Entries Tagged 'cruise' ↓

Cruise travelers with affinities for history and antiquities, art, archaeology and adventure travel can now opt for unique cultural destination experiences through CruiseCompete.com’s addition of Voyages to Antiquity cruises.

CruiseCompete.com, where travel agents compete to offer consumers the best deals on cruises, caters to savvy vacation travelers and is pleased to announce this additional offering.

Voyages to Antiquity, the new cruise line introduced by Orient Lines’ founder Gerry Herrod, provides innovative destination experiences at incomparable value. The inaugural season begins May 2010 and features itineraries focused entirely on the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas, as well as North Africa and the Red Sea.

All port-intensive itineraries have been meticulously planned to reveal as much as possible of the extraordinary wealth of natural beauty and classical history that the Mediterranean has to offer. From the elegance of ancient Greek architecture to the monumental splendor of Roman cities to the wonders of Egypt’s Pyramids, the aim is to bring to life the exciting and inspiring classical civilizations of the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean itineraries trace the “cradle of civilization” cultures – Roman, Egyptian, Greek and Byzantine — calling at many destinations that not all ships of today can reach. “This is clearly a product that appeals to clients who appreciate a fascinating experience which provides the ultimate in enrichment, education, and fulfillment in a relaxed environment,” said CruiseCompete CEO Bob Levinstein.

The nine itineraries with 16 departures are an excellent way for individual and group travelers to satisfy their affinity for history and antiquities, adventure travel, archaeology, art, museum associations, religious organizations, and more, added Levinstein.

The value starts with included shore excursions, gratuities for stateroom and restaurant staff, house wine at dinner, and special shore events like a private evening in the Doge’s Palace in Venice. With air add-ons available from free to $199 and a deluxe outside stateroom at around $6,500 per person, Voyages to Antiquity offers an in-depth and rich experience for an extraordinary price.

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CruiseCompete-Find Us On Facebook!

About the Compete Ventures Brand – Compete Ventures is dedicated to making markets more efficient through competition. The company creates online marketplaces in specific niches employing an online competitive-quote model.

About the CruiseCompete Concept

CruiseCompete.com was named one of the "25 Best Value Travel Sites" on the Internet by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine and one of the 36 Web sites that consumers "should know" when planning a vacation, according to The Washington Post. For more information, visit www.CruiseCompete.com.

Since 2003, over 1,500 cruise experts have provided close to 6 million quotes to over 1.5 million quote requests. For more information, visit http://www.CruiseCompete.com or http://www.CruiseCompeteGroups.com.

Affiliated Companies

ResortCompete.com saves consumers time and money by finding them best deals on all-inclusive resort vacations. Consumers secure quotes from multiple travel agencies, resort operators and vacation wholesalers without having to contact each one separately.

ResortCompete is a Compete Ventures Company. It is not owned by or affiliated with any travel agency. For more information, visit www.ResortCompete.com

AllThingsCruise.com is a portal for cruise enthusiasts. It is dedicated to the joy of cruise travel and planning the best cruise vacations ever. In addition to a wealth of information, you will find a valuable assortment of cruise travel tools, from cruise reviews to user feedback, from videos to information for choosing the right ship to preparing for and enjoying a memorable cruise vacation.

A valuable & unique feature of AllThingsCruise is a complimentary e-card service for travelers to email vital cruise line and cruise ship contact information to family members and others prior to departure.

Media contact:

Heidi Allison

Heidi@AllisonandTaylor.com

248 651 4491

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100^th Titanic Anniversary to be Remembered with Historic Titanic Memorial Cruise Onboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

The 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic is to be marked in April 2012 with a once-in-a-lifetime cruise experience following the ship’s original route in 1912.

Passengers will enjoy an entirely Titanic-themed cruise including a memorial service in the early hours of the morning of April 15, 2012 above the original Titanic vessel that lies in the Atlantic, exactly 100 years after the ship sank that horrific day.

The Balmoral, a liner operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – whose parent company Harland and Wolff built the Titanic – will leave Southampton, England on April 8, 2012 and begin its journey to Cobh, Ireland, where the Titanic made its final port of call on April 11, 1912. Passengers can enjoy a Titanic heritage shore excursion in Cobh.

