New York-based World Waterways, the leading internet portal for small-ship and barge cruising, has announced three exciting new itineraries for 2005 (Europe) and for the winter 2005/6 season (the Red Sea).
THE RED SEA
It’s blue, not red, and it’s the perfect locale for a wintertime cruise with sunshine guaranteed. The Red Sea is famed for its calm waters and phenomenal coral reefs, as well as its easy access to some of the world’s most magical wonders: the rose-colored “lost” city of Petra, and St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai. The elegant, 50-passenger, 17-crew Pan Theon is a glamorous motorized sailing ship set to will ply the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba this winter, starting December 15, 2005. The one-week itinerary includes Hurghada, Tawila Island, Dahab (departure point for St. Catherine’s Monastery) and Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt as well as Eilat in Israel (jumping-off point for Petra). Exclusively for WorldWaterways.com travelers, the one-week cruise can be commenced when most convenient for the traveler: Sundays in Eilat, Mondays in Sharm-el-Sheikh or Thursdays in Hurghada.
Cuisine aboard the Pan Theon is definitely “haute,” and the ship is definitely 5-Star. Each stateroom is outside, complete with queen-size bed, minibar, TV and a well-appointed bathroom. The Pan Theon has its own diving and swimming platform, as well as kayaks, wind-surfing and snorkeling equipment. Cruise prices range from $1,950 to $2,750 per person, including breakfast and dinner daily, entertainment and all sports facilities.
THE BLUE DANUBE
The Emperor Franz-Josef would have loved it. A twelve-day cruise through his entire Austro-Hungarian realm – from Passau in Bavaria (Germany), to Vienna (Austria), Budapest and Pecs (Hungary), Belgrade and the Iron Gate Gorge (Serbia), Vidin (Bulgaria) and Giurgiu-Bucharest (Romania). The cruise ends at Romania’s Black Sea port of Constanta (the cruise can also be booked in the reverse direction, from Constanta to Passau). Cruises are aboard the 198-passenger, 80-crew Danube Princess. Every cabin has twin beds with fluffy duvets, a giant picture window and private bathroom. The cuisine and entertainment are world-class, the sightseeing opportunities breathtaking. Special bargain rates commence at $2,099 per person for an 11-night/12-day cruise.
THE SEINE
France’s legendary Seine river flows through the heart of Paris, and then joins the River Oise. Six-night cruises aboard the 50-passenger, 14-crew Anacalouthe river boat start north of Paris at Pontoise and end at Sens on the River Yonne. Cruises include transfers from and to Paris, very comfortable outside cabins with private bathroom, all meals with unlimited local wines, and a touring program that includes Monet’s house at Giverny, Auvers-sur-Oise (where Van Gogh painted), the Château Vaux le Vicomte and a romantic river journey through Paris. Special rates reflecting a 40% discount, range from $1199 per person.