Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Holland America and thought it
would be of interest. As someone who has been to Europe on numerous
occassions in the last few years, I can vouch for the theme of this
press release. 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
Europe Cruises the Best Value With Current Exchange Rate
Holland America Line voyages offer more ports and more savings
SEATTLE, March 5
With the fluctuating exchange rate of the Euro, Americans looking to
get the most for their money while traveling in Europe will appreciate
the value of cruises. With only minimal shoreside expenses such as
souvenirs, consumers have found that planning a cruise is a proven
money-saver as well as a stress-reducer. To meet the increasing demand
for European holidays, Holland America Line is offering diverse cruise
itineraries and incredible savings on a premium cruise vacation
experience for the 2007 Europe season.
A recent comparison of a 10-day land tour versus a cruise vacation
revealed that a family of four could save up to 45 percent by booking
a 10-day Mediterranean cruise over a 10-day deluxe escorted land
vacation. The evaluation included typical expenses such as
accommodations, transportation between cities in Europe, food,
entertainment and tours. Estimated costs for a family of four totaled
$11,359 for the 10-day cruise vacation and $20,728 for the deluxe
escorted Europe land vacation.
"When you look at the overall experience, more travelers are catching
on to the fact that cruising, especially in Europe, is an incredible
value," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president,
marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "There's no
easier way to avoid the common travel headaches than by taking a
cruise. For example, guests wake up in a new port each day, but only
unpack once. They are pampered with the finest cuisine and amenities,
and are able to better plan their expenses than on a land-based
vacation."
In 2007, the line will sail its longest Europe season ever, visiting
more than 136 cities, including 13 maiden ports of call. European
cruises runs from March 12 through Nov. 3, 2007, and range from 10 to
56 days. Holland America is cruising to more regions in Europe than
ever before, including the Baltic, Scandinavia, Norwegian fjords,
Great Britain, Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Greece and the Black
Sea.
Guests seeking longer vacations in Europe can select from Holland
America's "Collectors' Voyages" cruises of 20 to 32 days made by
combining two shorter itineraries with little or no port repetition
and significant discounts on cruise fares. Guests booking "Collectors'
Voyages" receive up to 27 percent additional savings as well.
Holland America Line currently is offering the significant savings on
verandah staterooms. Guests can save $850 per person by booking a
verandah stateroom for $2,199 on the 10-day, Westerdam May 10 or 30,
or June 9, 2007 cruises sailing roundtrip from Rome.
For cruise brochures or for more information, consult a professional
travel agent.
Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to
more than 320 ports. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven
continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand
and Asia and Grand World Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the
Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama
Canal.
In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich,
Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of
cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers. Its recently
completed $225 million fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements
added features such as the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food &
Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more
than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking
demonstrations and classes - Explorations Cafe powered by The New York
Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities
highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
For more information, consult a travel agent.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
Among the highest-rated cruise lines 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. |