New itineraries, anniversary celebrations, complimentary shore tours—cruise lines are making 2015 bookings easy for you.
Marking its fifth season sailing the Columbia and Snake rivers aboard the Queen of the West, American Cruise Lines is celebrating this anniversary on the first cruise of the year, departing on March 28.
The celebratory sailing includes a complimentary pre-cruise package featuring a bonus night on board the riverboat with added events and tours, such as a private tour of the Pittock Mansion in Portland with a special reception hosted by the executive director; a visit to the Portland Saturday Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the U.S.; a welcome reception upon arrival on the Queen of the West with musical entertainment and Champagne; and a welcome performance the evening before departure featuring musical duo Dave & Bo. During the 8-day voyage, guests also enjoy complimentary shore tours in each port.
American Cruise Lines is currently building a new Columbia riverboat, which has a planned capacity of 175 passengers. The new riverboat will allow American Cruise Lines to offer expanded itineraries on the Columbia and Snake rivers, adding new cruise options. For more information, call (800) 814-6880 or visit americancruiselines.com.
Crystal Cruises is celebrating its 25th anniversary with added itineraries—63 in total—more ports of call (224 to date) and more countries (currently 65 on the list). Oh, and more than double the amount of maiden calls in 2014, bringing the number to 24 for this year.
Some of the line’s new ports of call include Albany, Australia; Ambodifotatra and Taolanaro, Madagascar; Arrecife, Canary Islands; Richards Bay, South Africa; Sanary-sur-Mer, France; Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic; Souda Bay/Chania, Greece; Aomori and Kochi, Japan; Belawan, Indonesia; Rijeka, Croatia; Narvik and Øye/Hjørundfjord, Norway; Helgoland, Germany; Londonderry/Greencastle and Galway, Ireland; Sanya, China; and Trinidad and Tobago. While on board guests can celebrate with special parties and receptions; plus European voyages hosted by Crystal’s president and COO, Eddie Rodriguez as well as the chairman, Nobuyoshi Kuzuya.
Crystal Cruises’ added upgrades for 2015 include the makeover of the Crystal Symphony with an added outdoor Fitness Garden, new fitness equipment, new main lobby and bar design, a redesigned spa and casino, plus PURE allergy-friendly staterooms and technology upgrades. Also new for the line is the “My Life: The Music of Billy Joel” show; the Late Risers’ Adventures, shore excursions starting at 11 a.m. for guests who like to sleep in; Sightseeing on the Run, fitness “Site Running” adventures for the active traveler who wants to combine sightseeing with a run; and complimentary WiFi. For more information, call (800) 446-6620 or visit crystalcruises.com/agent.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection unveiled 33 all-inclusive European itineraries for 2015. The collection of all-inclusive itineraries—that means all gratuities on board and on shore, airport transfers, shore excursions, and unlimited onboard meals and beverages—includes six new voyages that explore everything from Belgium’s capital of Brussels, to Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca in Spain; and 45 additional departures on the popular Rhine and Danube rivers.
The six new itineraries include the 8-day Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time; the 10-day Delightful Danube & Prague; the 10-day Eastern Europe Explorer; the 14-day Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River; the 19-day Grand European Explorer; and the 22-day Ultimate France. For more information, visit uniworld.com.
