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LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Majestic America Line Announces 2008 Theme Cruises Designed to
Highlight the Regional Character of America
American river and coastal cruising leader will provide an amazing
collection of themed voyages in 2008, capturing the extraordinary
American experience
SEATTLE, June 28
Majestic America Line, one of the world's premier river cruise lines
and the largest river and coastal cruising company in America, today
announced a remarkable collection of themed cruises in 2008 designed
to showcase the amazing natural and cultural treasures of the United
States. With 77 themed cruises planned for 2008, discerning travelers
can choose from an array of extraordinary American travel experiences
such as the new "Rediscover New Orleans" journey or from some classic
river cruising favorites like the beautiful "Fall Foliage" or
traditional "Spring Pilgrimage" programs.
By assembling the most informative presenters, compelling entertainers
and a host of educational shore tours that only add richness to the
cruise's theme, Majestic America Line provides guests with a
handcrafted, cruise experience they simply cannot find anywhere else.
"The music, history, culture, holidays and events along the river make
up the heart and soul of our country," said David A. Giersdorf,
President, Majestic America Line. "America is the greatest destination
in the world, and our collection of unique themed cruises was
especially designed to highlight all that our country has to offer."
Rediscover New Orleans
Majestic America Line will launch its 2008 season with a New Orleans-
themed cruise, where guests will discover the vibrant energy and
cultural treasures of this fabled city aboard Majestic America Line's
flagship, the 436-guest American Queen. This roundtrip journey from
the Crescent City allows passengers a full extra day to explore New
Orleans with a choice of two included shore tours. Guests can select
from an array of options, which include a historic walking tour of the
French Quarter, a culinary adventure at a Cajun cooking school, a
touching visit to the National World War II Museum or a colorful tour
of Mardi Gras floats at Mardi Gras World. Guests will also have the
chance to experience famous New Orleans' mainstays like Bourbon
Street, Harrah's Casino and the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square
up close and personal at their own leisure.
Special enrichment presenters will share insights into the
one-of-a-kind history, culture and significance of New Orleans and the
Mississippi River, providing guests with a unique perspective as the
ship sails through the heart of one of America's most unique cities.
With seven sailings to choose from in January and February, rates for
the seven-night program start from $1,799 per person based on double
occupancy.
Southern Style Spring Pilgrimage
With cruises aboard the American Queen or the completely refurbished
328- guest Mississippi Queen, guests can drift into the elegance and
charm of the South as springtime comes into bloom. Highlights of this
beautiful cruise include informative presentations detailing the
intriguing history and culture of the Plantation South, as well as an
exclusive tour of classic antebellum mansions, rarely open to the
public. Guests on select sailings will also enjoy an unforgettable
community performance reliving the history of Natchez, Miss., a city
older than New Orleans, featuring 200 local performers who have
entertained audiences for more than 75 years.
With 10 sailings to choose from between March and April, rates for the
seven-night program on the American Queen or Mississippi Queen start
from $1,799 per person.
Three Steamboat Race Cruise
Experience the nostalgic excitement of the days of Mark Twain with
three steamboat races aboard just one 14-night cruise on the 174-guest
Delta Queen, a National Historic Landmark. During this cruise, guests
will experience laid- back life on the river as they learn how
steamboats paved the way for westward expansion. As guest lecturers
illuminate the history of the magnificent steamboats that shaped
America, the Delta Queen will race the Natchez in New Orleans, the
American Queen between Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss., and the Belle of
Louisville as they arrive in Louisville in the famous Great Steamboat
Race. Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the Mud Island
River Park in Memphis and its five-block-long replica of the
Mississippi River as they relive our nation's early days.
Rates for this exclusive 14-night sailing, departing New Orleans on
April 18, start from $3,999 per person based on double occupancy.
Cruise Through History on the Delta Queen
Majestic America Line invites guests to step into a time when
steamboats ruled the river to celebrate the legend of the beloved
Delta Queen on the mighty Mississippi River. As onboard entertainers
share the music of our nation's early days, guest lecturers -- who may
include noted historians, authors or previous captains and staff --
bring the story of the ship's incredible history to life. An included
shore tour of the Cincinnati Museum Center will allow guests to
explore the beautiful Union Terminal and the Cincinnati History
Museum, learning the colorful history and true impact these steamboats
have had on American expansion.
With six 10-night departures between May and October and four 11-night
departures between June and September, fares from $3,199 per person
based on double occupancy.
