Archive for the ‘Majestic America Line’ Category

Small Ship Cruising

Alaska Cruises, Antarctica, Canadian Cruises, Canadian Sailing Expeditions, Caribbean, East Coast Cruises, European River, Expedition Cruises, Great Lakes, Majestic America Line, Northern Europe, Norwegian Coastal Voyages, SeaDream Yacht Club, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea, St. Lawrence, Windstar, World | Posted by cruisepeople
May 13 2008

From CLIA 

At first glance, American Eagle, River Queen and Seabourn Spirit might seem to have little in common. The first carries barely 60 travellers on informal journeys through the Chesapeake Bay, the Antebellum South and other destinations on the East Coast.  River Queen travels  Rhine and Moselle rivers of Europe.  Seabourn Spirit and her sister sail the world, accommodating just over 200 passengers.

But, in fact, these ships, while representing very different varieties of small ship cruising, have important things in common, qualities that distinguish this cruise segment from all other types of travel. And, they are just three of many small ships belonging to member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Together, almost 50 small ships belonging to CLIA offer the opportunity to explore the world from a uniquely personal perspective. From Antarctica to the Arctic, the Caribbean to Canada, Mexico to the Mediterranean, they travel the great rivers of Europe and North America, sail along Norwegian fjords and other scenic coasts, cross oceans, explore the globe’s most remote destinations, and even embark on world cruises. Their size enables a small group of travellers to go where no other cruise ships go – to the inland capitals of Europe and Asia, tiny islands in the tropics, undiscovered ports in the Middle East, remote coves and bays in Alaska, America’s Intra-Coastal Waterway, the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers and much more. The combination of out-of-the-way destinations and relatively small passenger load means that the lucky few onboard experience the world as though it was theirs alone to discover.

Whether the shipboard experience emphasizes sheer elegance and luxury while visiting some of the world’s most glamorous yachting destinations, or a more informal yet equally delightful and comfortable lifestyle for journeying through nature’s most extreme environments, all small ships have other qualities in common. They enable guests to socialize easily and share experiences with new-found friends who share their interests and tastes. They provide a true and very satisfying sense of having a home away from home, feeling cared for by staff the passengers come to know and enjoy.

Small ships virtually eliminate the hassles of travel. Getting on and off the vessel is effortless, with docking in the very centre of the action of each destination or port, and sightseeing is crowdless, often in places where there are few other visitors.

Here is a sampling of small ship cruise opportunities:

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES’ four ships – American Star, American Spirit, American Glory and American Eagle – carry no more than 100 passengers and offer comfortable accommodations, a friendly informal ambiance and such amenities as onboard naturalist and historians, enrichment activities and entertainment, dining that features regional dishes and complimentary cocktails in the evening. Itineraries encompass the length of the US East Coast, including the Rivers of Florida, the Antebellum South, the Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage, the Chesapeake Bay, the Hudson River, Maine and New England Islands.

HURTIGRUTEN, formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage, continues to offer a variety of cruises along the 1,250-mile coast of Norway with its majestic fjords on numerous small ships as well as journeys on the Gota Canal between Stockholm and Gothenburg on three Art Nouveau vintage ships. But among the most popular offerings are voyages to Antarctica, a North to South world cruise, and Greenland Exploration cruises featuring the 310-berth MS Fram, launched in 2007 and built specifically for adventure. As they visit such remote destinations at the southern tip of the world as Marguerite Bay, Whaler’s Bay, Cuverville Island and others, passengers discover that the only ones wearing tuxedoes are the penguins.

MAJESTIC AMERICA LINE offers voyages from Alaska to the Mississippi River. The intimate, 112-stateroom Empress of the North is small enough to explore the wilderness and waterways of Alaska’s Inland Passage. The 142-passenger Queen of the West and the 75-stateroom Columbia Queen were built to cruise the rivers of the Northwest, including the Columbia and the Snake. On the mighty Mississippi, the historic, 176-passenger Delta Queen, in her last season of operation, is the last operational steam-powered sternwheeler reminiscent of those piloted by Mark Twain,  while the 436-guest American Queen is the world’s largest river cruise ship. In addition to capturing a romantic and unique era in American history, both glamorous ships are fully modernized for to-day’s travellers. Mississippi Queen is currently out of service.  Majestic America Line is currently up for sale.

