Holland America Line Offers Extensive South America Program In Fall 2012 And Winter/Spring 2013

Three ships to feature 13 itineraries, 20 departures and 54 ports of call

SEATTLE, April 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Guests looking for vibrant ports of call, historical adventures and an extreme range of climates can chart a southerly course to South America aboard three Holland America Line ships come fall 2012. ms Veendam, ms Maasdam and ms Prinsendam head to South America on a series of cruise expeditions featuring exceptional scenic cruising around the continent.

The popular itineraries range from 13 to 68 days and include a new 49-day extended, port-intensive Amazon and Carnival Voyage aboard Maasdam in early 2013. A 23-day Amazon Explorer Cruise in November 2012 and a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in January 2013 aboard Prinsendam are additional highlights of the line's 2012-13 South America cruise schedule.

"South America remains a guest favorite because it offers everything in one region – from exotic ports of call to well-known cities, and from the warmth of the Amazon to the snow-capped glaciers of Antarctica," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Holland America Line offers travelers an opportunity to explore the cultures and natural treasures of South America via an extraordinary premium cruise experience at an exceptional value."

From November 2012 to March 2013, the 1,350-guest Veendam will sail a series of six 13-day and one 17-day itineraries between Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sailings include multiple days cruising the scenic fjords of Chile, calls at exotic locations such as Ushuaia (the southernmost town in the world), sailing around Cape Horn and a visit to the Magellan Strait, gateway to Antarctica.

Cruise fares begin at $1,399 per person, double occupancy, for the 13-day sailings, and $1,699 for the 17-day voyages.

In addition to Veendam's series of cruises, two non-repeating itineraries also are available throughout the season: a 14- or 18-day South America cruise departing Boston, Mass., or Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile, Oct. 20 and 24, 2012, respectively; and an 18- or 21-day South America cruise departing Valparaiso to Fort Lauderdale or Boston, April 13, 2013. These itineraries include a full transit of the Panama Canal in addition to extended port calls at Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama, and Callao (Lima), Peru.

Veendam also sails one 21-day South America and Antarctica Explorer Holiday cruise departing Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso Dec. 20, 2012; and a 20-day South America and Antarctica Explorer cruise departing Valparaiso to Buenos Aires, Jan.10, 2013. Both voyages include scenic cruising throughout the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula and an overnight call at Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires.

Cruise fares begin at $1,699 per person, double occupancy, for the 14- and 18-day sailings; $2,099 for the 18- and 21-day sailings departing Valparaiso; and $3,799 for the 20-day Antarctica sailing.

Explore the Amazon, Experience Carnival on Maasdam
Aboard Maasdam, guests will sail one unique 49-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage, conveniently sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 18, 2013.

Guests will spend 49 days exploring 25 ports throughout all three of the "ABC Islands" — Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao — Barbados, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Dominica, French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, crossing the equator twice during the voyage. A highlight of the voyage is Carnival, a festive four-day celebration often referred to as the world's largest party that happens Feb. 9 - 12. Extended calls at seven ports — Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Buenos Aires, Callao (Lima), Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil allow extra time ashore to enjoy historical and local attractions.

Shorter segments of Maasdam's Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage are available for guests with less time. The 23-day segment departs Fort Lauderdale for Rio de Janeiro Jan. 18, 2013, and a 26-day segment departs Rio de Janeiro for Fort Lauderdale Feb. 10, 2013 that includes cruising down the Amazon River and crossing the equator. The 26-day itinerary also includes a two-night call at Rio de Janeiro where guests can experience exciting Carnival.

Cruise fares begin at $7,999 per person, double occupancy, for the full 49-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage; $2,999 per person for the 23-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage and $5,199 for the 26-day segment.

Departing January 5, 2013, Prinsendam sails south once again on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. During the voyage, Prinsendam will circumnavigate the continent and spend seven full days cruising the Amazon River and four days of scenic cruising in Antarctica. Overnight calls include Callao, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. Shorter segments are available.

Cruise fares begin at $12,999 per person, double occupancy, for the 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage.

Shore Excursions, Overland Tours in South America
Holland America Line guests can experience some of the most iconic and world-famous South America attractions and destinations by taking an award-winning shore excursion or in-depth overland tour, many of which visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A selection of the featured tours include:

• Iguazu Falls: Natural Wonder of the World — This unforgettable tour enables guests to see the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, located at the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Guests will ride a train to Devil's Throat (a cliff at Iguazu Falls) and take a guided walk to view the falls. The spectacular display is made up of 250 giant cascades twice the height of Niagara Falls.
• Cuzco & Machu Picchu Overland Adventure — This fascinating excursion includes a sightseeing drive through colonial Cuzco to see the main square and cathedral, followed by a Vistadome train ride along the Urubamba River and a coach ride to Machu Picchu — the Lost City of the Incas — at an elevation of 7,874 feet.
• Patagonian Experience: Otway Sound & Penguin Reserve — During this adventure, guests will take a motor coach ride across mostly unpaved roads and farms bordering Otway Bay for magnificent views of the Pinto Range. The tour also allows guests to get up close and personal with thousands of Magellan penguins near their caves and nesting areas.
• Drive to Tierra del Fuego National Park — Tierra del Fuego encompasses the city of Ushuaia, Cape Horn, the Magellan Strait and is a gateway to Antarctica. This national park was created to protect the southern portion of the sub-Antarctic forest. Today it provides visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Andes and the region's forests, rivers, lakes and is home to a wide variety of birds. A short stop at Lapataia Bay, the southernmost place that can be reached by road, also is included in this tour.

For a 2012/2013 brochure that includes South America — or for more information on Holland America Line — consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com