Jetsettersblog

Dream Maker Vacations is offering a special discount on a Danube River Cruise scheduled for Sept 10 to 17. The cruise will sail from Budapest to Nuremberg on the Amadeus Diamond, which was built in 2009. The price for a window cabin is $1,999 per person, for a French balcony cabin is $2,149, or $2,249 top deck. Clients are also charged $125 in taxes and fees. Travel agent commission is 20 percent. For more information, call 847-550-9191 or email info@dmvacation.com

Viking River Cruises marks its 15th anniversary in 2012, and is planning its biggest year yet. Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises was established with four Russian river cruise vessels and a company name to honor the Vikings that first traveled by longship to explore Russia’s waterways. Today, Viking owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of river vessels, and 2012 will see the launch of six new Viking Longships as well as the completion of its Russian fleet refurbishment.

Since entering the North American market in 2000, Viking River Cruises has expanded to operate in the six regions of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. “Every year I am proud of our company’s milestones, but this is certainly a special anniversary in Viking’s history,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking River Cruises.

Designed by maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, the six new Viking Longships will accommodate 190 passengers and feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, the largest real suites in Europe, and more full-size rooms and full-size verandas.

On March 21 in Amsterdam, Viking will christen four of the Longships — Viking Njord, Viking Odin, Viking Idun and Viking Freya.

The christening will mark the first time in history that four cruise ships will be christened at once.

After departing from Amsterdam, the Viking Longships will sail Viking’s most popular European itineraries including the 15-day “Grand European Tour,” eight-day “Romantic Danube,” eight-day “Danube Waltz” and 10-day “Tulips & Windmills.”

Two more Viking Longships — Viking Embla and Viking Aegir — will make their debut in July and August, respectively.

And given unprecedented demand, Viking is reviewing its newbuild program for 2013 and 2014.

Also new for 2012 is an enhanced Russian offering. With the launch of Viking Rurik (formerly Viking Peterhof), this year will mark the completion of bow-to-stern refurbishments of Viking’s owned and operated Russian fleet. To commemorate the transformations and to honor Viking’s heritage, the ships have been renamed Viking Rurik, Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar and Viking Truvor.

In addition to multiple itinerary updates, new for 2012 is an eight-day program, “The Glories of the Hermitage,” which features exclusive access and private tours at the museum and the launch of a Russia-focused microsite.

Condé Nast Traveler just announced their prestigious 2012 Gold List winners for the world’s finest hotels, resorts, and cruise lines, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is thrilled that it was once again included in the “World’s Top 12 Cruise Lines” category. This year, as a way to mark 25 years of Condé Nast Traveler, the magazine celebrated the “superstars” of the Gold List in their Platinum Circle honor, which includes Uniworld, which has made the Gold List every year for the past five years’ running.

Earlier this year, Uniworld was also rated as the world’s Number One “Best River Cruise Line” in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.

“I am deeply honored that Uniworld has again been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List,” states Guy Young, president of Uniworld.

“The significance of being included as a Platinum Circle member reaffirms Uniworld’s commitment to consistently delivering the best river cruise experience possible to our guests. I am also very proud to be included in a list of well-respected cruise lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent,” furthers Young.

The eighteenth annual Gold List contenders are tested afresh every year in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Survey, described by Condé Nast as “the collective result of some eight million votes cast by as savvy a group of travelers as you’ll find on the planet.”

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. Uniworld was voted the“#1 River Cruise Line in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler ’s Readers’ Choice Awards, was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships, along with five other highly ranked ships in the top 20. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality.

Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

For more details, please visit www.uniworld.com or connect with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises at www.facebook.com/uniworldrivercruises or www.twitter.com/UniworldCruises

European Waterways will introduce a new luxury barge in 2012, the 12-passenger Panache. The company also will offer new amenities on some barges, such as barging and biking options. The Panache features six air-conditioned Junior Suites, all with full private bathrooms and oversized showers.