PEARL SEAS CRUISES’ first ship, as yet unnamed, will begin service in 2009 offering 214 passengers accommodations with private balconies equipped with flat screen TV/DVD systems, a well-stocked library, six lounges, a sports and exercise deck and multiple observation areas. The ship will sail on seven- to 11-night itineraries in the Caribbean during the winter months and a variety of voyages in North America during the spring, summer and fall. These include trips through the Canadian Maritimes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and Thousand Islands, a circumnavigation of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Great Lakes. Under construction in Halifax, NS, her completion has been delayed.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE also offers the very highest levels of luxury on its three 208-guest yachts, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend. In 2009, they will be joined by the somewhat larger, all-new Seabourn Odyssey. With staff members almost outnumbering guests, Seabourn passengers are treated to gourmet cuisine created by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, a casino and spa, all-suite accommodations, complimentary wines, spirits and champagne and such signature experiences as “Caviar in the Surf.” In addition to the world cruises and transatlantic crossings, Seabourn voyages take in the entire world from Asia to Europe to the Americas and Caribbean.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB offers a true luxury yachting experience in two 110-passenger ships, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Facilities and amenities include fine dining with complimentary red and white wine, a casino, library, a piano bar and Top of the Yacht bar, a Main Salon and a water sports marina offering a full range of equipment for enjoyment right off the ship. From May through October, the ships offer seven-night itineraries to classical yachting ports in the French and Italian Riviera, Costa del Sol, the Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, and the Adriatic and Black Seas. In the winter, SeaDream visits some of the most exclusive islands in the Caribbean, including St. Barts, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and the Grenadines.

SILVERSEA CRUISES’ new Prince Albert II is an adventure ship carrying no more than 132 passengers on luxurious expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica and many points in between. During her inaugural 2008 season she will feature special Sea of Cortez expeditions in September, complete with eight Zodiac boats for up close viewing of birds, dolphins, whales and sea lions. The company’s other four larger ships also fit the small ship category, with Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper carrying no more than 382 passengers and Silver Cloud and Silver Wind accommodating only 296. Offering worldwide itineraries, the vessels feature ocean-view suite accommodations, complimentary shoreside experiences, entertainment and onboard enrichment, complimentary beverages and in-suite beverage cabinets and other amenities for an ultra-luxury experience.

UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES is the leading operator of river cruises in Europe, offering intimacy and personalized service on a variety of ships that typically carry no more than 134 guests. Combining old world elegance with modern amenities, the vessels feature expansive views of passing countryside, libraries, a lounge with full-service bar, boutiques, a beauty salon and 24-hour coffee bar. Operating for more than 30 years, Uniworld offers itineraries on 12 rivers in 20 countries across four continents, including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China. Among the most popular European itineraries are Castles Along the Rhine, Danube Discovery, Enchanting Danube, European Jewels, Eastern Europe Explorer and Tulips & Windmills. One 17-day voyage features the Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul.

WINDSTAR CRUISES operates three sailing yachts – Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf – known for offering a pampered luxury lifestyle and the ability to visit the hidden harbours and secluded coves of some of the world’s most sought after destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the ships visit 50 countries, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar appeals to contemporary travelers with a casual onboard ambiance, alternative dining venues, a diversity of shore excursions, deluxe spa facilities and a complimentary water sports program. Popular with honeymooners because of the ships’ innate romantic elegance, Windstar also offers voyages through the Greek Islands and in-depth explorations of Costa Rica.

 

Other companies offering popular small ship programmes are St. Lawrence Cruise Lines with sailings in Canadian Empress to and from Kingston, Ont. to Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa; and Canadian Sailings Expeditions with its 245 foot sailing vessel Caledonia in the Caribbean, Maritime Canada and Quebec.

 

Brochures, unbiased information and reservations for all these cruises is available from The Cruise People, Ltd.

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February Special Offers

Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, MSC, Majestic America Line, Norwegian Coastal Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea, Windstar | Posted by cruisepeople
Feb 08 2008

The first few months of the year are typically known as the peak booking period of cruise holidays, cruisers have the opportunity to reap considerable benefits offered by cruise lines. For the month of February, many member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) are offering special rates, onboard credits, deposit waivers or other incentives designed to stimulate record cruise sales for 2008.

This year’s Wave Season offers a range from savings of more than 50 percent of cruise prices to onboard credits worth hundreds of dollars, stateroom upgrades and other perks. Here’s a sampling of offers (unless otherwise noted, offers extend through February 29).