The cruise will continue following the route of the RMS Titanic and arrive over the spot where the Titanic sank on April 14. A special memorial ceremony will be held between 11:40 pm when the ship hit the iceberg and 2:20 am on April 15.

After the service, the cruise continues to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where passengers can visit Fairview Lawn Cemetery where 121 Titanic victims are buried, along with Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery and Hirsch Jewish Cemetery, which also have graves of Titanic victims. The cruise’s final destination – as was planned for the original voyage – is New York City.

Managing Director Miles Morgan of Miles Morgan Travel, who has chartered the Fred. Olsen liner for the historic voyage said, “The Titanic still grips the imagination of people throughout the world and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a unique cruise packed with interest for those with a fascination for the Titanic story.

“The whole voyage will be steeped in Titanic history. The food served will match the sumptuous menus on the original voyage; the entertainment will include music and dancing in the style featured in those glorious times, and there will be a chance to hear first-hand from historians who have studied the Titanic story – it promises to be a truly memorable cruise,” said Mr. Morgan.

Miles Morgan has appointed Minneapolis-based Borton Overseas to coordinate reservations in the US for the Titanic Memorial Cruise. Borton Overseas coordinates Fred. Olsen’s US operations, which makes the partnership a perfect fit. An interesting historical aside: Borton Overseas – formerly Vanstrum Travel – made a reservation on March 11, 1912 for a client on the June 1^st departure of the Titanic; a sailing that unfortunately never happened.

The 12-night journey starts at $3,900 per person for an inside cabin and includes all taxes.

Interested cruisers should call Borton Overseas at 1-800-843-0602 or visit the website for more information at www.bortonoverseas.com.

CRUISE WEST ANNOUNCES SIX CAPTIVATING VOYAGES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA THAT FOLLOW THE ADVENTURES OF ODYSSEUS

Smithsonian Journeys Guest Speakers, Extraordinary Included Excursions, Air Credit or Free Venice Land Tour and up to 21 Percent Early Booking Savings

Six distinct Mediterranean voyages, from Alexandria, Egypt to Honfleur, France, mark the second chapter of small-ship exploration line Cruise West’s epic world adventure, Voyages of the Great Explorers. Delving deep into the heart of the Mediterranean — rich in myth and mystery — guests will journey to many fabled destinations in Greece and Turkey, and savor the cultural richness and sensory pleasures of Tunisia, Algeria, Italy, Sicily, Malta, Spain, Portugal and France. Guests can enjoy savings up to 21 percent savings if voyage is booked and paid in full by October 15, 2009.

There is incredible value with every voyage. In addition to an included excursion at every port, each of the six voyages will be enhanced by an extraordinary ‘Ultimate Explorers Experiences’ (UEE) excursion, designed to bring guests into direct personal contact with fascinating peoples, cultures and natural wonders. Engaging presentations by Smithsonian Journeys experts and local acclaimed authorities on the region’s culture, history and current events will bring each region to life.

Smithsonian Journeys experts illustrate Mediterranean history
Smithsonian Journeys guest speaker and author Jodi Magnes, Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology injects color into the classics throughout Voyage 5: Alexandria to Istanbul. Magnes will provide rich insights to the region as guests explore Paphos, birthplace of Aphrodite; Hadrian’s Gate, constructed by the second century Roman emperor Hadrian; and ancient Troy. A stop at the island of Lesvos offers a tantalizing glimpse of traditional Greek life before the voyage concludes at the gate of the Western world, historic and exotic Istanbul. Voyage highlights include an exclusive evening concert and reception amongst the ancient Roman ruins on Ephesus (UEE).

The 14-night voyage departs May 4, 2010; prices start at $10,395 per person before savings. Add-on: post-cruise 3-night Land Tour of Cappadocia.

