europe

Asia Travel

Friday, February 12, 2010

Asia mesmerizes visitors with its ancient alleyways, bustling colors and magnificent relics from a culture that dates over 6,000 years. This ancient past has not been overtaken by modern buildings, but rather many cities offer both. See skyscrapers & modern architecture, & not far away, visit amazing shrines, monasteries and temples. Walk the Great Wall of China. Walk through a Zen garden. Shop in a modern mall, or visit local markets. Participate in time honored traditions such as a tea ceremony or dance the night away at a modern nightclub. Eat at a stylish five start restaurant, or join the locals for exotic food cooked with Thai, Malaysian or Indian spices. Need transportation? Depending on what Asian city you are visiting, you may see cars, bicycles, rickshaws, a high speed bullet train or even an elephant.

Popular tourist sites in China include the Forbidden City in Beijing, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Popular cities to visit in China include Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Popular cities in Japan include Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Visit highlights such as the Golden Pavilion Temple, Mt. Fuji and Todaiji Temple, which is home to the largest bronze Buddha in Japan.

Singapore and Thailand have also become popular destinations for those traveling to Asia.

Traveling on a land tour is the best way to cover various cities in Asia. Tour operators offer packages as short as eight days which would visit just two cities such ash Beijing combined with Shanghai or Hong Kong. These packages are more basic and include just hotel accommodations, transfers and some sightseeing, with a lot of free time. Tour operators also offer more comprehensive tours of two weeks or more that cover at least four major cities in Asia with more inclusions, but still plenty of time to explore on your own.

If you feel that touring is not right for you, then you may want to consider a Yangtze River cruise or a cruise of Asian countries onboard a mainstream cruise line such as Princess, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America or Royal Caribbean.

Learn more about Asia tours and cruises

Viking Danube

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

Viking Danube and Viking Sky are sister ships specially designed to be both swift and versatile. These spacious vessels accommodate 150 guests each; because they can sail on a variety of rivers, they are ideal for our longer itineraries. Travel through the heart of Europe in deluxe, big-ship comfort.

Reception/Lobby

The upper deck lobby area is your information center during your voyage. Your Program Director’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a public address system to announce events; there are also restrooms and an onboard boutique.

Sun Deck

Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past castles, towns, villages, trees and vineyards. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair. Seating just aft of the bridge is covered with a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge. The Sun Deck also features an unheated swimming pool (14 ft. x 28 ft. x 3.28 ft.) perfect for a refreshing dip. This deck is accessible to the upper deck via stairs and chair lift.

Restaurant

The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. It features panoramic windows, so you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It accommodates all guests at a single seating. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals. The restaurant is accessible to the upper deck via staircase and elevator.

Observation Lounge/Bar

The observation lounge is a terrific place to meet friends before and after meals. It boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables, sofas and a bar area with barstools; there is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket. The lounge has a projector and screen installed in the ceiling, so slides can be shown, and there is a stereo system and dance floor.

Library

The library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.

Spa Facilities

Complete relaxation is yours in this onboard mini-spa facility, available by reservation. Enjoy private use of the sauna, whirlpool and solarium (tanning bed).

Category A

Features

Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
Panoramic window 3.28 ft. x 6.56 ft. (can be opened)
Private bathroom with shower
TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
Individual climate control
Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 5.25 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
Converter in the bathroom outlet
TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Category B

Features

Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
Panoramic window 3.28 ft. x 6.56 ft. (can be opened)
Private bathroom with enclosed shower
TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
Individual climate control
Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 5.25 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
Converter in the bathroom outlet
TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Category C

Features

Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
Panoramic window 3.28 ft. x 6.56 ft. (can be opened)
Private bathroom with shower
TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
Individual climate control
Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 2.62 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
Converter in the bathroom outlet
TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Category D

Features

Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
Panoramic window 6.56 ft. x 1.64 ft. (cannot be opened)
Private bathroom with shower
TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
Individual climate control
Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 2.62 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
Converter in the bathroom outlet
TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Category E

Features

Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
Panoramic window 6.56 ft. x 1.64 ft. (cannot be opened)
Private bathroom with shower
TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
Individual climate control
Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 2.62 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
Converter in the bathroom outlet
TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Browse our River Cruise selection

M/V Santa Cruz

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

Seeing the Galápagos Islands on board the M/V Santa Cruz goes beyond the concept of traditional cruising, evolving into an expedition approach in order to authentically discover and explore the natural wonders of this region. The M/V Santa Cruz is built to luxurious standards and encourages an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.