* Azamara Cruises: Onboard credits valued at $300 to $800 on any 2008 Europe sailings booked at an ocean view or higher category of stateroom.
* Carnival Cruise Lines: Special rates of $249 to $339 per person on select departure dates for three- to five-day voyages in Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration, both with new Serenity adults-only decks and Carnival Waterworks aqua parks.
* Celebrity Cruises: Onboard credits of $50 to $200 per stateroom, based on the length of voyage, on cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe.
* Costa Cruises: Savings of as much as 60 percent on 423 sailings throughout the world in honour of the line’s Diamond Anniversary.
* Crystal Cruises: Ten percent savings on new bookings of all verandah and non-verandah staterooms; five percent savings for penthouse accommodations. The savings apply to virtually all  Crystal Serenity’s Mediterranean cruises this summer. This offer has been extended to bookings made through March 31.
* Cunard Line: Onboard credits of up to $300, plus a waiver of deposits for second guests on select RMS Queen Mary 2 sailings and Queen Victoria inaugural European voyages.
* Holland America Line: Savings of up to $450 off brochure rates plus upgrades for as little as $100 depending on sailing. The View and Verandah promotion applies to the company’s eight ships offering select 2008 Alaska departures.
* Hurtigruten: Savings of up to $3,600 per person on the company’s Expedition cruise to Antarctica, a 22-day voyage that also features the Falkland Islands, plus savings of up to $500 per person on cruise-only fares for Norwegian Coastal Voyage.
* Majestic America Line: Complimentary stateroom upgrades and free airfare on select departures of American Queen (March sailings) and Queen of the West. The offer is good for bookings by February 28; Early Advantage Savings are available for bookings by February 22.
* MSC Cruises: “Senior Saver” offers on Caribbean sailings and Senior Saver rates beginning at $599 per person on European itineraries, a 50 percent savings. At least one person in the stateroom must be 50; children 17 and under sail free.
* Norwegian Cruise Line: Weekly special offers, including on-board credits and stateroom upgrades for select destinations, are offered as part of NCL’s “Freestyle Resolution Sales Event” and can be found at www.ncl.com. The promotion also includes the chance to win a free cruise.
* Princess Cruises: A special “Alaska Wilderness Sale” features savings of $200 per couple plus a $200 onboard credit on Princess cruise tours, with rates starting at $1,399 for an 11-day sailing. The offer is available on many Alaska sailings.
* Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Shipboard credits of up to $500 per suite in addition to normal published offers for new guests of Regent. The offer applies to sailings in Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska and Tahiti.
* Royal Caribbean International: Onboard credits of up to $200 per stateroom on select Alaska sailings/tours for 2008.
* Seabourn Cruise Line:  Seabourn Cruise Line is offering 2-for-1 business class airfare from 38 North American gateways, plus savings of up to 40% for cruises of nine to 15 days in Europe aboard its Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend.
* Silversea Cruises: Forty percent savings on cruise-only fares for a wide variety of voyages worldwide is part of the line’s “Silver Sailings” programme. For last minute shoppers, this includes the 14-day Silver Cloud cruise from Mahe to Dubai, departing February 23.
* Windstar Cruises: Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf will all feature special rates and savings on cruises in the Caribbean, Europe and throughout the Mediterranean.

For more information contact The Cruise People, Ltd. on 1-800-268-6523.

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DELTA QUEEN to be Withdrawn in November 2008

Majestic America Line, News | Posted by cruisepeople
Aug 01 2007

Majestic America Line, the largest river and coastal cruising company in America, has announced that despite tremendous efforts by the company, many esteemed partners and thousands of previous passengers, the U.S. Congress has decided that Delta Queen should not continue operating on America’s rivers beyond 2008. Majestic America Line is committed to providing this American treasure with a proper and well-deserved send off, and will spend  Delta Queen’s 2008 farewell season celebrating this historic vessel with the communities and people who hold her storied tradition of sailing the waterways of the United States so dear.

Built in Scotland in 1926, Delta Queen features a steel hull and a superstructure constructed of wood – a direct reflection of the designs of her time. Subsequent U.S. Coast Guard regulations prohibited wooden superstructures, but Congress decided more than 40 years ago to provide a special exemption from these rules for the historic . This exemption, which Congress had extended no fewer than six occasions, was set to expire in November 2008. Majestic America Line recently joined forces with those who know and love the fabled ship to extend this exemption. A comprehensive campaign was launched to raise awareness for Delta Queen’s excellent safety record, its impeccable training programme and the quality and experience of the crew. However, Congress recently chose not to include this extension on legislation. Without the extension from Congress, Delta Queen will not be able to continue cruise voyages on the river.

