Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Emerald Waterways Adds New Cruise Through Holland and Belgium

Jun 14, 2017

The itinerary begins and ends in Amsterdam. Emerald Waterways has announced a new river cruise itinerary for 2018, The Charms of Holland & Belgium. The seven-night river cruise aboard Emerald Waterways' Star Ships begins and ends in Amsterdam.
This cruise differs from Emeralds existing tour, Highlights of the Netherlands & the Beauty of Belgium, which focuses on ports that highlight the countries tulips in bloom during the spring. The new cruise aims to explore the history and culture of the countries throughout the summer and fall. 
The first stop on the cruise is in Hollands historic city of Dordrecht, which dates back to the 12th century, according to the company. Guests can then head to the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next is Antwerp, Belgiums second largest city and biggest port. A guided walking tour is provided, which explores the destination's cobbled lanes, the Renaissance Town Hall and the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady. Guests can opt-in for a Discover More excursion to the medieval town of Bruges.
The tour also takes guests to Maastricht, Hollands oldest fortified city, Arnhem, home of the Airborne Museum Hartenstein exhibiting local military history, and Hoorn, which was founded in the 13th century and was the former base for the Dutch East India Company.  Fares start from US$2,995 per person, based on double occupancy. One departure is scheduled in both July and September 2018.

For more information and to make reservations on any Emerald Europe River Cruise,  contact The Cruise Professionals at theCRUISEOUTLET.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com .


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

American Cruise Lines to Double Capacity in Pacific Northwest

Jun 14, 2017 

Their  newest ship, the American Constellation, will head to the West Coast in 2018. American Cruise Lines said the decision is due to increased demand for its Southeast Alaska, Alaska Inside Passage and Puget Sound itineraries. American Constellation began its inaugural season in May of this year and is currently sailing itineraries on the East Coast of the United States. 
The addition of the 175 passenger ship will more than double American Cruise Lines’ capacity in the Pacific Northwest and add 18 cruises to the 2018 season. The new addition will allow an expanded schedule in Alaska aboard American Constellation, while enabling American Spirit to operate the companys Puget Sound & San Juan Islands itinerary throughout July and August 2018. This will be the first time American has ever offered summer cruises in Puget Sound, the cruise line said. 
While expanding its existing schedule, American Cruise Lines has also added a new itinerary, the Grand Puget Sound, for the 2018 cruise season. This 11-day roundtrip out of Seattle will travel to destinations in the Pacific Northwest, including smaller ports like Olympia and Tacoma. Before heading west, American Constellation will spend the remainder of 2017 on the East Coast, sailing Grand New England, Hudson River, Grand Historic South and Historic South cruises. New for 2018, American Constitution will be taking over these itineraries. 


For more information and to make reservations on any American Cruise Line  ship,  contact The Cruise Professionals at theCRUISEOUTLET.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com .

Uniworld River Cruises announces new program for 2018

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has launched The Masterpiece Collection, a selection of fully inclusive cruise and air itineraries for 2018. The selections, valid through September 30, 2017, apply to all departure dates on select 2018 itineraries, including Gems of Northern Italy, Splendors of Italy, Paris & Normandy, Remarkable Rhine, European Jewels, Legendary Rhine & Moselle and Bordeaux, and Vineyards & Chateaux.
The new collection offers guests fully inclusive packages that include all scheduled transfers to and from the airport, all meals and beverages onboard, including wine and spirits, bicycles, Nordic walking sticks, gratuities, onboard fitness classes, Wi-Fi, and exclusive shore excursions in each city. Rates start at $3,699 and vary by itinerary and departure date.

For more information, receive exclusive amenities and rates and to make reservations on this or any Uniworld River Boat,  contact The Cruise Professionals at theCRUISEOUTLET.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com 

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Amawaterways Debuts New Wellness Program

In celebration of Global Wellness Day, AmaWaterways  announced it has launched a wellness program onboard Amayra Paris & Normandy sailings. The program – led by “Sports Scientist” Selina Wank features four to six classes daily, including morning stretches, jogging, yoga, cardio and core strengthening and circuit training. Activities will be complemented by discussion groups with a focus on healthy eating and relaxation techniques. AmaWaterways has been embracing active travel for more than a decade. We believe guests are looking to take steps to ensure that their vacation time is an extension of their wellness-oriented lifestyle, and we are so happy to continue introducing new ways for travelers to remain healthy while on board our ships,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways.  “It’s important for us to continue to be innovative in this space and give our guests exactly what they’re looking for during their time on board. Our wellness program has been a huge success, and is something we are very excited about continuing!” The first river cruise line to embrace the active travel trend, AmaWaterways began focusing on the segment in 2006, becoming first to add 25 bicycles onboard each European ship. The leader in river cruising innovation has also expanded its award-winning biking and hiking shore excursions and offers each excursion at a variation of paces to give guests options that suit their needs.  Additionally, the company increased its relationship with Backroads – the leader in active travel – in 2017 and now offers more than 50 active departures in the world’s most renowned river cruise destinations.
In addition to a plethora of wellness activities offered on board and on shore, AmaWaterways incorporates healthy eating and locally-sourced ingredients into its culinary offerings. Gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian options are available and the company features a Hydration Station with infused detox and gemstone water. “Wellness has now become more of a lifestyle, than just a single activity and we know the importance of sticking to a healthy regiment when on board,” said Karst. “Cuisine is such a major part of river cruising and sacrificing a few calories doesn’t need to mean sacrificing taste. We will always look at ways to connect the pleasures of travel and cuisine and to accommodate our health-conscious guests.” AmaWaterways expects to introduce its wellness program onboard additional ships in 2018. The company will take active travel one step further in 2019 with the debut of AmaMagna. AmaWaterways’ newest ship – twice the width of traditional European vessels – AmaMagna will feature a first in river cruising retractable water sports platform and expanded fitness and spa facilities.

For more information, receive exclusive amenities and rates and to make reservations on a River Cruise  or any AMA Waterways boat,  contact The Cruise Professionals at theCRUISEOUTLET.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com 

Caribbean Princess Transatlantic Cruise Itinerary Altered Due to Technical Issue

The September 22 transatlantic sailing of Caribbean Princess has been changed to account for technical issues that are causing the ship to sail at reduced speeds just three months after leaving dry dock.  "Please be advised that Caribbean Princess has experienced technical difficulties which have resulted in our inability to operate at full speed. This in no way compromises the safety of our guests and crew which is our highest priority; however, our technical experts have determined that it is necessary to make the following changes to our itinerary.  "We will no longer call to Rotterdam, Vigo, or the Azores (Ponta Delgada). Instead, we will now call to Zeebrugge on Saturday, September 23, 2017, and to Bermuda (West End), on Wednesday, October 4. In addition, we will now call to Paris/Normandy (Le Havre) on Sunday, September 24 rather than on Monday, September 25, and to Lisbon on Wednesday, September 27 rather than on Thursday, September 28, and call times have been amended.  "As a goodwill gesture, each guest will receive a refundable credit of $100 USD applied to their onboard folio. We regret any disappointment these changes may cause, and look forward to welcoming you aboard Caribbean Princess."  Princess representative Negin Kamali has confimred. There is no word yet on when the issue will be fixed, whether sailings between now and September are expected to be affected, or what type of compensation will be offered. 

For more information, receive exclusive amenities and rates and to make reservations on this or any Princess Ship,  contact The Cruise Professionals at theCRUISEOUTLET.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com