Voyage 6: Istanbul to Venice features Smithsonian Journeys guest speaker Diane Cline who holds impressive credentials including a B.A. in classics form Stanford University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Princeton in art and archaeology. Cline will unfold the mysteries and architectural treasures of the city known over the centuries as Byzantium, Constantinople and eventually Istanbul. The cruise journeys on to the ancient sites of Gallipoli (site of a famous WW1 battle), Delphi; the beautiful classic Greek islands of Syros, Sifnos, Santorini, Naxos; Katakolon, the site of the first Olympiad; ancient UNESCO site Butrint and Durres, the oldest city in Albania. The voyage continues to Dubrovnik, with its 13^th-century ramparts; Mljet National Park, and the magnificent old town of Zadar before arriving in Venice. Highlight of note includes a tour of the legendary site of Delphi (UEE) on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus and a four-mile transit through the Corinth Canal.

The 14-night voyage departs May 17, 2010; prices start at $11,595 per person before savings. Add-on: post cruise 3-night Gondolas and Glassware Land Tour of Venice.

Smithsonian Journey guest lecturer Glenn Bugh, professor of ancient, Byzantine and Venetian history at Virginia Tech, joins Voyage 7: Venice to Valetta. This exciting voyage showcases off-the-beaten track ports, villages and towns in Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Sicily and Malta. Highlights include an overland tour of Croatia from the historical Roman town of Porec (UEE) to Pula to study first hand the influence of Rome and Byzantium; Split, known for its 17 centuries of building, renovating and remodeling; the UNESCO site Kotor; and Bari with the famous monument Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

Cruise West includes a choice of an international air credit (up to $1300) or a FREE pre-cruise 3-night Venice Land extension on the 12-night voyage, which departs on May 30, 2010 (a value of $2,200 per person). Prices start at $9,995 per person before savings.

The 13-night Voyage 8: Valletta to Rome combines Ottoman and Western history with beautiful rugged scenery, visits to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and stops at picturesque ports in Tunisia, Algeria, Sardinia and Rome. Explore exotic Sousee and La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; and Annaba and El Kala, Algeria – all rich in history and intrigue. Discover the prehistoric architecture of Su Nuraxi di Barumini near Cagliari, and the important regional center of Arbatax, Sardinia; continuing to Italy’s magnificent Amalfi Coast, the ancient ruins of Pompeii (UEE); the Royal Palace of Caserta near Gaeta; and a sleepy fishing village on the Ponziane Islands before disembarking in Rome. Smithsonian Journeys guest speaker and architectural historian Gail Cornell will discuss historic preservation and architecture of the region.

Departing June 10, 2010, prices for the 13-night cruise start at $9,595 per person before savings. In Rome, guests can add-on the 2-night Classics and Religion Land Tour.

The Renaissance art and medieval architecture of Italy, France and Spain are the highlights of Voyage 9: Rome to Barcelona aptly enhanced by Smithsonian Journeys guest speaker Robert Davis, author and professor of Italian Renaissance and pre-modern Mediterranean history at Ohio State University. Port stops include Bonifacio, Corsica; Elba, where Napoleon spent years in Exile; Pisa and magnificent Florence, known for its Duomo, Uffizi Gallery & Museum (UEE) and more, continuing onto Portovenere and lovely Portofino, Italy; and the Spanish island of Menorca. Viva la France as the ship sails into Villefranche-sur-Mer located in the French Riviera, Port St. Louis-du-Rhone and Port Vendres where guests explore the serene Fontfroide Abbey and the walled city of Carcassonne.

Departing June 22, 2010, prices for the 13-nights cruise start at $10,995 per person before savings. Add-on: 3-night Montserrat, Picasso, Gaudí & Las Ramblas Land Tour.

Voyage 10: Barcelona to Honfleur — the final voyage of chapter two — offers guests the opportunity to sail with Cruise West Chairman Dick West and wife Leslie into Spain, Portugal and France, where evidence of Roman rule and Moorish invasion await guests discovery, along with incredible natural beauty. View Islamic influences in Granada’s famed Alhambra Palace and Seville’s 14th-century Real Alcázar, and sample some of the world’s best port in Oporto, called Portus Calle by the Romans. Sail up the Bordeaux River, perfect for connoisseurs of vistas and vintages, where guests will be treated to an exclusive dinner and tour of Château Kirwan (UEE). After a day at historic Normandy Beach, the journey will end in Honfleur. Joining the voyage is Smithsonian Journeys guest speaker Dianne Konz who will discuss the integration of the cultural arts in the context of their time including art, architecture, literature, music and gastronomy.

