A Taste of the OLife: Oceania's showcase of their famous MS Regatta

I was recently invited to spend a few hours on board MS Regatta as she made port in charming Montreal. From the moment I stepped on board, I was struck by Regatta’s ambiance. She possesses a sense of style and classical grace, yet maintains that elegance and calm atmosphere that Oceania guests love. With only 684 guests on board, Regatta and her sisters Insignia and Nautica, feel warm, welcoming and intimate, as smaller vessels while offering the conveniences and amenities of the larger ships. In other words Regatta is the best of both worlds… a cozy, sociable ship that is able to access out-of-the-way ports of call that are off-limits to mega ships. I found the number of facilities on board exciting, from lounges like the Horizon’s top-ship observatory to the Martini Bar and from restaurants such as Italian Toscana to the best grill at sea – Waves Grill.

I was treated to an incredible Gala Luncheon - cuisine is where Oceania really sets the bar high. Chef Maarten Smeet prepared a special menu that included Fingerling Potato with Sturgeon Caviar, Risotto All’Aragosta, Filet de Boeuf Sauce Perigourdine, ‘Den Miso Glazed Sea Bass, and Samba Milk Chocolate Mousse Cake. These dishes are a feast for the sense. The favours are rich and diverse, and the presentation is spectacular. I was surprised the staff had no problem accommodating the two strict vegan ladies who sat next to me, with delicious dishes. I later found out they are able to accommodate just about any dietary preference, and that is a rare perk for some travellers.

While exploring the ship, I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the passengers, as MS Regatta was mid journey on her fantastic Eastern Canada and United States voyage. They were eager to tell me about the amazing service and food they were experiencing. They had high praise for the staff of MS Regatta, and great things to say about Montreal’s charm. I cannot recall meeting so many guests who were so brand loyal, and for many of them this was their second or third cruise, reflecting Oceania’s commitment to continually providing great value and exceeding the high expectations of their guests.

The passion of the cruise staff is something to be admired. Tasmanian native, Cruise Director Julie James, ensures top notch onboard hospitality and entertainment. She has an absolutely delightful personality. Thank you to Oceania and their guests for welcoming me so warmly aboard. MS Regatta is more than a ship, it's an experience, and I really wish I could continue on your journey with you. 

For our clients who are sailing or will sail with Oceania soon.... and for those of you thinking of entrusting your next voyage with Oceania… rest assured you are in for an excellent experience and highly satisfying vacation.

-Angelika


  


aboard MS Regatta, Montreal skyline

 
 

Crystal Cruises to expand Luxury Ocean to Luxury River to Luxury Air!