“We are incredibly disappointed by this decision, but we are extremely grateful to those who worked tirelessly on behalf of the Delta Queen to preserve her place on the Mississippi River,” said Joe Ueberroth, President and CEO, Ambassadors International, which owns and operates Majestic America Line. “This includes many congressional leaders such as Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO), who gathered the support of so many of his colleagues, thousands of loyal guests, our hard-working travel partners and Delta Queen enthusiasts like Steamboats.org. We appreciate their efforts and we will continue to keep them involved as we plan the best way to honour the Delta Queen.”

In addition to the leadership displayed by Congressman Clay, members such as Congressman Richard Baker (R-LA), representing congressional districts that are visited each year by  Delta Queen, were very supportive of the efforts to keep her operating on the river. For our U.S. neighbours’ information these members include:

o Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO)
o Congressman Marion Berry (D-AR)
o Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
o Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-MO)
o Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH)
o Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO)
o Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-MO)
o Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI)
o Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
o Congresswoman Bettie McCollum (D-MN)
o Congressman Charlie Melancon (D-LA)
o Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH)
o Congressman John Tanner (D-TN)
o Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
o Senator David Vitter (R-LA)
o Congressman Timothy Walz (D-MN)
o Congressman Zack Wamp (R-TN)
o Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY)

Support and encouragement also came from districts which are not directly touched by Delta Queen, including Congressman Roy Blunt (R-MO), Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) and Congressman Don Young (R-AK).

Based in Seattle, Majestic America Line is also grateful for the support from Washington state members, including Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

For years, Delta Queen has been a beloved fixture on the heartland rivers of the United States and provided travellers with a view of America from the waters that shaped the country’s expansion. Delta Queen provides a wholly unique way to experience the great American communities, cultures and experiences along the Upper and Lower Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Black Warrior and Cumberland rivers, as well as the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

In 1970, recognized as the last operational steam paddlewheeler with overnight accommodations plying the rivers,  Delta Queen was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, she was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior. She was inducted into the National Maritime Hall of Fame in 2004.

A veteran of World War II, the 80 year-old Delta Queen was host to three U.S. presidents and a princess. Stars of stage, screen and the entertainment world have also graced her decks, as well as some of the most prominent business leaders and statesmen of our time.

The ship herself is rich with art and antiquities such as original Tiffany-style stained glass windows, rich hardwood panelling, gleaming brass fittings, the only Siamese ironwood decking aboard a steamboat, the dramatic and often-photographed Grand Staircase, an 1897 steam calliope, and the very same ship’s bell that sounded out landings for the steamboat that Mark Twain rode downriver in 1883.

Majestic America Line will dedicate the 2008 season to celebrating  Delta Queen’s  80 years of service and her fabled time on the river.

“A journey on board the Delta Queen is a true American experience, providing guests with an authentic glimpse of our country’s culture and a time in our history when steamboats ruled the rivers,” said David A. Giersdorf, President, Majestic America Line. “We will make every sailing in 2008 a special event, allowing every guest, like so many before, the opportunity to share in the Delta Queen’s legacy and honour the last chapter in her service on the river.”

Majestic America Line is planning special commemorative events, exclusive departures for previous Delta Queen travellers and commemorative gifts that will mark the farewell season. With just 24 departures on the Delta Queen during 2008,  passengers are encouraged to reserve their place in history soon.

The company is continuing to evaluate the best way to preserve her legendary spirit and her esteemed place in American history for future generations.

To find out more about travelling in Delta Queen, please contact The Cruise People, Ltd. 1-800-268-6523.

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New Brochure Majestic America Line

Majestic America Line, New Brochure | Posted by cruisepeople
Aug 01 2007

Cruise Planner  2008 Season

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CONTESSA Inaugural in Alasha

