GAELIC LANDS CRUISE

Departures

Each year we select a number of departures for the ms Prinsendam, Holland America’s ‘Elegant Explorer’. For those who have enjoyed this wonderful ship, we can say welcome home. If this is your first opportunity to sail on her, you are in for a special treat. Although the Prinsendam is not a new ship (she was christened in the early 80s as the Royal Viking Sun), she offers a delightful combination of comfortable accommodations, spacious surroundings and elegant ambiance that most people come to love.

For 2009, we have chosen this exciting itinerary, visiting a host of truly fascinating ports. Beginning with a stay in London, a city for all ages, we sail around the British Isles exploring a variety of different ports and enjoying the wonderful ambiance and service that we have come to expect on the ms Prinsendam.

The Prinsendam, due to her popularity and size, always books very early. If this fits with your plans for 2009, we urge you to call us today to reserve your place on the ‘Elegant Explorer’.

Itinerary

Aug 20, Thursday : Depart CANADA
Members from cities across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight Air Canada flight to London.

Aug 21, Friday : LONDON, England
On arrival in London we will be met by our local guide and transferred to the NH Kensington Hotel (2 nights), where we will have easy access to London’s important sites. Balance of day at leisure until we gather for a Welcome Dinner at our hotel.
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Aug 22, Saturday : LONDON, England
This morning we are joined by a local guide and board our coach for a panoramic city tour, offering views of many of London’s sights, including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and St. Paul's Cathedral. Afternoon and evening are at leisure.
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Aug 23, Sunday : LONDON / EMBARK
Morning at leisure. Early this afternoon, we shall head to Greenwich to explore this seldom visited part of London, highlighted by a visit to the Royal Observatory. At the pier in Greenwich we will embark on the ms Prinsendam, our home for the next two weeks. This evening we remain in port, not sailing until 4:00am. BD
[BD]

Aug 24, Monday : CRUISING
You may want to rise early this morning to enjoy the cruise down the Thames and into the open sea. Enjoy a full day of relaxed cruising as we sail the waters of the English Channel – time to enjoy the amenities of our floating resort and to share good times with new found friends.
[BLD]

Aug 25, Tuesday : TORBAY (Torquay), England
Set on the shores in the tranquil county of Devon on England’s southern coast, Torquay has long been one of England’s favoured resorts. Venture into the Devon countryside or stroll along the beach. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 8:00pm
[BLD]

Aug 26, Wednesday : ST PETER PORT, Guernsey
At just 24 square miles, this delightful island off the coast of France is easy to explore in our time ashore. From St Peter Port we can explore the small fishing port on foot or take a coach tour around the island. Arrive 7:00am / Sail 3:00pm
[BLD]

Aug 27, Thursday : COBH (Cork), Ireland
Discover magnificent St Finbarre’s Cathedral and Cork’s lively English Market and museums, dedicated to the sea. Venture inland to fascinating Blarney Castle or the picturesque countryside around Kinsale. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 6:00pm
[BLD]

Aug 28, Friday : FOYNES, Ireland
The home of Irish Coffee and the Flying Boat Museum, Foynes is set on the shores of the Shannon Estuary and was one of the world’s most important early aviation centres. From here we have easy access to lovely Adare (with its thatched cottages and green fields) and to Limerick, the country’s fourth city. Arrive 7:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

Aug 29, Friday : DUNMORE EAST (Waterford), Ireland
Founded by the Vikings in 853, Waterford today is known for its exquisite crystal. Nearby we can also discover the charms of Kilkenny with its castle and narrow streets. Dunmore East is a delightful village on the coast. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

Aug 30, Sunday : DUBLIN, Ireland
Capital of the republic and home of Swift, Wilde and Joyce, Dublin is a joy to visit. Be sure to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College, the broad expanse of O'Connell Street, Dublin Castle and St Patrick's Cathedral. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 11:pm
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Aug 31, Monday : LIVERPOOL, England
The home of the Beatles is still a major port and a lively arts city with many a great pub plus a branch of London’s Tate Gallery. Arrive 7:00am / Sail 5:00pm
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Sep1, Tuesday : GREENCASTLE, Northern Ireland
From this tiny fishing port, we can venture into Londonderry, with its ancient walls and St Columb’s Cathedral, dating from 1633. Further inland is the Irish Folk Museum at Omagh while the coasts of this region are stark and beautiful. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

Sep 2, Wednesday : STORNOWAY, Scotland
Principal centre on the isle, Stornoway has a fine protected port, home to a small fishing fleet. The town surrounds the harbour and is dominated by Lews Castle. Stroll by the harbour in search of Harris Tweed, the island’s most famous export and go in search of the Standing Stones of Callanish, Scotland’s Stonehenge. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm
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Sep 3, Thursday : ABERDEEN, Scotland
From this busy fishing port we have access to Aberdeen and the Royal Deeside, site of Balmoral Castle, summer home of the Royal family. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

Sep 4, Friday : EDINBURGH, Scotland
Delight in the ancient capital of Scotland, discovering the Castle, the Royal mile and the Museum of Scotland. Arrive 7:00am / Sail 3:00pm
[BLD]

Sep 5, Saturday : CRUISING
Enjoy a final day of cruising with new found friends as we head back to London.
[BLD]

Sep 6, Sunday : LONDON / CANADA
Arriving early this morning we disembark and transfer to the airport to catch our return Air Canada flight to Toronto, with connections to our homes across Canada.
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Some cabins can accommodate 3 people. Other categories may also be available. Please check the deck plan.

All cabin types are subject to availability at time of booking. Space on this cruise is already limited.

Single passengers can book on a “guarantee share” basis in category "E" (outside) at special twin rates (i.e. no single supplement except for the hotel in London) or pay the "single supplement". Please call our office for rates.

Shore excursions are not included in your cruise cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from the several optional tours that will be offered in each port. Information on Shore Excursions will be available on the Holland America Line website or will be sent with your final documents. They may be ordered through the website or after embarkation. If we have sufficient numbers additional special optional excursions may be arranged (designed and operated for our group). This cruise will be escorted with a minimum of fifteen members.

Your tour price and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($225 per person). Higher premiums may apply in some cases. This insurance carries restrictions on pre-existing conditions - please discuss your coverage with our staff. See our website for more information. The deposit is fully refundable until April 22, 2009. Final payment is due May 20, 2009.

Tour Costs (CDN$/person)

Air add-ons from other cities are available on request.

Above prices are per person based on sharing a category “K” inside twin-bedded cabin on Lower Promenade Deck.

ACTIVITY LEVEL ONE - This cruise is suitable for all passengers who meet our basic criteria for group travel. Members should be aware that transit situations en route may involve extensive walks at airports and piers.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $1500 per person to Craig Travel's office.