Crystal Cruises to Expand Luxury Travel in Ocean, River, Yacht and...AIR   Luxury Line Announces Unprecedented Plans to Become First and Only Hospitality Brand to Offer Luxurious Explorations and Adventures for Ocean, Expedition, River, Yacht and Air   LOS ANGELES, July 19, 2015 – Exactly 25 years after Crystal Cruises set its course as a leader in luxury cruising with the launch of the first of three ships, the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line is charting a new, much more vast, route. Aboard the line’s annual President’s Cruise on Crystal Serenity and Chairman’s Cruise on Crystal Symphony respectively, Crystal’s president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez and Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay announced today Crystal’s plans for the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality. Over the next three years, Crystal Cruises will introduce new ships – effectively establishing three brand new classes of cruising – as well as its own Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.   In their special address to guests, Rodriguez and Tan Sri Lim made clear of new parent company, Genting Hong Kong’s investment in maintaining Crystal’s award-winning reputation and writing a new chapter in the continuing story of Crystal Cruises. The Chairman stated, "Our intent is to make Crystal Cruises the core of what will become the world’s premier luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand portfolio, not only for the immediate future but for years to come."   In her announcement on Crystal Serenity, Rodriguez shared her enthusiasm about the expansion of Crystal Cruises, saying, "We continue to think bigger, aiming to create unparalleled luxury experiences and adventures for our loyal and new guests, who – like Crystal – continue to seek broader horizons and new perspectives on the world." She added, "We are ecstatic to continue pioneering new areas of luxury travel. Crystal’s newly expanded fleet will truly be travelers’ passport to virtually the entire world."   The stunningly ambitious timeline of new Crystal products begins at the end of 2015. Crystal Yacht Cruises – December 23, 2015 Late this year, Crystal Esprit will embark on its maiden voyage as the first expansion of the Crystal Cruises fleet. The vessel is an extravagantly appointed yacht, delivered to Crystal Cruises by Genting Hong Kong (GHK), and extensively redesigned to reflect the stylish elegance for which Crystal is renowned. The 62-guest, 3,300-tonnage yacht will offer intimate, exclusive, and immersive experiences with a boutique ambiance. The all-suite yacht will feature posh, high-end finishes and modern technology, and is outfitted with some decidedly extreme features, like a two-passenger submarine, four 10-passenger zodiacs for special excursions and a 12-passenger Wider 32-foot super yacht tender for special boating adventures. Additionally, at their guests’ fingertips are water skis, wake boards, kayaks, jet skis, fishing, scuba, and snorkel equipment   Set for delivery in November 2015, Crystal Esprit marks the debut of the new all-inclusive Crystal Yacht Cruises program, which will sail regional, warm-water itineraries of seven days and offer thrilling experiences on water and ashore. The first voyage sails December 23, 2015, exploring the Seychelles Islands, followed by an inclusive, post-cruise New Year’s Eve celebration at the Taj Dubai Hotel. Effective immediately for Crystal Society members (the line’s repeat guest loyalty program), 2015 – through early 2018 Crystal Yacht Cruises itineraries are exclusively available for booking through August 31, 2015.   For 2016 and 2017, and early 2018, Crystal Esprit routes for the Seychelles Islands, Dubai and Adriatic Coast include:   Seychelles Islands – Mahé, Victoria; St. Anne Island, La Passe, la Digue; Baie Ste. Anne, Praslin; Laraie Bay, Curieuse Island; Anse Saint Jose, Curieuse Island; Cousin Island; Aride; Big Sister Island; and Desroches Island)   Dubai - Khasab and Muscat, Oman; Doha, Qatar; Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi, UAB)   Venice, Italy/Dubrovnik, Croatia - Rovinj, Sibenik, Trogir, Vis, Hvar, and Korcula, Croatia   Dubrovnik, Croatia/Venice, Italy - Kotor, Montenegro; Split, Zadar, and Opatija, Croatia; and Piran, Slovenia   Dubrovnik, Croatia/ Athens, Greece - Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Parga, Itea, Hydra, and Navplion, Greece)   All-inclusive "Book Now" yacht fares start at just $2,690 per person for a four-day, roundtrip Mahé, Victoria, Seychelles itinerary in 2017.   Crystal River Cruises – 2017 The spring of 2017 brings more growth with Crystal River Cruises. Featuring expertly curated itineraries, Crystal River Cruises will offer the hallmarks of the all-inclusive Crystal experience – six-star service, world-class dining, and enriching shore-side adventures. Spacious suites with exquisitely designed interiors and elegant public rooms will punctuate Crystal’s entry into worldwide river cruising.   Crystal Luxury Air – 2017 Also in 2017, Crystal’s brand of Six-Star luxury will soar to new heights with the launch of Crystal Luxury Air, becoming the first in the luxury travel industry to offer extravagant around-the-world trips on the world’s most advanced twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The plush aircraft, which typically seats 300, will fly 60 guests in fully reclining business class seats to coveted destinations to which major airlines do not offer nonstop service. Each approximately 28-day itinerary will visit 10-12 remote and/or sought-after locales, with accommodations at some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts; cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs inspired by the destination; and world-class cultural entertainment.   Ocean Vessels: "Crystal Exclusive Class" – Late 2018 Certainly not resting on any laurels, Crystal returns its focus to the seas, with three new "Crystal Exclusive Class," cruise ships with the first expected for delivery in late 2018. Genting Hong Kong has signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft in Germany to build the polar ice class vessels. Lloyd Werft is widely recognized in the shipping industry for its excellent reputation and success with world-class new builds, building and lengthening six Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, including the Pride of America, the only ocean cruise ship flying the American Flag, sailing year round in Hawaii.   "Our vision and revolutionary plans for Crystal’s ocean vessels requires us to partner with a premium shipyard that has the expertise and resources to deliver the ‘Crystal Exclusive Class’," said Tan Sri Lim. "Lloyd Werft is synonymous with successful world-class new builds and luxury mega yachts, including Luna, the second largest expedition private yacht in the world, measuring at 337 feet long."   With the introduction of these new vessels, Crystal will be the first-ever cruise line to deliver expedition-capable ships with all the signature features and amenities of a luxury ship or private yacht. The all-suite, all balcony ship will accommodate 1,000 guests, similar to the capacity on Crystal Symphony (922) and Crystal Serenity (1,070), and weigh more than 100,000 gross tons.   "With an impressive 100 tons of space per guest, the average space ratio for luxury cruise ships being 60 tons per person, our new ships’ guest-to-space rations will be vast in comparison to past, current and under-construction luxury ships, reaching all corners of the world safely, smoothly and in the utmost style and comfort," said Rodriguez.   Additionally, for the first time ever, guests will have the opportunity to call a Crystal ship "home," with innovative Crystal Residences. Situated on the top deck of the new ships will be 48 unique homes, boasting their own private restaurant, reception and facilities, and much higher ceilings (9 feet) than residences on any other cruise ships or yachts; and equal to most land apartments. Residences will start at 600 square feet and go to more than 4,000 square feet of interior living area, which will be the largest on the high seas.   Other revolutionary features being introduced on Crystal’s new vessels are: a whopping 400 square feet minimum for the guestroom suites - nearly doubling the size on other luxury vessels; increased ceiling heights by one f00t to 8 feet in all suites and decks; raising the bar on personal attention and service with 1,000 crew members on the ships to provide an unheard of one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio; an abundance of mouthwatering options centered on the art and expertise of Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs; and intrepid yacht-like amenities including submarines, helicopters and zodiacs.   The plans fulfill Rodriguez’s growing vision for the company since taking the helm in 2013, while also solidifying Crystal’s unrivaled reputation for innovating new facets of luxury travel.  "It has been a personal mission of mine since joining Crystal to see this incredible company reach new potential – and thus, new luxury travelers – as we continue to deliver unparalleled guest experiences and superior standards of excellence."   For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.   Crystal Cruises is the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line, having earned more "World’s Best" awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Crystal Cruises has won "World’s Best Cruise Ship" in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 21 years; voted "World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line" by Travel + Leisure readers for 20-consecutive years; the "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Virtuoso; and both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity were rated as two of the "Top 5 mid-size ships" by the 2015 Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships.   ###   PHOTOS: Crystal Esprit and Crystal Cruises Fleet Expansion Artist Concepts https://www.hightail.com/download/bXBiZGVXSytnYU5FQmRVag   CONTACT: Paul M. Garcia Molly Morgan Virginia Sheridan Crystal Cruises Crystal Cruises Finn Partners Director, Public Relations Publicist, Public Relations Managing Partner (310) 203-4305 (310) 203-4304 (646) 307.6302 mediarelations@crystalcruises.com VISIT: Crystal’s Media Center ENGAGE: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Voted #1 Cruise Line in the World 18- years! (Conde' Nast - Travel and Leisure)  Posted by: Cruise Holidays of Clarkson / Clarkson Travel Contact us at info@clarksontravel.ca OR 1 866 919 2111