Remembering the Civil War
Guests can relive the drama of the Civil War era aboard the Delta
Queen as recognized experts highlight major battle sites along the
breathtaking Ohio and Cumberland Rivers cruise route, regaling the
courage, struggle and historical significance of the war that united
and shaped the country. Guest performers in the evening will delight
passengers with Civil War era music or a surprise visit from Abraham
Lincoln himself. Guests can see first-hand how the river played a
pivotal role in both the Union and the Confederacy, with an included
shore tour of Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Dover, Tenn., the
site of the first major Union victory which led to the fall of the
first Confederate state capital at Nashville.
With four seven-night departures between May and August, fares
starting from $2,299 per person based on double occupancy.
Music of America Independence Day Celebration
Join Majestic America Line in commemorating Independence Day in grand
style along the Mississippi River with the classic American music of
the 1940s Big Band era. Guests aboard the American Queen will dance
each night away to the sounds of Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians as
they sail from Memphis to St. Louis, where a spectacular Fourth of
July fireworks show will capture their fascination under the arch at
the riverfront. Guests aboard the Mississippi Queen will tap their
feet to the Russ Morgan Orchestra as they make the voyage from St.
Louis to St. Paul, Minn., stopping in Dubuque, Iowa, and in Hannibal,
Mo., to tour the boyhood home of the legendary Mark Twain.
Fares for the seven-night cruise on either the June 28 sailing on the
American Queen or the June 29 voyage on the Mississippi Queen start at
$1,999 per person.
Fall Foliage
One of the most popular cruises, Majestic America Line's Fall Foliage
cruises allow guests to experience the fall colors of America's
Heartland along the Upper Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in a way unlike
any other. With 22 itineraries aboard the American Queen, Mississippi
Queen or Delta Queen, guests now have their choice of ship from which
they will savor the natural, scenic wonder of autumn. Onboard
naturalists and guest lecturers deliver informative presentations and
highlight points of interest along the river, occasionally directing
attention to a bald eagle or unique natural fixture in the fall
landscape along the river bank.
The American Queen and Mississippi Queen will depart on eight
seven-night cruises each during September and October with fares
starting from $2,099 per person based on double occupancy, while the
Delta Queen will make six departures from seven to 10 nights with
starting fares ranging from $2,499 to $3,199 per person based on
double occupancy.
Cajun-Style Season's Greetings
Become a part of the Majestic America Line family this holiday season
aboard the intimate, lavishly decorated American Queen or Mississippi
Queen both of which feature all the comforts and true spirit of the
holidays at home. Guests will marvel at the panoramic views of the
Lower Mississippi as they decorate gingerbread cookies and gather
around the holiday bonfire at a Gala Feast, while a local Cajun
storyteller brings traditional Louisiana holiday customs to life.
With 10 seven-night cruises on the Lower Mississippi River, fares
start at $1,799 per person.
Western Heritage Holidays
Celebrate the holidays on the Western frontier aboard the Empress of
the North along the mystic Columbia River, where guests can bring to
their own traditions to the heritage-rich Pacific Northwest. Onboard
festivities include holiday cooking demonstrations, performances by
cowboy poets and musicians and a hearty feast that rivals any
home-cooked holiday dinner.
With five seven-night cruises on the Columbia River, fares start from
$2,599 per person based on double occupancy.
Early Bookings Ensure the Best Choices and Value
These popular American river and coastal cruises will book quickly.
Guests who book a Majestic America Line cruise for seven nights or
longer on the Mississippi or Ohio Rivers before Oct. 31, 2007 will
receive a choice of free airfare or a $300 per person round-trip
airfare credit. Additionally, past guests receive five percent Early
Advantage Savings Rates.
In addition to the cruise itself, select shore excursions, soft
drinks, specialty coffees, on board enrichments and entertainment
programs are all included in the price of a Majestic America Line
cruise.
For additional information, contact your Travel Professional.
About Majestic America Line
Majestic America Line is the premier river and coastal cruising
company in the United States, offering uniquely American cruise
itineraries that provide an extraordinary travel experience.
With a fleet of seven U.S.-flagged and built ships, Majestic America
Line travels America's great rivers and coastal waterways from Alaska
and the Pacific Northwest to the Heartland and the Lower Mississippi.
The company's specially designed ships deliver an unequalled boutique
cruise experience that combines an unmatched attention to quality with
deluxe comfort and warm, attentive service from an American crew.
Based in Seattle, Majestic America Line is a division of Ambassadors
Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors
International, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMIE. |