France Cruises Expands Its 2012 Offerings with New Vessel and First-Ever Winter Canal Program in France and Belgium

France Cruises is introducing the industry’s first hotel barge cruise during the winter season along the inland waterways of France and Belgium aboard the luxurious Esperance, and its newest ship, the 8-passenger MS Elisabeth. Each expedition combines the opportunity to enjoy France with gourmet dining, fine wines and sightseeing excursions to ancient villages, castles, cafes, and markets. © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

France Cruises is introducing the industry’s first hotel barge cruise during the winter season along the inland waterways of France and Belgium aboard the luxurious Esperance, and its newest ship, the 8-passenger MS Elisabeth. Sailing from December through March, the vessels will tour the renowned regions of Provence and Flanders, respectively.

The 6-passenger Esperance will journey through the south of France between Avignon and Montpellier. Travelers can look forward to passing colorful autumn landscapes and rich wildlife of horses and bulls aboard their all-inclusive floating hotel on the Rhone River. The cruise features enriching shore excursions to historical and cultural sites, such as the Pope’s Palace in Avignon, the largest gothic palace in Europe, and the Roman city of Arles, home of legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh. Programs for four- and six-night cruises are available. Prices for this itinerary start at $4,335 per person, based on double occupancy.

Aboard the MS Elisabeth, guests will float past rolling hills and medieval towns on the canals of Belgium between Namur and Bruges. Highlights of the 6-night cruise include a guided tour of the impeccably-preserved, 13th-century town of Bruges, dubbed the “Venice of the North”; a visit to a local snail farm in Namur; and an exploration into Brussels’ popular attractions, including the city’s famous landmark, the Atomium. The vessel also offers a Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruise, which features exciting visits to local festivities spotlighting the holiday season. Rates for the cruise begin at $3,360 per person, double occupancy.

“We’re offering our clients a one-of-a-kind canal experience in the standard off-season not available anywhere else,” said Jean-Francois Dabrowski, president of France Cruises. “With fewer crowds, colorful scenery and pleasantly cool weather, there’s no better time than winter to visit Europe’s countryside.”

The MS Elisabeth

MS Elisabeth, the latest addition to France Cruises’ collection of hotel barges, will navigate the heart of France and Upper Loire region, as well as the northern part of Belgium. The vessel boasts four comfortable cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a large sun deck and terrace, and a spacious salon and dining room area surrounded by 12 impressively wide windows providing for the most beautiful views of the idyllic countryside. Cruisers will enjoy a gastronomic menu of regional dishes like Fish Waterzoii and cheese fragranced with ginger and coriander, and even be afforded the opportunity to accompany chef and host, Martine, to the local produce markets to choose the specialties for the evening. In addition, MS Elisabeth offers an array of special theme cruises that tailor to the interest of passengers, including golf, wine appreciation and culinary cruises – the latter giving guests the chance to learn the art of French and Belgian cuisine with Martine.

To learn more about the winter cruises in France and Belgium, and the new MS Elisabeth visit www.francecruises.com.

France Cruises, Inc. specializes in canal and river cruises in France. France Cruises’ fleet of over 40 luxury hotel barges and riverboats float along the narrow canals of France, providing an intimate way to discover the splendid and historic countryside. Along with superb opportunities for relaxation, the carefree elegance of each expedition combines the opportunity to enjoy France with gourmet dining, fine wines and sightseeing excursions to ancient villages, castles, cafes, markets. For more information visit www.FranceCruises.com. Additionally, France Cruises offers a concierge service, which assists in acquiring car rentals, train tickets, hotel stays and more together with its new land tours and hotel packages division: www.FranceCountryTours.com.

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WLCVacations Gives Last Minute Holiday Cruisers Gift of 2-for-1 Fares, Triple Savings Up to $1,000 Per Couple

WLCVacations is offering extraordinary Last Minute Savings on its 2011 Holiday River Cruises, enabling travelers to discover the magic of Europe’s legendary Christmas markets for the lowest rates. For select departures, travelers can receive 2-for-1 cruise and land prices, or Triple Savings of $1000 off per stateroom on top of $100 shipboard credit and free category upgrade.

“A Christmas market cruise is the perfect way to catch the festive spirit of the season,” said Ana Valente, president of WLCVacations. “From exciting excursions to wholesome onboard activities celebrating the magic of the season, our collection of holiday cruises has something for the whole family to enjoy.”

Guests can take advantage of the special offers and choose from an array of itineraries along the Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers through Austria, Germany, France, Hungary and Slovakia. The 2-for-1 promotion applies to the 11-day Christmas Time Cruise, which includes two nights in Prague before cruising between Nuremberg and Budapest. This cruise and land itinerary will afford holiday cruisers the opportunity to discover handmade crafts, like hand-blown ornaments in Budapest; seasonal, culinary delights such as mulled wine and gingerbread in Nuremberg; and special holiday entertainment, like classical concerts in Vienna, which boasts the largest Christmas market in the world. With the savings, fares start from $1,099 per person.