Departing July 4, 2010, prices for the 16-night cruise start at $14,195 per person before savings. Add-on: post-cruise 3-nights Paris.

Book by Voyage or Multiple Segments

The Voyages of the Great Explorers — an industry first — is a collection of 24 individual voyages (which can all be booked separately) combine to form a 335-day circumnavigation of the world along the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers. Beginning March 5, 2010, on board Cruise West’s flagship, the 120-guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus, the world voyage will sail ever westward, returning to Singapore on February 3, 2011.

Prices per voyage include a pre-cruise hotel night, all transfers and a tour of the embarkation city. For maximum savings of 21 percent, book and pay in full by October 15, 2009. Guests who book more than one voyage will save an additional five percent. Rates for all six voyages of Chapter 2 start at $63,695. For further details on Cruise West’s itineraries, visit www.CruiseWest.com, call 800-296-8307 or a travel professional.

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~Up-Close, Casual and Personal Explorations~

Cruise West believes that small is beautiful. Small-ship explorations allow up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines. For more than 63 years Cruise West has provided authentic travel experiences where the destination is the focus. The fleet of small ships with guest capacities ranging from 78-148 explores remote and distinctive destinations throughout the globe. A robust onboard enrichment program further enhances the guest experience through topical guest lecturers, additional exploration by Zodiac and included excursions at every port.

After an absence of more than 12 months, Orient-Express’ Road To Mandalay river cruiser will once again take to Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River on August 26, 2009, plying the scenic waters between Bagan and Mandalay.

The re-launch follows a complete remodeling and refurbishment, led by French-born and Laos-based architect Francois Greck and carried out by teams of local craftsman, after damage suffered in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. The "new" ship now f

eatures larger cabins and a capacity of just 82 passengers, down from 108, making for an even more indulgent and roomy onboard experience.

As before, the Road To Mandalay will offer a range of itineraries

along Burma’s main artery giving passengers access to the very heart of the country. Three-, four- and seven-night cruise itineraries will be available between Bagan and Mandalay as well as three special voyages each year to Bhamo, in the remote northern area of the country. All itineraries can be combined with stays in Yangon, Inle Lake or Ngapali on the Indian Ocean.
The stylish new surroundings onboard, courtesy of lead interior designer Ali Kennedy in collaboration with Ateliers de la Péninsule, complement the color and atmosphere of the riverbanks seen through its picture windows, while maintaining the ship’s relaxed and comfortable feeling.
A new spacious Governor’s Suite and 34 new State and Deluxe Cabins have been created with maximum comfort and en-suite bathrooms featuring Burmese Jade wall tiles and large walk-in showers.

The restaurant, too, has received a complete makeover with a fresh new color scheme of soft yellows, greens and reds, which complements the traditional Burmese natural matting on the walls and ceiling, hand-woven by local village craftsmen. The detailed teak wall carvings are handmade by Burmese artisans in Amanpura near Mandalay. New chrome wall and standing lights designed by Greck give the restaurant a more intimate feel, which is decked out with furnishings covered in luxurious Jim Thompson fabrics from Bangkok.

Outside, the Top Deck and Bar boast a newly laid teak floor with comfortable large cane sofas and chairs made in Yangon. The sun deck area features 15 new ’steamer’-style deck chairs, also made in Yangon. Jim Thompson fabrics have been used for the cushions.

The new Road To Mandalay Wellbeing Centre offers exercise machines, floor workout area and changing facilities. Next door to this is the hair and beauty treatment area, which offers a range of relaxing treatments using Decleor products.

New menus have been developed for the re-launch of the restaurant by Executive Chef Christian Markert-Bourdon. A buffet-style lunch is served on the Observation Deck or in the Restaurant in seven different themes – Burmese, Shan, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and European. For dinner, guests can partake of dishes from the Asian- and European-style menus that change daily.

The majestic pagodas and saffron-cloaked monks of ancient Burma can once again be viewed from the serenity of the Road To Mandalay. Cruise-only prices start from £1,400 (US$2,318) per person. 

For further information on cruise only or fully inclusive packages visit www.orient-express.com.