Veendam's Debut in Europe in 2007!
Ray Goldenberg
I received this information 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
New Itineraries and Expanded Voyages Highlight ms Veendam's Debut in
Europe in 2007
SEATTLE, Oct. 18
When the European summer cruise season kicks off in 2007 Holland
America Line's ms Veendam will debut in the region after plying the
waters of Alaska and the Caribbean. As one of five ships in the fleet
to sail to Europe in 2007, the five-star 1,258-passenger Veendam will
offer 16 cruises on seven unique itineraries, including two new 10-day
round-trip Venice, Italy, voyages, as well as two Collectors' Voyages
that run 25 and 28 days, 10-day Scandinavia and Baltic cruises
round-trip from Copenhagen, Denmark, and a 15-day European adventure.
The season kicks off with an 18-day transatlantic crossing from Tampa,
Fla., to Venice in April.
The distinct voyages take guests to 43 ports and 23 countries from
April through August, including a maiden call at the Adriatic port of
Koper, Slovenia -- the first time Holland America Line will visit the
country. Overnight calls at St. Petersburg, Russia, and Venice, as
well as several extended stays including Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany;
Monte Carlo, Monaco; Bergen, Norway; St. Tropez, France; Naples,
Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, highlight the port-intense itineraries.
"We're looking forward to introducing Veendam to Europe with exciting
new itineraries, fabulous destinations and longer stays in port," said
Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales.
"Holland America Line was founded in Europe, and by placing five ships
in the region this summer, we're providing our guests with the most
extensive itinerary options that we've offered in our 133-year
history."
Grand transatlantic crossing combines exciting destinations and time
for relaxation
On April 1, Veendam begins its European season with an 18-day voyage
from Tampa to Venice. The ship will make its way across the Atlantic
to Ponta Delgada in the Azores for an extended visit at that
enchanting island. Before its final stop, the ship will call at ports
in Spain, Monaco, Italy and Croatia, integrating plenty of time at sea
to relax and take advantage of the line's enrichment and wellness
programs. Cruise fares begin at US $1,999 per person, double
occupancy.
New Mediterranean cruises feature late departures and a maiden call
Holland America Line's new 10-night round-trip Venice cruises were
designed to offer the finest ports of the Mediterranean. Adriatic &
Aegean Odyssey voyages include calls at Dubrovnik; Santorini, Rhodes,
Piraeus (Athens) and Katakolon, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey, and the
maiden call at Koper. The historical seaport still pays tribute to
it's Venetian-ruled past by having both Slovenian and Italian as
official languages. Koper features numerous architectural monuments,
including the 15th-century Praetorian Palace in Venetian Gothic style
and the 12th-century Carmine Rotunda church. After departing Koper,
guests are treated to an overnight stay in Venice on the last night of
the cruise, providing plenty of time to take a gondola ride or explore
St. Mark's Square.
The Italian Enchantment cruise is packed with late departures,
affording passengers extra time to explore some of the most popular
cities and attractions in Europe. The ship calls at Messina, Sicily;
Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno, and Naples, Italy; Monte Carlo;
Ajaccio, Corsica; and Dubrovnik. With four late departures, guests get
a full day to explore Rome, travel to Pisa or Florence from Livorno,
experience the nightlife of Monte Carlo or journey to Capri or Pompeii
from Naples.
Cruise fares for the two Adriatic & Aegean Odyssey voyages and three
Italian Enchantment departures begin at US $1,599 per person, double
occupancy. The Adriatic & Aegean Odyssey and Italian Enchantment
cruises can be combined for a spectacular 20-day sojourn, and guests
booked on the back-to-back cruise receive a 10 percent discount.
Collectors' Voyages offer longer journeys with a variety of ports
For guests looking for a longer adventure, Holland America Line is
showcasing two special Collectors' Voyages -- a 25-day cruise from
Venice to Copenhagen and a 28-day crossing from Copenhagen to New
York. Guests seeking Holland America's most comprehensive European
itinerary can choose the European Perspective journey that departs
Venice on June 8 and visits some of the most exciting destinations in
the region. Before arriving in Copenhagen, the ship will call at ports
in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, England, Denmark, Estonia, Russia,
Finland, Sweden and Norway. Cruise fares begin at US $4,099 per
person, double occupancy.
