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HAL's Active Shore Excursions!
Hi Everyone,
I received this information from Holland America and thought it would be of interest. I got a chuckle out of what HAL considers "active shore excursions". What should we expect from a cruise line that has seats in their elevators? vbg 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 Enhances Active Shore Excursions in 2005 Premium Cruise Line Now Provides More Options for Guests to Explore Destinations SEATTLE, Sept. 14 Holland America Line, the only major cruise line to regularly sail to all seven continents, is introducing several new active shore excursions in 2005. The premium cruise line already provides guests with more than 1,700 shore excursions to choose from, including more than 70 active and adventurous options such as all-terrain vehicle excursions and jungle canopy tours. The company's new active onshore excursions take place in destinations such as Mexico, Chile and in a new port of call, Manaus, Brazil, and provide guests with more ways than ever to immerse themselves in the culture and history of exotic destinations across the world. "Some of our guests want the solitude and relaxation that comes with an ocean voyage," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "Others want to combine our timeless elegance with the excitement that comes with unique and active shore excursions. Fortunately, Holland America Line offers both. Through our shore excursion programs, we can offer first-time as well as more seasoned travelers exciting new ways to experience the nuances of the many destinations to which we sail." Holland America Line leads the industry in itinerary selection and overnight stays in locations such as Europe, South America, Asia and Australia, which serves to further enhance the onshore experience for passengers. For example, guests who sail on the ms Veendam's 33-day Fall Panama Canal and Amazon River voyage, departing from Seattle on September 26, will spend two days in Manaus, Brazil, a city in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. A new port in 2005, Manaus lies along the north bank of the Rio Negro, just above its confluence with the Amazon River. Guests traveling to this port will have the opportunity to experience nightly jungle activity -- including an "up close and personal" look at alligators inhabiting the river. On this excursion, guides will jump into the water and catch alligators with their bare hands before releasing them unharmed back into the river. This three-hour journey is priced at US$69 for adults. Other shore excursions debuting in 2005 include the following: * Passengers on the 10-day Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez voyage sailing roundtrip from San Diego aboard the ms Ryndam will have the opportunity to board a private train on the Chihuahua al Pacifico railway in Topolobampo, Mexico, and traverse the magnificent Sierra Madre Mountain range to explore Copper Canyon. Only accessible by rail and considered by many to be the most scenic rail route in the world, the journey winds through 87 tunnels and crosses 35 bridges as it climbs from sea level to 8,000 feet. Guests arrive at Posada Barrancas in time for lunch. After lunch, guests can take a walking tour to the Tarahumara Caves, following a path to the Cueva del Chino cave home to where Tarahumara Native families live. This excursion lasts approximately 16 hours and is US$349 for adults. * Guests on Holland America Line's 8-day Latin America Holiday cruise, departing on December 18 from San Diego on the Ryndam, can take advantage of the Jungle ATV Adventure in Cozumel, Mexico. Traveling deep into the jungle, guests will explore ancient Mayan burial grounds. This excursion lasts approximately three hours and is US$79 for adults. * Guests traveling on Holland America Line's 16-17-day South American Explorer voyage, departing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 26 on the ms Amsterdam can visit Puerto Montt, Chile and drive deep into the forest surrounding Osorno to truly experience the forest canopy. Traveling in the treetops between platforms connected by a series of cables, guests will feel like they are flying. In total, there are 14 platforms and 11 cable rides at an altitude of more than 130 feet. Maximum speed is 28 miles per hour between the platforms. All the platforms are specially designed for guests to observe the wildlife at the treetop level and enjoy the spectacular forest view. This seven and a half hour excursion is priced at US$189. In addition to the wide variety of excursions available, Holland America Line offers passengers more flexibility in departure times and more personal interaction with guides and other passengers than many other cruise lines. Holland America Line also provides guests with numerous resources to help them get the most out of excursions, including easily accessible information on the Holland America Line website, a helpful shore excursion brochure that is sent to guests along with documents, and onboard experts to help guests choose which trips best suit individual interests and physical abilities. Excursions are provided through partnerships with professional independent tour operators in each port. Guests are encouraged to book shore excursions prior to sailing by visiting www.hollandamerica.com. About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL; CUK)] In 2005, Holland America Line's fleet of 12, five-star, premium ships are offering nearly 500 cruises from 27 home ports -- 17 in North America. Itineraries range in length from two to 116 days, visit all seven continents and offer the most extensive selection of ports the line has ever visited on cruises to the Caribbean and Panama Canal (175), Alaska (134), Canada/New England (18), and longer, exotic voyages to Europe (45), Mexico (43), Hawaii/Asia/Pacific (20), South America (17), and Transatlantic (8), as well as one Grand World Voyage. As a part of its renowned Tradition of Excellence, Holland America Line is investing $225 million in the Signature of Excellence initiative providing unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet. The comprehensive enhancements focus on five areas vital to Holland America's guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries. Enhancements have been started on all ships and will be completed by the end of 2006. For more information, consult a travel agent. 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, 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. |
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