Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery will embark on its first-ever circumnavigation of South America next January, with cruises and cruise combinations from ten to 77 nights. Early-booking savings up to 32% are available, along with free and reduced air add-ons from the line’s 26 North American gateway cities.
The South American deployment continues the line’s expansion of winter itineraries following six seasons in Antarctica. Currently, the 650-passenger Discovery is sailing in India, Asia and Africa.
Mark Flager, vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services, said the South American itineraries were suggested by past passengers and travel agents. “Our guests and agents have told us they’re quite keen not only on the great cities of South America, but also on the Amazon River, Falkland Islands, Chilean Fjords and the Galapagos Islands,” Flager said.
The 77-night Grand South America Discovery cruise sails roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Jan. 3. Fares for the cruise begin at $12,429 per-person, double occupancy, and include free air add-ons from Voyages of Discovery’s Eastern air gateways.
Individual cruises include Belize to Bridgetown (Dec. 23, 11 nights, from $2,949 per-person, double); Bridgetown to Montego Bay (Dec. 1, 13 nights, from $2,819); Bridgetown to Buenos Aires (Jan. 3, 30 nights, from $4,739); Buenos Aires to Valparaiso (Jan 29, 24 nights, from $4,299); and Valparaiso to Bridgetown (Feb. 16, 36 nights, from $6,019).
The season begins with a 20-night “Discovery of the New World” transatlantic crossing from Malaga to Barbados, sailing Nov. 18, with calls at Cadiz, Antigua and St. Kitts, and a three-night post-cruise hotel stay in Bridgetown. Fares start at $2,779 per person, double.
The Winter 2010/11 season also features a selection of pre-, post- and mid-cruise overland tours, including a three-night excursion to the Iguassu Falls from Buenos Aires ($1,255 per person) and a two-night mid-cruise excursion visiting Machu Picchu from Callao ($1,315 per person).
Guests also can experience a day trip to the Galapagos Islands from Manta, Ecuador, or a three- or four-night cruise around the islands on the 100-passenger Galapagos Explorer II. The day trip to the Galapagos is $809 per person and the three-night cruise starts at $2,639 per person for a Classic Suite.
