| USA. Scandinavian & Baltic cruises for Holland America Line's ms Veendam's European debut |
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| Thursday, 19 October 2006 | |
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Cruising news: 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. 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. 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. 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. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 19 October 2006 ) |
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