The Panache launches in 2012 with the early season tulip cruises in Holland that visit Keukenhof Gardens and Delft. Options include a visit to Floriade 2012, the World Horticultural Expo that takes place once every 10 years. The boat will be repositioned later in the season to Alsace Lorraine, cruising between Nancy and Strasbourg.

Of classic Dutch design, the barge is traditionally furnished with warm colors, brass and mahogany, and features a heated pool, bicycles for passenger use, and a professional crew of five that includes a master chef.

The company is giving 10 percent off per cabin and whole-boat charters on all April departures on La Belle Epoque and L’Art de Vivre, which cruise the Burgundy region. It is also offering the same deal in April on Anjodi on the Canal du Midi and the Scottish Highlander in Scotland.

Meanwhile, those who book by Jan. 6 get 5 percent off whole-boat charters on EnchantÈ from May through October. Rosa offers 10 percent off whole-boat charters for all March, April and May departures on the Canal du Midi and Gascony, as well as 5 percent off all whole-boat charters for June through October.

The 20-passenger La Bella Vita is offering 10 percent off whole-boat charters for all April departures and 5 percent off whole-boat charters for May-through-October departures. Bookings must be made by Jan. 6 on the River Po cruise between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua.

European Waterways are launching their ‘Barging and Biking’ options for 2012. Because so many passengers enjoy taking some exercise during their hotel barge cruise – especially after indulging in the gourmet meals served on board – all of the hotel barges carry bicycles.

Biking Plus
For those passengers who would like to be a little more adventurous, a number of thebarges now offer a Biking Plus option. Whilst others are relaxing on deck, or maybe enjoying a stroll, guests can take a bike and follow an interesting, but not too challenging carefully researched route.

They will be given clearly marked maps for each round trip route and a backpack with everything they might need so that, for an hour or two, they can explore the surrounding countryside and villages along the lanes and byways. Then they can just rejoin the barge where they left her – or maybe a little further along the canal. They won’t miss any of the organised excursions or much of the cruising, but will have seen a little more of the people and places around them – and done themselves some good at the same time!

Tandem Biking
Most people haven’t had the chance to ride a tandem bike, but European Waterways now have them on board some of their hotel barges. A romantic and amusing way on a bicycle made for two and not as hard as many people might think.

Biking Charters
Lastly, for more committed cyclists, European Waterways offer biking charters with half day guided itineraries, upgraded bikes and lunch picnics – but still with their usual five star hotel barge service.

Prices for a 6 night Barging and Biking cruise aboard a European Waterways hotel barge start from £2,090pp in a twin/double cabin, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters also available.

Contact European Waterways: 01753 598555 Website: www.gobarging.com

For those who’d rather be in convivial company over Christmas and New Year and enjoy a festive and `moving’ Christmas experience AmaWaterways has departures on 23rd and 25th December on its 7 night luxury river cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam, including up to two additional nights’ free on board, and a departure on its Christmas Time Cruise, from Nuremberg to Budapest on 26th December. The sailings include drinks parties, festive dinners and nightly evening entertainment and the opportunity to see the skies light up over Europe on New Year’s Eve with parties and fireworks. In keeping with the Christmas spirit clients leaving their shoes outside cabin doors on Christmas Eve will wake to find them filled with sweets, the ship is lavishly and festively decorated, guests can join staff with Carol singing and expect a visit from Santa himself.

To spend Christmas on the move, AmaWaterways has a choice of two cruise itineraries:-

Those taking a week long Christmas cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam on the luxury river cruiser AmaLegro, departing on 23rd December, can enjoy free additional two night stay on board for the nights of 30th and 31st December, inclusive of all meals and free flowing wine with dinner. The cruise meanders through Europe’s waterways and festively decorated cities providing a relaxed and festive Christmas experience and costs from £1195 per person, including the two additional free nights on board, with all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, with complimentary house wine), free wi-fi, free use of on board bicycles and daily tours, hosted by knowledgeable guides. The company also has a departure on 25th December for £975pp, with one additional night free in Amsteredam. AMAWATERWAYS UK reservations: Freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