The 8-day Rhine Winter Voyage, priced at $1,699 per person after Triple Savings discount, departs from Basel and features visits to Strasbourg, the oldest Christmas market in France, and Cologne, which hosts seven markets, the most impressive being the one directly across the gothic Cathedral which displays the largest tree in the Rhineland.

Whether it’s a journey to the origin of holiday traditions, Germany, or a visit to the snow-capped fairytale in Switzerland, WLCVacations showcases an extensive selection of Europe’s greatest destinations during the holiday season.

For more information on the holiday cruises, visit www.WLCVacations.com

 

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France Cruises Unveils 2012 Cruise Season with Free Hotel Nights in Paris for booking by Nov 30

The Caprice, one of France Cruises' luxury hotel barges, floats up a canal in Burgundy © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

France Cruises has just announced the release of its 2012 cruise schedule, giving travelers more access than ever before to experience cruise vacations along the most scenic canals and waterways of France. With the launch of the new season, France Cruises is offering an early booking special that enables travelers to receive up to two complimentary hotel nights in Paris, or save up to $500 on eligible 2012 departures.

Valid until November 30, 2011, travelers who book and pay in full have the choice to save $500 per cabin, or enjoy a two-night stay at a boutique hotel in Paris. Guests have the option to select from five charming hotels, including the 3-star Observatoire Luxembourg and the popular New Atlantic Hotel. Those who book and place a deposit can save $250 or receive a one-night stay. Furthermore, this France Cruises exclusive deal may be combined with any other special discounts offered by cruise operators.

“We wanted to enhance the traditional early booking savings by giving our clients the gift of Paris,” said Jean-Francois Dabrowski, president of France Cruises. “These authentic hotels have been handpicked by us to give our clients the complete and optimal travel experience.”

From ultra-luxury cruises, such as a Southern France odyssey aboard the 6-passenger “yacht barge” Esperance priced at $7,750 per person, to more budget-friendly cruises like the one offered in the wine country of Burgundy with the 21-passenger Caprice, priced at just under $3,000 per person for the week long sailing, the 2012 France Cruises’ portfolio of over 54 cruise itineraries are suited to fit every age, taste and budget.

To learn more about the Free Hotel Package in Paris offer, and preview the newly-improved website, which features sample menus, video and photo gallery and day-by-day itineraries, visit www.francecruises.com.

France Cruises, Inc. specializes in canal and river cruises in France. France Cruises’ fleet of over 40 luxury hotel barges and riverboats float along the narrow canals of France, providing an intimate way to discover the splendid and historic countryside.  The carefree elegance of each expedition combines the opportunity to enjoy France with gourmet dining, fine wines and unique sightseeing excursions to ancient villages, castles, cafes, markets and so much more. Additionally, France Cruises offers a concierge service, which assists in acquiring car rentals, train tickets, hotel stays and more together with its new land tours and hotel packages division: www.FranceCountryTours.com, or call  866-498-3920, email: info@francecruises.com

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Pacific Delight Sets ‘Once-a-Year’ China Special Package featuring Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River Cruise from $1899 With Air

Pacific Delight (www.PacificDelightTours.com) is launching  its annual promotion offering major savings on one particular date. The Once A Year China Special kicks off with a Jan. 11, 2012 departure from Los Angeles (add $200 for New York’s JFK) covering Beijing (three nights) and Shanghai (two nights) and featuring a four-night Yangtze River sailing with Victoria Cruises. Rates start at $1,899 per person including airfare.

“Don’t let the rate fool you, despite the attractive price tag this special departure features 20 meals including a Beijing Duck dinner with American breakfast and all the deluxe amenities you’d expect from a Pacific Delight program,” said Larry Kwan, president of Pacific Delight Tours. “We’re confident that this is without a doubt the best value to China in the market.”

Pacific Delight’s Jan. 11 Once A Year China Special features four- and five-star hotels as well as five-star accommodations on a luxurious Victoria Cruises vessel, international air transportation from Los Angeles (add $200 for JFK), intra-China flights and transportation, and meals as specified in the itinerary.

The program also includes a plethora of sightseeing including The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing as well as the classical Yu Gardens and Temple of the Town God in Shanghai. The Bund, Shanghai’s colonial waterfront promenade, is also included along with a visit to the Shanghai Museum.

A relaxing Victoria Cruises sailing through the mist-shrouded Three Gorges of the Yangtze River complements the journey perfectly with excursions such as the scenic Daning River and tranquil Ma Du River tributaries (the Ma Du segment utilizes a traditional sampan) and the impressive “Ghost City” of Fengdu.