Visiting Paradise ... aka French Ploynesia

PREAMBLE

In this article, we describe our visit to French Polynesia in November 2014. The intent of the article is to pass on to you the richness of this travel destination; one of the most enjoyable, relaxing and spellbinding vacations we have experienced. Some of you may prefer to explore what Paul Gauguin Cruises has to offer - all of its itineraries, its schedule of notable guests and on board lecturers. You can review this information directly on Paul Gauguin Cruises' website by clicking HERE.

WHAT VISITORS TO FRENCH POLYNESIA NEED TO KNOW

POPULATION

French Polynesia has a population of approximately 275,000. The capital city is Papeete on the island of Tahiti. Tahiti has an estimated 184,000.

CURRENCY

The islands will accept US dollars and Euros. The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP) which is pegged to the Euro. During our stay, one CAD had a value of approximately 75 CFP. Major credit cards are generally accepted, with MasterCard and Visa favoured.

CLIMATE

French Polynesia is a year-round tropical destination. The average annual air temperature is 26 degrees Celsius. During our stay in mid-November, we experienced temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees. Water temperature in the ocean us also 26 degrees on average.

VISAS

Canadian and US citizens do not require visas to visit French Polynesia.

_________________________________________________________________________________

AHHH! PARADISE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC...

It was sunny and warm. It was early Sunday November 16. We could see the steep mountains of Huahine Nui, French Polynesia from the window of our balcony stateroom. We were on board the luxurious m/s Paul Gauguin on a 7-day cruise of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. We had embarked the Gauguin the day before.

French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and atolls scattered over 3.9 million square kilometres. By comparison, Continental Europe is just over 2.5 times larger at 10.2.  Its islands are divided into five groups or archipelagos – the Marquesas Islands (North-East), the Tuamotu Islands (East), the Society Islands (West), the Austral Islands (South-West) and the Gambier Islands (South-East).

We watched BBC News on TV while we waited for our breakfast waiter. The TV images showed Buffalo NY buried under a seven-foot snowfall. What a contrast! On this, our third day in Paradise, Huahine beckoned outside. We had already become immersed in the natural beauty that surrounded us and in the cheery hospitality of this charming people. Winter seemed distant indeed; more like figments of our imagination. We were on a different planet, where the water and air temperatures had the same averages -- 26 degrees Celsius.

The Gauguin had dropped anchor in water that is said to have visibility up to 45 metres deep. The turquoise ring of colour surrounding the islands defines the lagoon; and the colour of the lagoon contrasted with the blue of deeper water where we were anchored. The island itself seemed powerful with its ridged cliffs towering above the water. The surf was at a considerable distance out to sea at the coral reef. We were in another world!