Alaska Cruises, Majestic America Line, News | Posted by cruisepeople
Jun 09 2007

Majestic America Line will welcome its most intimate ship, the 48-passenger Contessa, into service on June 10. Contessa –who has spent the past several months undergoing a stem-to-stern upgrade – will spend the summer months sailing 16 seven-night journeys between Ketchikan and Sitka – offering travellers an exclusive, unforgettable Alaskan travel experience that fewer than 800 passengers will be able to experience this year.
“The Contessa provides the ultimate way to experience a one-of-a-kind Alaskan
adventure,” said David A. Giersdorf, President, Majestic America Line. “Cruising aboard
the Contessa is like being on your own private yacht. With just 24 newly redesigned
staterooms and a fantastic 360-degree viewing platform, we’re able to deliver an
authentic travel experience in the Great Land that focuses on the wildlife, environment
and culture of one of the most unforgettable destinations in America while travelling in
comfort and style. The Contessa has the freedom to visit extraordinary places far off the beaten path and show guests the true beauty of Alaska.”
Passengers sailing on the Contessa’s “Alaska Adventure” voyages embark in the heart of the Inside Passage from either Ketchikan or Sitka, allowing for more time to immerse
themselves in the extraordinary natural surroundings of Alaska from the very first moment of the cruise. The ship’s catamaran hull and the redesigned top deck allow unparallelled access to Alaska’s sights. All Contessa’s deluxe staterooms offer outside views and feature at least two large windows that provide spectacular, unobstructed vistas of the magnificent scenery, picturesque ports and wildlife for which “The Last Frontier” is renowned.
Contessa’s inaugural voyage departs on June 10 from Ketchikan. This week-long
sailing will provide passengers with stops in rarely visited ports such as Wrangell and Thomas Bay and breathtaking views of some of Alaska’s most active glaciers, which include LeConte Face, Dawes, Endicott and North and South Sawyer. Every sailing during the season will include an entry into the Glacier Bay National Park.

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Empress of the North Situation

Majestic America Line, News | Posted by cruisepeople
Jun 06 2007

Majestic America Line reports that Empress of the North, the vessel involved in theAlaska grounding earlier this year, will soon relocate to Cascade General shipyard in Portland, Ore. to complete repairs. The ship is being moved from Alaska Ship and Dry Dock in Ketchikan, AK due to the yard’s prior obligation to another repair project. Additionally, the company has announced that the June 30 departure has been cancelled. T

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Majestic America 2008

Alaska Cruises, Majestic America Line, News | Posted by cruisepeople
May 31 2007

Majestic America Line, the largest river and coastal cruising company in the United States, will broaden its collection of American travel experiences in 2008 to include 238 departures to some of the most distinct regions of the United States. All rates quoted are $US.

The company’s fleet of seven boutique river and coastal cruise ships will ply the waters of the Mississippi, Ohio and tributary rivers; the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest and the breathtaking waterways of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Reservations are being accepted now and passengers are encouraged to book early for the best values, choices of departures and accommodations.
“We’re pleased to announce our 2008 programmes, which represent an unmatched selection of the most extraordinary American travel experiences available today,” said David A. Giersdorf, President, Majestic America Line. “We take great care to ensure that every Majestic America Line voyage showcases the culture, history and natural wonders of each destination.
Our fleet is uniquely designed to provide intimate access to the many wonders of America.”

Majestic America Line’s three river cruise ships home-ported on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers – grand American Queen, magnificent Mississippi Queen and historic 1927-built Delta Queen – will return to the region with a number of new itineraries and many included shore excursions.
With a year-long schedule and departures from major ports such as New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis and St. Paul, Majestic America Line’s steamboaters will have more opportunities than ever to soak up Cajun culture in New Orleans, walk in the footsteps of American icon Mark Twain in Hannibal, Mo. and enjoy the fabled countryside, along the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, that gave America such legends as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.

A new New Orleans-themed cruise kicks off on the Lower Mississippi River season, with seven-night sailings from January 12 through February 28, 2008.
This roundtrip journey from the colourful Crescent City allows passengers a full extra day to explore New Orleans, with included shore tours such as a visit to the National World War II Museum or, on a more festive note, a trip to Mardi Gras World for a behind-the-scenes look at how this world-famous celebration comes together.
With 117 Mississippi and Ohio River sailings ranging from seven to 14 nights, Majestic America Line offers passengers an unparalleled array of choices to customize their American travel experience.
Rates for the popular seven-night programs start at $1,799 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy.

Majestic America Line will again offer three boutique cruising options to discover this unique region: the 223-passenger Empress of the North, 142-passenger Queen of the West and 150-passenger Columbia Queen.
Travellers will retrace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, and see first-hand the dramatic contrasts of the Pacific Northwest landscape – from lush coastal forests to the golden, rolling wheat fields of Eastern Washington and Oregon.
A trip through the majestic Columbia River Gorges goes through eight locks and dams and transports the ship from sea level to an elevation of 738 feet.

Shore excursions are included to further enrich the experience, allowing passengers to gain a deeper understanding of Native American arts and culture at Tamastslikt Cultural Center, marvel at the awe-inspiring Mt. St. Helens Volcanic Observatory or take a jet boat ride on the Snake River into Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest canyon.
With 80 sailings to choose from between March and December, rates for the seven-night program start at $2,099 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy.