Rates start at $1,899 per person, based on double occupancy, with departure from Los Angeles on Jan 12, 2012.

Consult your local travel agent or contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179 for more information. Visit Pacific Delight Tours at www.PacificDelightTours.com.

See also:

HANGZHOU: CHINA’S CITY OF ROMANCE
Marco Polo’s ‘City of Heaven’ As Alluring as Ever

HANGZHOU: ANCIENT & MODERN COME TOGETHER IN CHINA’S RESORT CITY

ZHEJIANG PROVINCE PRESENTS
MICROCOSM OF CHINA, OLD & NEW
Region Was Cutting Edge, Even in Marco Polo’s Time

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Victoria Cruises Offers up to 50% Off China’s Yangtze Sailings; Hosts 4 Chinese New Year Trips

Highlights of the experience onboard Victoria Cruises include cultural entertainment featuring traditional Chinese costumes

Winter is the perfect time to see China’s mist-shrouded Yangtze River while taking advantage of steep discounts on Victoria Cruises’ (http://www.victoriacruises.com) popular Three Gorges Highlights program with 4- and 5-day sailings departing every Thursday and Sunday, respectively, in January and February 2012.

Discounted rates start at $470 per person, based on double occupancy, for a superior stateroom with private balcony. Executive Suites (pictured right) – which feature upgraded accommodations and ship placement along with VIP amenities such as “white glove” concierge service, access to exclusive ship areas, à la carte meal service, private cultural lectures and reserved seating for evening entertainment – start at $870 per person, based on double occupancy, throughout January and February 2012.

Additionally, Victoria Cruises will be offering four special Chinese New Year celebratory cruises departing January 23, 24, 26 and 27. A $150 per person surcharge will be applied for passengers on these four departures.

Victoria Cruises’ steeply-discounted Three Gorges Highlights winter special sails upstream from Yichang to Chongqing (five days/four nights) as well as downstream from Chongqing to Yichang (four days/three nights) on Victoria Cruises’ lavish five-star vessels.

In addition to spectacular views of centuries-old pagodas nestled along the Yangtze and a scenic passage through the famous Three Gorges, a one-time shore excursion fee of $65 per person (inclusive of all excursions) provides guests with an educational visit to the massive Three Gorges Dam as well as unforgettable sightseeing at the “Ghost City” of Fengdu (pictured right).

Also included in the shore excursion package, an incredible sailing experience through the Small Gorges of the Daning River – one of the Yangtze’s tributaries – culminates with a tranquil sampan journey through the “Mini Gorges” of the Ma Du River, itself a tributary of the Daning.

Guests can also participate in an optional shore excursion to White Emperor City (pictured right), overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.

According to legend, in 25 A.D. white vapor rose from a well to form the shape of a dragon, and Gong Sunshu, a soldier who had been headquartered there, declared himself the “White Emperor.” Remains of the city wall can be seen on the hill behind Baidi Mountain, and a temple built to commemorate Gong’s reign dates back more than 1,950 years and has long been a refuge for would-be kings and poets who have traveled there to be inspired by the breathtaking views. The optional White Emperor City shore excursion is available this winter for an additional $38 per guest.

Passengers can also participate in exciting onboard activities such as Tai Chi lessons, demonstrations of acupuncture/acupressure and discussions on the Yangtze’s history. Nightly entertainment options include traditional Chinese dance and musical performances (pictured below).

All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements are available. Itineraries are subject to change based on river conditions.

For more information or to book, or for a list of tour operators which include the Yangtze River in their value-priced winter programs, contact Victoria Cruises toll-free at 800-348-8084 or visit www.VictoriaCruises.com.

Victoria Cruises

Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Since that time, Victoria Cruises has achieved tremendous success by introducing the majesty of the Yangtze River to travelers worldwide. A true pioneer and innovator, Victoria Cruises delivers an unrivaled and unsurpassed Yangtze River experience. An American-managed company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration. Victoria Cruises offers a variety of itineraries varying from four to nine days including Grand Yangtze Discovery, Three Gorges Highlights and Three Gorges Explorer.

Victoria Cruises has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the years and has most recently received the 2011 TravelAge West WAVE Award Editor’s Pick for Best River Cruise Line as well as Best New River Cruise Ship in 2010 with the launch of the luxurious Victoria Jenna. Travel Weekly also recently selected the Victoria Jenna as a Silver Award Winner for the Magellan Awards’ River Cruise Ship category.

China’s magnificent Yangtze River continues to awe and inspire and Victoria Cruises remains the finest guide for the journey.

For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit http://www.victoriacruises.com.