Our minds drifted to the other Paradise, Hawaii. We realized French Polynesia’s lagoons were formed over a considerable period of time; at least a million years we are told.  We concluded that Hawaii, by comparison, is at a relatively early stage of formation. Hawaii’s lagoons are yet to be formed; craters are not yet submerged. The existence of lagoons extends real estate; hotels build romantic and exotic thatch-roofed bungalows over water. In Bora Bora, our guide pointed out Jack Nicholson’s and Marlon Brando’s bungalows nestled alongside each other. Add welcoming people and islands with buildings not higher than a palm tree! French Polynesia enchants you!

The m/s Paul Gauguin, once part of the Radisson Seven Seas Cruise fleet, has been cruising these waters continuously since 1998. There is everything imaginable on board to satisfy the interests of its guests. In its Marina, accessible from deck 4 aft, guests can be outfitted with snorkel or scuba gear. For those wishing to explore above the water, kayaks and paddle boards are available. For those seeking a different experience, helicopter rides, wave runners, paragliding and more can be arranged. Preview an action video of shore excursions. CLICK HERE
Talented native French Polynesians co-mingle and entertain guests on board the ship, and at BBQ lunch at a motu next to the island of Taha’a. These are the Gauguines and Gauguins, true magnets for guests. In La Palette Lounge on deck 8, enjoy the company of fellow guests as you listen to their folkloric singing to guitar and mandolin accompaniment; join them in sing-alongs. And on stage at the Grand Salon on deck 5, join others as they perform the dances of the Polynesians – an enticing almost provocative style by the Gauguines and warrior-like performances by the Gauguins. CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR BBQ MOTU VISIT OFF TAHA'A.

Paul Gauguin Cruises does not disappoint the curious- minded; there are lecturers on each

sailing. On our cruise we enjoyed an entertaining and informative talk by Mark Eddowes, an archaeologist and anthropologist. We missed Jean-Michel Cousteau; well known for his work in oceanography. Mr. Eddowes came direct from a dig to present his talk. On the next day, he led a group to archaeological sites and current digs. Mr. Cousteau shares his extensive research and knowledge of oceanography through video and other media. He also leads guests on dives – quite a treat for avid divers at one of the world’s premier dive locations.
Having finished breakfast, we prepared to join others on our first shore excursion. We set out with Paul, an anthropologist and tour guide, on a visit to the sacred sites of Huahine Nui and a small vanilla plantation. Paul gave us insights into Polynesian migration and history, the relatively good standard of lifestyle French Polynesians enjoy today, and information on the governing arrangement within this French Protectorate.

GETTING TO PAPEETE, TAHITI

Air Tahiti Nui is a good choice for your flight from Los Angeles to Papeete. For cruisers on Paul Gauguin Cruises, we recommend you purchase air and pre or post-cruise hotel accommodations from Paul Gauguin Cruises. This assures a hassle-free travel experience that includes transfers from and to the airport, to and from the hotel and to and from the ship.
The overnight flight on Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles to Papeete is eight hours long - similar in length to flights to Honolulu or Frankfurt from Toronto. The time difference is also similar; French Polynesia and Hawaii are both five hours behind Toronto; Frankfurt is six hours ahead.

A POPULAR STOPPING OFF POINT FOR NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA TRAVELERS

The five-star InterContinental Papeete Hotel is astonishing! Our porter's tattoos marked him as from the Marqueses Islands. He wore nothing other than sandals and a pareo. We were overawed by the beauty and scenery surrounding this hotel – its infinity pools, over-the-water bungalows, and a view of Moorea Island with its ever-present white puffy clouds; all this against a blue sky, offset by gardens and sea life. The hotel's services and staff made us feel as though we were long-time guests. New arrivals such as ourselves were easy to spot.

Like us, their eyes were open wide as were the lenses of their cameras. Several guests we met had extended their cruise vacation at Papeete or at one of the other islands. Others had stopped in on their way to or from New Zealand and Australia. The flight to New Zealand from Papeete is only 4.5 hours long.
The InterContinental Papeete provides a dinner and dance show each Friday. We watched a performance that depicted Paul Gauguin's life and passing in French Polynesia. An impressionist painter, Paul Gauguin is buried on the island of Hiva Ora, in the Marqueses.
The two short video clips following are of a Friday night performance at the InterContinental Papete depicting Paul Gauguin's life and death in French Polynesia. Watch video 1 HERE. Watch video 2 HERE.
After our two-night stay at the InterContinental Papeete, we had become proficient in the use of the words “la orana” (hello) and “maruru” (thank you). We were ready for our 7-day cruise.