The company’s Christmas Time Cruise takes a fascinating trip along the Danube, Europe’s second largest river, from Nuremberg on the Main-Danube Canal, across the Contnental Divide and on to Budapest. The cruise departs on 26th December and daily stops include the medieval town of Regensberg, the picturesque 2000 year old city of Passau in Austria with an optional tour to Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg, on to Austria’s third largest city, Linz and the Benedictine Abbey at Melk, before continuing through the Wachau Valley and arriving in Vienna for an overnight stay, a guided city tour and the opportunity to join an optional Mozart or Strauss concert. The cruise concludes as the ship arrives into the twin cities of Buda and Pest, spread on both banks of the Danube, where a guided tour includes the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvellous Royal Palace and St. Stephen’s Basilica. The week long cruise costs from £1345 per person and includes all meals on board (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner), unlimited wine with dinner, a daily sightseeing programme, on board folklore and musical performances, bicycles for use in port, a high-tech in-cabin entertainment system and free internet access. Excludes flights. AMAWATERWAYS UK reservations: Freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

/travmedia.com/ Each AMAWATERWAYS cruise includes all meals on board (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner), unlimited wine with dinner, a daily sightseeing programme, on board folklore and musical performances, bicycles for use in port, a high-tech in-cabin entertainment system and free internet access.

AMAWATERWAYS UK reservations: Freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

Brendan Vacations is offering several new itineraries for Europe in 2012, including the 12-day Crossroads of Cultures and Contrasts: Bosnia, Croatia & Slovenia; the 11-day Discovering the Balkans; the 17-day From Greece to Dalmatia; the eight-day Highlights of Slovenia; and the 15-day Fabled Cities of Europe: Zagreb to Venice. All are being offers as Definite Departures. They include first class accommodations, breakfast daily and some lunches and dinners.

Also new, but not offered as definite departures are The Best of Russia, Baltic States and Warsaw, 14, 16 or 18 days; Dalmatian Sunshine, Dubrovnik to Zagreb, 10 days; Imperial Cities Showcase, Vienna to Warsaw, 10 days; From Bohemia to Transylvania, Prague to Bucharest, 14 days; The Best of Ukraine, Poland and Hungary, 12 days; Belgrade to Zagreb, 12 days; and Glimpse of Italy, nine or 12 days.

General Tours World Traveler is offering two new Small Group Journeys to Eastern Europe. The Small Group Journey product line is distinguished by having never more than 16 guests to a group, with boutique hotel stays, quality meals and activities not possible in a larger group. They are designed to provide a deeper and more authentic look into the culturally diverse destinations.

New for 2012, Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe is a 10-day trip to Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow and Budapest featuring distinguished hotels like the Regent Berlin, deemed one of the best places to stay in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, and the Sofitel Chain Bridge overlooking the Danube in the heart of Budapest. Activities include a visit to the Schindler Factory Museum in Krakow, dinner with a Polish family in the charming town of Lowicz and a countryside excursion to Szentendre, an ancient Hungarian town and now-thriving artists’ colony in the Danube Bend. A pre-trip extension to Prague and Dresden features five-star city-center hotels, complete sightseeing and all on-tour transportation including first class rail from Dresden to Berlin to join the Grand Capitals tour.

Also new in 2012, Journey through Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, features landmark hotels and resorts such as the Grand Hotel Toplice, overlooking Lake Bled, and Zagreb’s Regent Esplanade, originally built for passengers of the Orient-Express train. The itinerary includes Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, as well as destinations rarely featured on traditional large-group escorted tours, such as the Salzburg Lake District; Graz, Ljubljana, often called “Little Prague,” and the sixteen cascading lakes of Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through Dec 30, General Tours is offering savings of $500 per person on bookings paid in full at the time of booking for either of the new trips to Eastern Europe.

Now in its 65th year, General Tours World Traveler offers Small Group, Privately Guided and Small Ship journeys to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Specifically designed for never more than 16 guests, the company’s programs promise immersive cultural encounters and authentic travel experiences not possible in a larger group. For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com

eWaterways, the small ship travel expert, will feature four naturist cruises to Croatia in 2012 on a fleet of motor powered sailing ships.

