What a combination – a glorious cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage, Canadian highlights and time in the Hawaiian islands to explore and relax.
‘Fabulous Fire & Ice September 2016’, the latest cruise holiday offering, exclusively from Worldwide Cruise Centres (www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au), is valid for sale until 30 April 2016 unless its sells out earlier.
‘Fabulous Fire & Ice September 2016’ includes cruises on ms Volendam (seven nights) and Radiance of the Seas (11 nights), a two-night Discover Vancouver and Victoria tour, a cruise exploration of Hawaii and hotel stays in Seattle (one night),Vancouver (three nights) and Honolulu (two nights).
The whole double-cruise-and-stay holiday lasts 24 nights and costs from A$7199 twin share per person from Sydney. That price includes flights from Sydney to Seattle and return from Honolulu. From Brisbane and Melbourne, prices start at A$7499. Prices from Adelaide begin at A$7699 and from Perth A$7899.
A bonus US$50 in free credit applies aboard ms Volendam, per twin cabin, and US$75 on Radiance of the Seas. On the Radiance of the Seas cruise, ship’s tips (gratuities) are pre-paid.
‘Fabulous Fire & Ice September 2016’ gets underway on 29 August 2016 with a flight from Australia to Seattle, where you’ll overnight in a 4.5-star hotel. Next day, a coach conveys you across the Canadian border to Vancouver for a night at the stylish Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, or similar.
Next day, board Holland America Line’s ms Volendam.
Your destination: Alaska’s Inside Passage, with its pristine water, mountains, fjords and forested islands. The Tracy Arm Fjord region is famed for wildlife: black and brown bears, deer and wolves roam while arctic terns and other birds soar overhead. You’ll visit the historic town of Juneau, the Klondike gold-rush settlement of Skagway, Ketchikan (founded as a fishing camp and still only three blocks wide) and phenomenal Glacier Bay, where 16 glaciers plunge into glittering fjord waters.
You’ll have plenty of time to take it easy aboard ms Volendam, a ship known for flowers, art and fine dining. Artwork runs from pre-Columbian sculptures to Renaissance-era Italian fountains. Dining can involve five-course menus or you can opt for vegetarian or low-carb choices. Shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) are included in the price.
Disembarking back in Vancouver, a morning sightseeing tour includes Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park and other city highlights. The afternoon is free before overnighting at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, or similar.
Next morning, depart Vancouver on a tour to Victoria, stately capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Cruise across Georgia Strait, sail through the serene Gulf Islands, tour Butchart Gardens (one of North America’s most beautiful), see the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel and hear the strange story of its architect.
Back in Vancouver for another night at the end of the tour, it’s now time to board Radiance of the Seas for an 11-night cruise across the Pacific to Honolulu.
Aboard ship, ride in sleek glass lifts facing the sea, maybe try out the rock-climbing wall, African safari-themed solarium, indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator, or day spa and fitness centre. All shipboard main meals and most entertainment is included. Forget about tipping; ship’s gratuities are pre-paid. Another bonus: you’ll receive US$75 per twin cabin in free onboard credit.
Lahaina, the old whaling town on West Maui, is the first port of call in Hawaii. Radiance of the Seas overnights here at the start of a week cruising the Hawaiian islands. Hilo, capital of Hawaii’s Big Island, is followed by the charming resort village of Kailua on the Kona Coast. Nawiliwili on Kauai comes next, then Honolulu where you’ll disembark to enjoy two nights in a four-star luxury hotel, giving plenty of time to explore and relax.
Don’t miss Waikiki Beach. Catch the waves, visit Pearl Harbor, browse the International Marketplace for a few mementos before jetting back home to Australia.
To find your local Worldwide Cruise Centres agent go to: www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au
SOURCE: Worldwide Cruise Centres