Empress of the North will journey deep into Alaska’s Inside Passage during the summer months.
A series of seven-night roundtrip voyages from Juneau provids an unparalleled view of America’s last frontier, including plenty of opportunities to see Alaska’s breathtaking glaciers and abundant wildlife.
Expert onboard naturalists travel on every journey and custom-designed shore excursions such as a trip into Glacier Bay National Park are included in the cruise price.
The intimate, 48-pasenger Contessa will join the Empress, sailing seven-night excursions between Ketchikan and Sitka.

Contessa will afford the opportunity to visit ports such as Silver Bay, Misty Fjords, Dawes and Sawyer Glaciers and more.
The ship’s catamaran hull and open top deck allow for close-up access to Alaska’s majestic sights.

An Alaskan journey on board Contessa also includes some remarkable shore excursions, such as hiking and kayaking adventures in Thomas Bay, at the foot of the LeConte Glacier.
With 41 sailings to choose from between April and September, rates for the seven-night programme on board the Empress of the North start from $3,199 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy.
Rates for Contessa start from $3,599 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy.
These rates include a choice of either from Seattle to Alaska or $400 roundtrip air credit.

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Empress of the North Grounding

Majestic America Line, News | Posted by cruisepeople
May 14 2007

From a US Coast Guard press release: The 299 foot cruise ship Empress of the North ran aground 49 miles west of Juneau near Hanus Reef in Lynn Canal, Alaska this morning at about 2a.m. local Alaska time. Coast Guard and other Good Samaritan vessels are coordinating efforts to evacuate the 281 passengers on board. No injuries have been reported.

The weather on scene is calm. The Coast Guard is working with other state and federal agencies to ensure the safety of everyone on board and to mitigate any potential environmental damage. The vessel is owned an operated by Majestic America Line of Seattle, WA.

The Empress of the North contacted the Coast Guard via VHF radio on Channel 16 reporting they were aground with 281 passengers on board.

Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak launched a C-130 crew and a pre-deployed HH-60 helicopter crew from Cordova, Alaska to the scene.

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Delta Queen Future Up In The Air

Majestic America Line, News | Posted by cruisepeople
May 09 2007

Majestic America Line, buyer of The Delta Queen Steamboat Company,  is trying to secure an exemption from the federal government to continue operating the mostly wood paddlewheeler Delta Queen  because she does not comply with current safety regulations. The 1926-built US National Historic Landmark will have to stop operating after her 2008 season, when an exemption to safety regulations expires. The company is requesting  a 10-year exemption from US Congress for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. Delta Queen‘s safety record is excellent..

Delta Queen‘s fleetmate, Mississippi Queen will not operate at all this year. The vessel needs a major renovation. She is now scheduled to resume service  March 9, 2008. The project will include reducing the cabin count, creating additional suites, renovating all accommodations and public rooms, and adding spa and fitness facilities.

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Big Band Cruise in American Queen (Delta Queen Steamboat Company)

Majestic America Line, Theme Cruises | Posted by cruisepeople
May 04 2007

Dance your way back to yesterday as you journey from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati aboard the grand American Queen, the world’s largest river cruise ship. This specially themed 4-night cruise departs June 18th and features the sweet sounds of The Sammy Kaye Orchestra directed by Roger Thorpe.

Now for a limited time, you can take advantage of this offer and reserve your Big Band cruise at $US599 for an inside stateroom or $US899 for an outside stateroom. That’s a sweet savings of $US1,050 per person if you book an outside stateroom.

Majestic America Line offers a tremendous value with cruise fare that includes:

all onboard meals featuring regionally inspired menus

24-hour complimentary snacks, soft drinks and specialty coffees

deluxe linens and room amenities

warm, attentive service from an American crew

There are dance lessons every day to brush up on your fox trot or the waltz then practice every evening as you dance the night away

If 4-nights on this musical vacation is not enough, you can start your cruise earlier and make the roundtrip voyage from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh. For an additional $US500 you can add-on the 5-night June 13th sailing to Pittsburgh and return back to Cincinnati on June 22nd. This cruise features Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians with Al Pierson in addition to The Sammy Kaye Orchestra.

Create new memories and recall fond old ones as you listen to music that has become a great American and Canadian  tradition. These $US599 or $US799 rates with the $US500 additional add-on are a limited time offer, so reserve your Big Band cruise now to take advantage of these incredible savings. Call The Cruise People, Ltd. on 1-800-268-6523

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