See also:

HANGZHOU: CHINA’S CITY OF ROMANCE
Marco Polo’s ‘City of Heaven’ As Alluring as Ever

HANGZHOU: ANCIENT & MODERN COME TOGETHER IN CHINA’S RESORT CITY

ZHEJIANG PROVINCE PRESENTS
MICROCOSM OF CHINA, OLD & NEW
Region Was Cutting Edge, Even in Marco Polo’s Time

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

WLC Vacations River Cruise Company Promotes Family Cruising to Europe, Galapagos

A river cruise of Europe’s important cities may be one of the fantasy trips you might think to put off until you are an “empty-nester” and the kids are off on their own, but now, such experiences are being tailored for families.

World Luxury Cruise Vacations (WLCVacations) is now offering a variety of family cruises – essentially, introducing special activities into the itinerary that are engaging to young travelers.

“Experiencing a vacation with family can be one of the best ways to learn about each other and make life long memories,” says Jean-Francois Dabrowski, co-founder of World Luxury Cruise Vacations and France Cruises. ”WLCVacations recommends trying a riverboat cruise. These cruises can be conveniently tailored to any family, making vacationing a breeze. And there are always many activities to keep everyone completely satisfied.”

For example, Dabrowski is recommending families consider the Castles Along the Rhine cruise aboard the magnificent River Ambassador. This package includes the seven-night cruise in a river-view stateroom; a children’s walking tour in Koblenz with characters, a scavenger hunt and an ice cream treat; a visit to the Technik Museum in Speyer with more than 3,000 exhibits, including walk-in exhibits of aircrafts and a German submarine; a visit to the Siegfried Mechanical Music Museum in Rudesheim, showcasing a collection of mechanical musical instruments; a visit to the Chocolate Factory Museum in Cologne; an onboard cooking class with the pastry chef where kids can make their own desserts; a ship tour for the children and family members with the captain; games, movies and a playroom with a PlayStation; and German language classes onboard. Prices for this 7 day cruise start at $1,899 per person (50% off for all children 4 – 18 on the European cruises)

An optional excursion to Europa-Park, a theme park in rust, Germany, can be purchased onboard. The excursion departs from Strasbourg.

WLCVacations has partnered with Metropolitan Touring to promote the new Young Pirates program to the Galapagos. This program is for young Galapagos Explorers between ages 7 to 12 years old.  It showcases a fun and exciting way of absorbing Galapagos kids’ style. Children enjoy specially designed menus and earlier dinner hours. The chefs and kitchen staff have created a “kids’ continental breakfast” with Galápagos muffins, fruit yogurt, orange juice and chocolate milk, and for dinners a choice of meals children all over the world enjoy, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and fish and chips, plus vegetarian options. The children are provided a Journal of Expedition and Young Pirates booklet. Activities will include bracelet weaving, molding with play-dough and bead necklace making, coloring (Multicolored Ecuador and Galapagos: Discover it and Paint it), Ecuamemory cards, maps (Where am I?), animal puzzles, Galapagos videos and movies for children, treasure hunts, Galapagos trivia, reading time, stargazing and conversations (What have I learned?).

Prices for the Santa Cruz 3 Night Galapagos Islands Cruise start at $1,500 per person; prices for the Isabela II 4 Night Galapagos Cruise start at $2,143 per person; prices for the La Pinta 7 Night Luxury Galapagos Islands Cruise start at $4,656 per adult, with 50% charged for the first child and the second child goes free.

Also, a cruise aboard the canal barge Magna Carta can be customized for any family. This program is distinguished by an onboard chef who prepares meals according to the tastes of the family. There are always many activities to keep everyone’s interest. Adults can relax in peace and quiet with coffee and liqueurs while a few feet away, children may find themselves steering the vessel along a tree-lined canal, perhaps in the barge jacuzzi or biking together. Ashore, in addition to traditional cultural visits, families can arrange for horse riding, water sports, tennis and many other activities. Child equipment such as high-chairs, car seats, child bike seats, travel cots, children’s bicycles and more are available on request at no extra cost. Prices for this 6 day cruise start at $3,800 per adult, 50% less for children.

Complete details and prices for these cruises and more can be found at www.WLCVacations.com and www.FranceCruises.com.

World Luxury Cruise Vacations (WLCVacations), founded in 2008, is a global business model approach to luxury canal and riverboat cruises that was initiated nearly a decade ago by industry leader France Cruises (FranceCruises.com). The founders, Jean F. Dabrowski and Ana P. Valente, have traveled on ships throughout the world to bring tailored, in-depth research to their clientele. Since 2000, they have created and customized tours and cruises in Europe to meet the needs of sophisticated travelers who expect the best. Now the team applies its expertise by launching WLCVacations, offering unparalleled, personalized service combined with magnificent itineraries on the fascinating waterways of the world.

Visit www.wlcvacations.com, 877 579 SHIP (7447), or email: info@wlcvacations.com

–Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate

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