THE GAUGUIN

m/s Paul Gauguin has a guest capacity of 332 on seven decks and a staff of 217. The serving staff for the most part are Filipino. The staff had phenomenal recall of our beverage preferences and gave the impression they had known the guests from previous lives.
All three of its restaurants -- L'Etoile, the main dining room on deck 5, Le Grill on deck 8 next to the

pool, and La Veranda on deck 6 presented excellent gourmet meals; it was commonplace for us guests to include “what did you have for dinner?” in our conversations. And “did you have the moon fish?” This fish meal was presented once and talked about for days. (We missed the chef’s demonstration attended by several where he showed how to carve the moon fish named for its circular shape and measuring 5.5 foot long (or was it 5.5 feet wide?)). Guests must make reservations for dinner at La Veranda or Le Grill. Both are transformed to an upscale experience for dinner, and … there is no charge for upscale dining!

The Gauguin’s selection of wines and other spirits were excellent -- sommeliers were well schooled and pay close attention to individual preferences. Many guests chose the Gauguin to celebrate special occasions. Honeymooners received special attention, as did wedding and birthday celebrants. This is a wonderful destination to celebrate such special events.
On our cruise, roughly half the guests were from the US. 44 from France, 31 from Australia and New Zealand, 24 from Canada followed by a mix from Tahiti (a honeymoon couple with entourage) Europe, Central and South America, Asia (China, Thailand) and Haiti.

ABOUT US

Zaneta and Joe Rochemont are owners of Cruise Holidays of Clarkson and Clarkson Tours, with offices in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Within the Cruise Holidays network, they achieved President Circle status in the shortest time of any store and have retained that status every year since 2009. Zaneta is the President and COO of Cruise Holidays of Clarkson. She entered the travel business after a successful career in teaching. Joe retains the position of Director of the Company and supports its operations through oversight and general operational support. Joe is a past executive of a major Canadian Bank and continues to own and operate a management consulting firm specialized in information technology management and advice. The staff at Cruise Holidays of Clarkson including Zaneta and Joe have each accompanied groups on travel and custom tours to virtually all parts of the world. They can be reached by telephone at 1 866 919 2111 or by email at info@clarksontravel.ca to inquire into individual, group or family travel, or to plan your special event. See our website at clarksontravel.pgcruises.com  .

Our February 2013 Invitations and Announcements

Cruise Holidays of Clarkson’s 2013 announcements

Welcome

Welcome to our February 2013 newsletter!

Here, we would like to tell you of the places we would like to take you in the months ahead and in the upcoming Holiday Season. We also invite you to attend and participate in our upcoming events – as you know we can accommodate up to thirty or so attendees comfortably – so call early to reserve your spot.

Upcoming events – you’re invited!

We invite you to the following four events and ask you to call us at 905 855 1700 to reserve a spot for yourself and any friends you would like to bring along. They are:

Feb 23rd	Voyages to Antiquity Presented by Michael Geske of Exclusive Tours and John Van Driel of the New Classical 96.3 FM starting at 3 pm at our store
Mar 5th	Scenic Tours Presentation by Neil Dudley starting at 7 pm at our store
Apr 2nd	South America  presented by Fernando Urgiles of Gateways International, at 7 pm at our store
May 2nd	Regent Seven Seas Cruises presentation by Beverley Vickers at 7 pm at the Mississauga Golf Club

A word on Voyages to Antiquity

Voyages to Antiquity operates the Aegean Odyssey, a premium class ship that carries an average of 350 guests passionate about history, art and cultures of the ancient world. We sailed the Aegean Odyssey on our Treasures of the Adriatic cruise in May 2011. Many of you travelled on this spectacular itinerary that traversed the sparkling waters alongside the Croatian Adriatic coast. This spring we will sail from Rome to Cannes and we will be accompanied by John Van Driel of the New Classical 96.3 FM. Join us—space is truly limited.

A word on Scenic Tours

Scenic Tours is a privately held Australian company and has been in the tour business since 1987. The company provides a truly all-inclusive river cruise experience; they have opted to differentiate themselves based on unexpected quality rather than replicating the service of their competitors. Please call to reserve a spot.

A word on South America

South America is a feast for the senses with something to fascinate and entertain all travelers. This time we have partnered with Gateways International and Oceania Cruises to present you with an intriguing itinerary visiting the ancient site of Machu Picchu, and sailing on the beautiful Regatta from Lima to Buenos Aires. Join us and learn about this fascinating winter destination.

A word on Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC)

Beverley Vickers of Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) will describe the amenities of the RSSC all-suite fleet. At one of Beverley’s presentations she said “The bathrooms and walk-in closets are oftentimes more elegant that those at our homes!” And Beverley should know, as her husband deals in real estate. No surprises await you in your statement of account at the end of the voyage – actually, there is no statement at all!
We plan to escort RSSC’s voyage in Australia and New Zealand next January. Please call to attend.

