossing, includes Panama
Canal transit
On April 8, 2010, Veendam ends its seasonal cruises in South America,
departing Valparaiso for a 17-day journey that sails the western coast
of South America as well as a transit through the Panama Canal.
Overnights in Callao, Peru, and Fuerte Amador, Panama, give guests
more time ashore to discover the myriad cultural flavors of the
countries. An optional overland tour to Machu Picchu is also offered
on this sailing. During this cruise, the Veendam calls at six ports
throughout Chile, Peru, and Ecuador before transiting the 51-mile,
man-made marvel, the Panama Canal. After calling at Holland America
Line's award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas,
Veendam ends its cruise in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where guests can
opt to spend an extra night or two in post-cruise land tours.
For a 2009 South America cruise brochure or for more information,
consult a professional travel agent.
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to
314 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies.
Two- to 108- day itineraries visit all seven continents, and
highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand
and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports
in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and
Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join
the fleet in 2010.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements,
a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the
Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a
state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated
guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and
classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only
activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by
flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America
Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines
alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises,
Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion
to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these
lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's
Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to
the world's most desirable destinations.