August 12, Veendam concludes its European season with a 28-day Viking
Worlds Collectors' Voyage from Copenhagen to New York. The cruise also
can be taken as an 18-day crossing departing Copenhagen Aug. 22. After
exploring the Baltic, the port-intense itinerary takes a northern
route on its way to the States. Late departures from Reykjavik,
Iceland, and Warnemunde and Bergen, as well as an overnight stay in
St. Petersburg, ensure guests don't miss a single site. Countries
visited include Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark,
Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland. Cruise
fares for the full voyage begin at US $4,949, and fares for the 18-day
journey begin at US $3,499 per person, double occupancy.
Scandinavia and Baltic cruises showcase marquee ports and scenic
cruising
Celebrating its European heritage, Veendam spotlights the natural
beauty and epic history of Scandinavia and Russia with two itineraries
that sail round-trip Copenhagen, Denmark. With only one day at sea on
the 10-day Gems of the Baltic cruise, passengers get to experience a
bevy of Baltic jewels. In addition to scenic cruising, the ship calls
at Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm and
Visby, Sweden; Warnemünde, and Arhus, Denmark, making Holland America
the only premium cruise line to offer that Danish port.
The new Scandinavian Capitals cruise also features a 10-day journey in
the popular region and visits Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki,
Stockholm, Arhus, and Olso, Norway. Both itineraries boast two full
days in St. Petersburg for in-depth excursions to the Hermitage
Museum, Summer Palace at Peterhof and other celebrated attractions.
The six Scandinavia and Baltic sailings depart June through August,
and start from $1,599 per person, double occupancy.
European Tapestry cruise highlights must-see cities and sophisticated
calls
Departing June 8 from Venice, the European Tapestry voyage immerses
guests in the culture and customs of the region, from the
Mediterranean to Scandinavia. For 15 days guests enjoy extended port
stays and the opportunity to visit larger cities along with
less-visited stops as the ship makes its way to Copenhagen. Along the
way, Veendam calls at Dubrovnik; Civitavecchia; St. Tropez, Marseille
and Le Havre, France; Barcelona and Vigo, Spain; Gibraltar; Lisbon,
Portugal, and Dover (London), England. Cruise fares begin at US $2,599
per person, double occupancy.
Holland America recently enhanced its fleet with the Signature of
Excellence program. Upgrades on ms Veendam include the addition of the
Explorations Cafe -- powered by the New York Times, Culinary Arts
Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, refurbished Crow's Nest
observation lounge and an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon. Also
elevating the European experience onboard each ship are
region-specific enrichment opportunities such as the Explorations
Speaker Series and food and wine demonstrations and classes.
Guests can benefit from Holland America Line's Early Advantage pricing
that represents 10 percent to 30 percent off current brochure fares on
select sailings booked by Nov. 30, 2006. For a 2007 Europe cruise
brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
(NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
With the introduction of the 1,918-passenger ms Noordam in early 2006,
Holland America Line's fleet grows to 13 ships, offering nearly 500
cruises from more than 25 home ports. Itineraries range from two to
108 days and visit all seven continents, including new Australia/New
Zealand and Asia sailings, a world cruise, South America and the
Amazon, and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska,
Hawaii, Canada/New England, Mexico and Europe. The ms Noordam offers
Caribbean sailings in the winter from new homeport New York City and a
full season of Mediterranean sailings May through September on two new
itineraries roundtrip from Rome.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
Among the highest-rated cruise lines 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, Costa Cruises and Windstar 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.
John Sisker
Here's another view on the subject... along with the contact points that
have been eliminated from the original post.
Happy sailing,
John Sisker, SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY®
(714) 536-3850 or toll free at (800) 724-6644 & (pagoo ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com
Holland America Line's 1,258-passenger Veendam will make its debut in Europe
next summer. It will offer 16 cruises on seven unique itineraries, including
two new 10-day roundtrips from Venice. The Veendam also will operate a 25-
and 28-day "Collectors' Voyages," 10-day Scandinavia and Baltic cruises
roundtrip from Copenhagen, and a 15-day European adventure. The season kicks
off with an 18-day transatlantic crossing from Tampa, Fla., to Venice in
April. All told, the Veendam's European cruises will call at 43 ports in 23
countries from April through August, including a maiden call at the Adriatic
port of Koper, Slovenia, marking the first time Holland America will visit
the country. Also included in the program are overnight calls at St.
Petersburg and Venice, as well as extended stays in Warnemunde (Berlin),
Germany; Monte Carlo; Bergen, Norway; St. Tropez, France; Naples, Italy; and
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Early Advantage pricing that represents 10 to 30 percent
off brochure fares is available on select sailings booked by Nov. 30. For
more information, call 877-SAIL-HAL or visit www.hollandamerica.com.