SOUTH AMERICA DISCOVERY

Departures

** SEE BELOW FOR NEW LOWER PRICES **

Many experienced cruisers would describe this as the best of all cruises – combining leisurely days at sea with visits to some of the world’s most exciting destinations, while cruising on a ship that will delight the most avid cruise connoisseur. Cruising the warm waters of the Mexican Riviera and the Pacific coast of Central America in the spacious comfort of Holland America gives us ample time to enjoy the amenities and impeccable service of the Veendam, to relax on deck with a good book while we savour the sea air and to share leisure time with new found friends. Our journey then takes a truly exotic turn as we continue south along the coasts of South America to Ecuador, Peru and Chile where we can discover the history and relics of the once mighty Inca Empire. This is truly a sailor’s delight featuring many days at sea.

Combine this cruise with our very popular Around South America Voyage from Santiago to Rio de Janeiro for a true American Odyssey Cruise of 38 days.

Itinerary

Oct 31, Sat: Fly to San Diego, Ca
Embark / Sail 5:00pm

Nov 1, Sun: AT SEA

Nov 2, Mon: CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico
Arrive Noon / Sail 6:00pm

Nov 3, Tue: AT SEA

Nov 4, Wed: ZIHUATANEJO / IXTAPA, Mexico
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Nov 5, Thu: ACAPULCO, Mexico
Arrive 7:00am / Sail 4:00pm

Nov 6, Fri: HUATULCO, Mexico
Arrive 7:00am / Sail Noon

Nov 7, Sat: PUERTO QUETZAL, Guatemala
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Nov 8, Sun: CORINTO, Nicaragua
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 3:00pm

Nov 9, Mon: PUERTO CALDERA, Costa Rica
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Nov 10, Tue: AT SEA

Nov 11, Wed: MANTA (Quito), Ecuador
Arrive 9:00am / Sail 8:00pm

Nov 12, Thu: AT SEA

Nov 13, Fri: SALAVERRY (Trujillo), Peru
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Nov 14, Sat: CALLAO (Lima), Peru
Arrive 10:00am / Overnight

Nov 15, Sun: CALLAO (Lima), Peru
Overnight / Sail 5:00pm

Nov 16, Mon: AT SEA

Nov 17, Tue: AT SEA

Nov 18, Wed: COQUIMBO (La Serena), Chile
Arrive 10:00am / Sail 6:00pm

Nov 19, Thu: VALPARAISO (Santiago), Chile
Arrive 7:00am / Disembark

PORTS OF CALL

° Set at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, this resort is known for its beautiful beaches, rock formations and crystal clear waters.

° One stop gives you the best of both worlds: Zihuatanejo, a tranquil fishing village set in a scenic, sheltered bay where artisans and fishermen work as they have for centuries; and Ixtapa, a modern resort just five miles away but a world apart, with high-rise hotels, broad palm-lined boulevards and a world-class golf course.

° Mexico’s most famous resort - be sure to see the daring cliff divers of La Quebrada and discover the chic boutiques of La Costera.

° Mexico’s hottest new resort, Huatulco, has nine beautiful bays, chic boutiques and some of the best beaches on the Pacific coast.

° In the cultured little country of Guatemala modern Maya still weave their stories on back-strap looms, and the great stone temples of Tikal stand in silent testament to ancient Mayan ingenuity.

° Browse the small shops and stroll the many churches of Puerto Corinto. This quiet village on Nicaragua's tropical Pacific coast serves as the gateway to the rest of Nicaragua.

° Enjoy Costa Rica’s diverse eco system on an aerial tram ride through lush rainforests or on a cruise through the mangrove swamps.

° Close by we find the true home of the Panama hat. Set high in the Andes is the nations capital, Quito, so well preserved that the entire old quarter is a World Heritage Site.

° To the north is colonial Trujillo, founded in 1534. Nearby and far older is the mysterious adobe city of Chan Chan, once home to the Chimu Indians.

° Next door is Lima, Peru’s colonial capital. A short flight away is the charming colonial centre of Cuzco, surrounded by mountains and legendary mist-veiled Machu Picchu, lost for centuries in the heart of the Andes.

° From the busy port of Coquimbo, it is a short drive to the popular beach resort of La Serena, a delightful colonial town dating from 1544. Reputed to be one of the prettiest towns in Chile, it has some 26 churches, a quaint old lighthouse, pleasant avenues and gardens.

° The delightful capital of Chile, Santiago is set at the foot of the Andes, surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the world’s best wines. Next to Valparaiso is Vina Del Mar a popular seaside resort. Passengers can choose to extend their cruise with time in the capital or join our Around South America cruise, sailing the same evening.

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Air add-ons from other cities are available on request.
Above cost is per person based on sharing a category ‘K’ inside twin-bedded cabin on Main Deck or Lower Promenade Decks and includes all Inclusive Features. Space in each category is limited - book early for best choice and best rates. The cruise only rates includes all land arrangements beginning with embarkation in San Diego until debarkation in Valparaiso, Chile

Supplements for Superior Cabin Category

Many cabins can accommodate 3 or 4 people. Single passengers can book to share accommodations in categories ‘K’ (inside) or ‘E’ (outside) at a special twin rates or pay a single supplement of 50% in any cabin category, excluding deluxe cabins – rates are available upon request.

Shore excursions are not included in your cruise cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from the optional tours that will be offered in each port. Craig Travel will arrange special excursions for our group provided we have sufficient numbers enrolled on the cruise. Otherwise excursions will be available for purchase through the cruise line. Full details on cost, etc, will be available online or will be sent with your final documents. An escort will accompany this cruise with a minimum of twenty passengers travelling.

CT Rating: TWO - This cruise is suitable for any passenger who meets our basic criteria for group travel. However members should be aware that the hotel stays will involve considerable walking and the optional excursions will often involve travel in remote regions with sometimes difficult conditions.

Cruise cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($225 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellation of any booking prior to July 31, 2009 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50 per person. This fee will not be covered by insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on August 14, 2009.

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 $1200 per person to Craig Travel's office.