The 44-stateroom M/V Santa Cruz features a Jacuzzi and an observation platform for dolphin and whale watching on the top deck. Each ship's dining room, lounge, and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room. All staterooms are outside and feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hairdryers, and safety deposit boxes. The M/V Santa Cruz accommodates 88 passengers.

The M/V Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, including superb service, expert crew, the most knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides, and menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes.

Ship Amenities

Expedition Team of Naturalists
Non-smoking interiors
Lounge and bar
Library (including reference books and videos on the Galápagos Islands)
Observation area for whale or dolphin watching
Jacuzzi and solarium
Complimentary wine with all onboard dinners
Open seating throughout dining rooms for all meals
Breakfasts and lunches with a selection of Ecuadorian specialties
Resident physician

Deck Plans

Reconstructed: 1998; Length: 72.35 m.; Crew members: 52; Staterooms: 44

Staterooms

Main Deck Standard Cabin - 124 sq. ft. (11 x 11 ft.)

Upper Deck Standard Cabin - 124 sq. ft. (11 x 11 ft.)

Boat Deck Standard Cabin - 124 sq. ft. (11 x 11 ft.)

Boat Deck Standard Plus Cabin - 156 sq. ft. (10 x 15 ft.)

Learn more about Avalon Waterways river cruises

Royal Lotus

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

Pure luxury and unrivalled Swiss hospitality await you on the Royal Lotus, built in 2005. This new, modern river vessel offers spacious accommodations and a range of public areas from where you can absorb the ever-changing panorama between Luxor and Aswan. The luxuriously furnished cabins, each with an area of approx. 22 square meters, mirror the colors of the landscape of Upper Egypt and their panoramic windows offer unhindered views of the spectacular ever-changing scenery. The Royal Lotus restaurant serves mouth-watering meals, while the elegantly decorated Crescent Lounge and Bar are the perfect place to relax with a drink after a day of sightseeing. A dip into the refreshing plunge pool may be just what you desire, and the loungers are perfect for sun worshippers. There is also a fully equipped fitness room, bridge tables for card enthusiasts in the Observation Bar, and a dance floor in the Crescent Bar and Lounge. The Royal Lotus accommodates 124 passengers.

Ship Amenities

All staterooms feature large closets, individual climate control, telephone, color satellite TV, radio, minibar, safe, hair dryer and modern bathrooms with shower
All staterooms are outside and have large picture windows
One sitting at mealtimes
Relax in the Crescent Lounge or Observation Bar
Enjoy the fully equipped exercise room
Refresh yourself in the plunge pool or relax in heated Jacuzzi
Enjoy personal service from our English speaking staff
Internet access available

Deck Plans

Staterooms

Cabins
62 cabins

Standard Cabin
237 sq. ft.

Learn more about Avalon Waterways river cruises

Victoria Jenna

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

Victoria Cruises will expand its fleet with the introduction of the Victoria Jenna in 2010. The Victoria Jenna will be the largest ship in the company’s fleet as well as boast the highest passenger capacity of all vessels sailing the mighty Yangtze.

The Victoria Jenna will have 207 cabins (186 standard accommodations, 19 junior suites, 2 deluxe suites and 2 Shangri-la suites) and a crew of approximately 179. At a gross tonnage of 8,000, the five-passenger deck vessel will be 436 feet long, 54.4 feet wide, 50 feet high and feature a draft of 2.6 meters.

Ship Amenities

All staterooms are outside and feature floor-to-ceiling windows & private balconies
Except for a small area in the Yangtze lounge, the interior of the vessel is non-smoking
Relax in the Yangtze Club or the library
Enjoy the fitness center
Pamper yourself in a visit to the hair salon
Enjoy personal service from our English-speaking staff
Open seating in dining room at Avalon tables
Single-sitting main dining room & á la carte restaurant
Wine included with all onboard dinners
Internet access is available
Sun Deck

Deck Plans

Built: 2010; Length: 133.8 m; Passenger Decks: 5; Crew Members: 179; Standard Cabins: 186; Jr. Suites: 19; Deluxe Suites: 2; Shangri-La Suites: 2

Victoria Jenna