2013 River Cruises

Travelers’ interest in river cruising remain high; across the board availability is limited for the rest of 2013 and fellow travelers have started to book 2014 voyages. Good news for 2013 travelers, though! We have reserved cabins on specific 2013 departures and outline them below.

Port wine and Flamenco on the Douro River. This cruise tour travels between Lisbon, Portugal and Madrid, Spain, has hotel accommodations built-in at both ends and a seven-day cruise between Vega Terron and Porto. The ship, AMA Waterways newest, the AMAVida, will be launched this April. We hold space on the June 8^th departure from Madrid. Joe and / or Zaneta will escort the October 4^th voyage from Lisbon. Join us!

HURRY! We have one cabin left on “Magnificent Europe” departing Amsterdam for Budapest September 15^th. All 14 days are aboard AMA Waterways luxurious AMACerto. Victoria De Wildt will be escorting this voyage.

Europe’sRivers and Castles” from pristine Prague to romantic Paris is another enjoyable and emotionally fulfilling travel experience on which we hold space. This voyage departs September 23^rd and sails on the AMADolce.

Burgundy and Provence from scenic Arles to charming Lyon, sailing on September 29^th on the elegant Uniworld-River Royale.

2013 Ocean Cruises

We are really excited about our selection of voyages for the balance of this year and hope you will be too! In this newsletter we focus on near term departures – from April to July; we also include two very special destinations that need to be considered now as they fill early. These and 2014 voyages can be found on our “Value-Added Promotions” web page – we have selected this page heading as there is something extra included in each voyage. Please check them out.

These are the places we would like to take you this year. As mentioned each has some added value and we encourage you to contact us for details or to make a reservation.

April 7^th to April 23^rd: Joe and Zaneta will be escorting the “CanaryIslands Classic” on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity. The itinerary includes Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
Alexa Petrenko of the New Classical 963FM will be accompanying us and has planned a couple of fun sessions on board. The shore excursions are exclusive to Clarkson and we are proud of what we have been able to organize. Come with us, you’ll love it! 

April 22^nd to May 10^th: “PanamaPassage” on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Navigator travels from Miami to San Francisco. Enjoy the Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-inclusive hospitality on board where you can relax – no chits to sign.  Limited availability, savings are being offered; please call.

May 6^th to May 15^th: “Aegean Gems” on Oceania Cruises’ Riviera sails from Venice to the picturesque Dalmatian Coast, with stops at Kotor and Dubrovnik to name a few, disembark at Athens.

May 16^th to May 29^th: Enjoy the “Shoresof the Mediterranean” on Voyages to Antiquity’s Aegean Odyssey with John vanDriel, host of Little Night Music on the new Classical 96.3 FM. Many of you sailed with us on this ship in 2011 and came away full of praises – the itinerary, the quality of the shore excursions, were outstanding! The 2011 voyage was on the east side of Italy on the Adriatic. Our itinerary this May takes us along the western side of Italy – “The Middle Sea” as the Mediterranean is known. We start with two hotel days in Rome before ending in Cannes. Check this itinerary – it is a jewel. Call us to join John on board, or visit our web page at www.clarksoncruises.ca for more details.

May 16^th to May 28^th: Circumnavigate the British Isles on Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper from London (Southampton) to Copenhagen. One can kiss the Blarney Stone, absorb yourself in the blood and guts of medieval England’s history, enjoy tastings of Scotch whiskey, be stunned by the surprising landscape of this voyage. Call us, (there are savings available).

May 22^nd to May 31^st: A perfect time to enjoy “Alaskan Adventure” on RSSC’s Navigator as she sails on a ‘round trip voyage – Vancouver to Vancouver. Enjoy all-inclusive small ship travel as you take in the natural beauty of the stunning Alaskan coast. Savings are available – book now!

May 25^th to June 1^st: For a look at our Canadian coastline, and our history, join us on Holland America Line’s 7-DayCanada and New England Discovery onboard ms Veendam. This voyage starts in Quebec City and ends in Boston. A great opportunity to see Canada!

June 15^th to June 24^th: “Russian Reverie” on Crystal Cruises’ Serenity travels from Copenhagen to Stockholm with two full nights in St. Petersburg. We consider this to be amongst the best of times to travel this region – witness the “white nights’ where the sun never fully sets and its refracted light paints the sky like a canvas. If this and Crystal Cruises position as the world’s # 1 cruise line for 18 consecutive years are not sufficiently compelling to venture on this voyage, consider Hermitage, Peterhof, … this period in history and destination should not be missed. 

June 17^th to July 1^st: Care to enjoy opera and a change in pace with the English gentry? Join this Clarkson exclusive tour "Summer Intermezzo" that commences in London, England for two days, moves to Glyndebourne, East Sussex renowned for its lush gardens and Opera Festivals. Then on to Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 that awaits in Southampton for our westbound crossing to New York City. Those of you who have traveled the QM2 would be familiar with its dance floor – the largest on the ocean and courteous hosts eager to twirl with you to wonderful ballroom dance music. And on board, savour excellent lecturers, British fare and traditional cruising at its best.