There are two different itineraries for the naturist cruises, both of which offer opportunities for guests to go clothing optional while on-board with clothes only required when in port and during meal times.

The Kvarner Bay Island Hopping Naturist Cruise is a round trip sailing from Opatija where holidaymakers can enjoy day trips to tranquil islands and secluded beaches for snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing.

In the evenings, guests can enjoy the local culture, explore inland dining options and enjoy tours of the picturesque towns and villages.

The nude cruise includes a stopover at Krk, the Adriatic’s largest island and visits to other picturesque islands such as Rab (“the island of love”), Zadar and Losinj.

The eight-day cruise departs on June 16, 2012, and Aug. 25, 2012, with prices starting at $745 per person (including daily breakfast, lunches, and taxes).

Flights, transfers and optional tours are not included but can be arranged by eWaterways.

The Dalmatian Island Hopping Naturist Cruise starts and ends in Split offering a true “back to nature” experience for cruisers in the Adriatic waters off Croatia’s coastline. Activities include skinny dipping on the daily agenda and the option of snorkeling, cave exploring, hiking or even white water rafting on the Cetina River. Departing from Dalmatia’s capital Split, the cruise ship travels to at least two islands per day, including Korcula, Lastovo, Komiza and Starigrad. The eight-day cruise departs on June 9, 2012, and August 18, 2012, with prices starting at $619 per person (including daily breakfast, lunches, and taxes). Flights, transfers and optional tours are not included but can be arranged by eWaterways.

For more information, call 877-217-4083 or visit www.ewaterways.us

General Tours World Traveler is offering six rail journeys worldwide, including new train trips in South Africa and Spain.

These small group, privately guided and hosted tours evoke an era when the romance of rail travel was as much a part of the journey as the exotic destinations themselves.

South African Style with Rovos Rail is a new 14-day program which combines General Tours’ upscale privately guided touring with the luxury train. It’s the first time that the Rovos Rail has ever been incorporated into an escorted tour program.

The company exclusively combines the two-night rail journey from Victoria Falls through Botswana to Pretoria with extensive private touring in the prestigious Sabi Sand Reserve, Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. Sophisticated accommodations include the historic Kirkman’s Camp at Kruger and Le Quartier Français, an award-winning Relais & Château property surrounded by vineyards in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley.

In addition to its popular Italy by Rail trip, General Tours has introduced two more seven-day hosted rail trips — Barcelona to Granada by Rail and Barcelona to Madrid by Rail.

As in Italy, both of these new programs feature the attentive services of the company’s on-the-ground team, a choice of city-center hotels to fit a variety of travel styles and budgets and included flexible sightseeing so guests can tailor the trip to their own interests.

Gems of Central Europe by Rail is a 10-day trip to Budapest, Vienna and Prague with private services exclusively for a client’s traveling party.

This perennial best seller features city-center five-star hotels, privately guided sightseeing, chauffeured rail station transfers and “onto-the-train” luggage handling.

First introduced last year, From China to Russia by Private Train has been enhanced for 2012 to include deluxe city-center hotel stays and small group sightseeing in Beijing, Moscow and now also St. Petersburg.

The centerpiece of this 15-day voyage is the Trans-Siberian rail journey aboard the private Zarengold Train.

Traveling through Mongolia and Siberia, the seven-day rail portion of the trip seamlessly blends four nights in a private air-conditioned compartment with off-the-train hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal.

With a complete sightseeing program of included rail excursions, the company’s never more than 16 guests approach.

Through Dec 30, 2011, General Tours’ travelers save $500 per person when they pay in full at time of booking for these rail journeys to South Africa, Central Europe and the Trans-Siberian. Clients can combine this limited-time discount with the company’s unique Family & Friends offer for additional savings of $50 to $150 per person when three or more guests travel together.

Travel agents who are members of General Tours Rewards earn a $100 bonus per booking when their clients take advantage of these pay-in-full savings. There is no limit to how much an agent can earn in bonuses, which are paid when clients travel. Agents who are not yet Rewards members can sign up for free at www.GeneralToursRewards.com

For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.GeneralTours.com