June 25^th to July 5^th: “BalticOdyssey”: on Oceania Cruises’ Marina from Stockholm to Copenhagen with three days in St. Petersburg. Enjoy famed Jacques Pepin cuisine and a wide variety of restaurants on board. And there is Tallin, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland and Gdansk, Poland. Gratuities are prepaid.

July 4^th to July 22^nd:  “Voyage to the Midnight Sun” on Oceania Cruises’ Nautica from London (Tillsbury) to Copenhagen. Guests on this amazing cruise will experience the Arctic Circle, the lifestyles of the Nordic people – rugged coastline, rugged climate, and its rugged people. Great for history buffs and shoppers – crystals, sweaters, etc. Call us for more information.

November 4^th to November 26^th: Join the Aegean Odyssey again on “Highlights of ancient Egypt and India” from Cairo, Egypt to Delhi, India. This cruise tour has nine hotel nights included along with intra-regional flights. The excursions are out of this world and take us to ancient Egypt, and Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. We delve into India’s spectacularly rich sixteenth century Mughal dynasty. Past travelers on this itinerary (November 2012) have returned full of praise! We advise you to book early!

Ocean cruises over the Holiday Season

December 21^st to January 5^th: A perfect getaway over the Holiday Season for families and close friends. We invite you to Crystal Cruises’ 18-day voyage on Crystal Symphony from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile with boots on the ground in the Antarctic. This needs to be considered now.

About our “Refer a friend” program

We invite you to take advantage of our referral offer. Refer a friend, have your friend book and earn CAD 150 bonus on your next booking. Conditions apply.

Why Cruise Holidays of Clarkson

Store Front 1739 Lakeshore Road West

Cruise Holidays of Clarkson is independently owned and specializes in group and individual leisure travel services. Our business relies heavily on word of mouth and the promise of a lifetime travel experience.

We are part of Travel Leaders Group and benefit from the scale of that operation when dealing with suppliers. This positions us to provide significant value to our clients.

We have qualified for membership in Cruise Holidays’ President’s Circle, i.e. amongst the top 20 stores in North America, for the past four years, and we are a two-time recipient of Royal Bank Insurance’s award for quality business.

For more information on group or individual travel, see www.clarksontours.ca; or call 905 855 1700 or email info@clarksontravel.ca . Or better yet, drop in at our store located at 1739 Lakeshore Road West, Mississauga ON L5J 1J4; we have ample free parking at back.

Featuring Bali and other exotic Australasian destinations

Temples, Religions and Paradise – featuring Bali as a destination

As I write this, I am a week away from departing Toronto for Bangkok, Singapore, on Cruise Holidays of Clarkson’s “Orient Experience that travels by rail to Singapore, then on to Bali and Hong Kong. Two guests would have started their tour in Beijing two days earlier.

This voyage visits the teeming city of Bangkok with its famed temples Wat Arun and Wat Pho, travelers experience the Malaysian countryside as we travel to Singapore, and the “Island of the Gods” – Bali -- so named for its twenty thousand temples. We return home after three nights at the world’s shopping Mecca – Hong Kong.

Not having visited Bali before, I did a little research. I was preoccupied by the temples in Bangkok and astounded by the number of temples in Bali. I wondered about the culture and system of beliefs on this island of just under 4 million inhabitants. I learned the Balinese predominantly follow the Hindu religion; as compared to Buddhism in Singapore’s (5 million) and Bangkok’s (8 million). My research did not establish a clear predominance for Hong Kong (7 million) amongst Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and other religions practiced there.

Now for the jam on the bread – the word “Paradise” in the title; this is what Bali is also called!

Bali as a destination

Undoubtedly, Bali’s main source of income is tourism. Yet, Bali’s main port (Benoa) is new and was just opened to ocean-going cruise lines last year; I delved into the reason for this late entry, and discovered that Bali just recently, within the last fifty years, was able to establish the political wherewithal and stability to attract capital and to build its economy. A summary look at relatively recent events shows this: 

• 1949: Independence from Dutch rule.

• Mid 1960’s: General Suharto’s purge of rival Communist political parties / members. 500,000 Indonesians died, 80,000 of them Balinese.
• Post purge: creation of a democratic, western aligned, government. 
• “Paradise” reinstated; transition from an agriculturally-based economy to tourism.

The beauty of this island is nested in its people, its geography, and its culture. The society follows a caste structure, and is patriarchal. Family is big; generations occupy the same ancestral compound or village; women are typically the only members to move from one compound to another and that would be at her marriage -- to join her husband at his compound.

One of the fascinating features of Bali’s past is that of its complex irrigation system for rice paddy fields built circa 914. The island also treats tourists to rituals and culture with performances of the Barong dance (see mask) – a struggle between good and evil. Don’t be surprised to see monkeys as family pets.

A coral reef surrounds the island, bringing with it a wide variety of sea life --  952 documented species of fish. The island’s landscape is spectacular with high majestic volcanic peaks rising to 3,000 metres.

Bali Voyages to consider

For your consideration, we have identified four voyages involving three cruise lines that offer fulfilling itineraries and good value for money. Each has some variation of itinerary and we suggest you call us for details. We start below with the ship with least capacity and progress from there.

Voyages to Antiquity: “Bali to Bangkok and Beyond”

Voyages to Antiquity’s Aegean Odyssey has a capacity of 350 passengers. This 21-day voyage departs Bali January 21, 2013. It ends in Bangkok February 10^th and includes hotel nights in Bali, Siem Reap, Cambodia (the home of Angkor Wat) and Bangkok. To view details of this voyage CLICK HERE.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises “South Pacific Secrets”

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-suite Voyager has a capacity of 700-passengers. This 21-day voyage departs Bali December 19^th and ends in Auckland, NZ January 10^th. A most memorable way to celebrate both Christmas and New Year’s with your loved ones and family!
We invite you to call us for details, or visit www.clarksonregent.ca and select the December 19^th departure date for Voyager.

All-inclusiveness is just a part of the reason to travel with Regent. This voyage carries a generous shipboard credit of $700 per suite and significant savings if booked before November 1^st.

Crystal Cruises “Reefs and Rain Forests” and “Spice Islands and Beyond”

Crystal Cruises’ Symphony has a capacity of 940-passengers. We recommend two voyages, both with a duration of 12 days.

        “Reefs and Rain Forests” departs Sydney Australia February 11^th and arrives in Bali February 23^rd. Crystal Cruises has reduced the fare by $700 PP on this voyage if booked before October 31^st; call us to check whether this offer has been extended. We add to the attractiveness of this offer by including a $250 shipboard credit PP.“Spice Islands andBeyond” boards in Bali February 23^rd and sails February 24^th. This voyage ends in Singapore March 7^th. Crystal Cruises has reduced the fare by $1,200 PP on this voyage if booked before October 31^st; call us to check whether this offer has been extended. We add to the attractiveness of this offer by including a $250 shipboard credit PP.

 

Both these voyages provide the opportunity to extend one’s stay in Bali either pre or post cruise. Call us for details or visit www.clarksoncrystal.ca and select the above 2013 departure dates for Symphony.

Crystal Cruises has been voted #1 by Conde Nast Traveler for an unprecedented 18 years running. No hotel, resort, or other cruise line has such a record.

You may have heard Alexa Petrenko’s on-air invitation to join her on Crystal Cruises’ “Canary Islands Classical” that sails from Lisbon to Barcelona. You may view details at www.clarksoncruises.ca.

Group Tours at Clarkson

Group tours at Clarkson offer a promise of travel with like-minded travelers, the start of new friendships, learning from guides, and continuing enjoyment that lingers in one’s mind. Each year we select groups to escort and our 2013 selection is as follows:
April 7^th: Zaneta and Joe will escort “Canary Islands Classical” cruise tour from Lisbon to Barcelona
June 11^th: Tal McKelvey will escort the “Russian Waterways” cruise tour from St. Petersburg to Moscow
September 15^th: Victoria De Wildt will escort the “Magnificent Europe” cruise tour from Amsterdam to Budapest.

About our “Refer a friend” program

We invite you to take advantage of our referral offer. Refer a friend, have your friend book and earn CAD 150 bonus on your booking.

Why Cruise Holidays of Clarkson

Cruise Holidays of Clarkson is an independently owned travel agency specializing in group and individual leisure travel services. Our business relies heavily on word of mouth and the promise of a lifetime travel experience.

We consider it important to understand our clients’ travel dreams, preferences, and needs, to keep abreast of travel trends, opportunities, and geopolitics, and to deliver travel services aligned with expectations.

We are part of Travel Leaders Group and benefit from the scale of that operation when dealing with suppliers. This positions us to provide significant value to our clients.

Cruise Holidays of Clarkson is a member of Cruise Holidays’ President’s Circle, i.e. amongst the top 20 stores in North America, for the years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 and is a two-time recipient of Royal Bank Insurance’s award for quality business.

For more information on group travel, see www.clarksontours,ca; for individual travel see www.clarksontravel.ca ; or call 905 855 1700 or email info@clarksontravel.ca . Or better yet, drop in at our store located at 1739 Lakeshore Road West, Mississauga ON L5J 1J4; we have ample parking at back.