Royal Caribbean Cruises returning to South America in 2009-2010

For a fabulous fun carnival holiday head to South America this summer with Royal Caribbean Cruises in 2009-2010.

Royal Caribbean Cruises have released details on nine South America cruises, ranging from 11 to 15 nights onboard the Radiance of the Seas for the ship’s second winter season in the region.

Radiance of the Seas will afford guests with spectacular views of the unfolding South American coastline as it has the highest percentage of ocean view staterooms and glass elevators in a 10 story glass atrium.

"South America is such a fascinating destination and we are pleased to bring Radiance of the Seas back to the region," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "On any of these Radiance cruises, guests will have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of South American cultures and celebrations during the region's prime season. Guests also can extend their cruise holiday with a Royal Caribbean cruise tour to visit more inland attractions."

There will be four night pre or post tour programs which will provide guests with the chance to explore the charms of Buenos Aires, Argentina and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls along the Argentina and Brazil border. For guests deciding to embark on cruise tours they will have the pleasure of fully escorted itineraries, deluxe hotel accommodation, air and ground transfers and time for individual pursuits.

There will be a spectacular 11 night itinerary on the 10 February 2010 which features 3 days in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, coinciding with the city’s annual Carnival festival.

Cruises to South America

A region known for its passion, raw energy and scenic delights, South America is a place like no other. Diverse and spectacularly beautiful, its attractions range from Chilean fjords to lively cities, exuberant people and captivating wildlife. A cruise to South America will be one that lasts in your memory forever.

Columbus, Darwin, Pizarro – the list of explorers who travelled through South America is almost as long and diverse as the land itself. A Royal Caribbean cruise can allow you to follow in their footsteps…

Royal Caribbean has an amazing selection of cruises to South America and with an area so large and so much to see it could be difficult to make a decision of which to cruise to embark on.

Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires is a good place to start with. The capital city of Argentina is so strongly influenced by European culture it’s known as the ‘Paris of South America’. More than just the main Argentina cruise port; Buenos Aires is also a stylish, sophisticated city whose broad tree-lined boulevards and elegant mansions are reminiscent of Paris at its most romantic.

Manta is a new port of call for Royal Caribbean cruises and is a picturesque and important port in Ecuador’s Manabi province. Located in a dry tropical forest it enjoys a warm pleasant climate and its wide Pacific Ocean beaches stretch for miles along the peaceful shores. A great place to enjoy the refreshing evening breeze is by taking a stroll along the waterfront Malecon (jetty).

Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The 120ft Christ the Redeemer stature makes up part of its background and is a sight you will never forget. Famous for its colourful carnival and its fabulous beaches, as well as the dramatic entry to its cruise port, Rio de Janeiro in the south-eastern corner of Brazil has much more to offer than sun and sand.

The Chilean Fjords are a truly beautiful part of the country set within the southern west portion of Chile. An amazing sight will behold you when you sail from Puerto Montt into waters framed with snow-capped volcanoes, deep forests and hot springs. Make sure you look out for the wide variety of local wildlife such as the soaring Andean condor, orcas, seals and penguins.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina has two slightly unusual attractions: the wildlife and the Welsh! Close by in Punta Loma, there is a protected reserve for sea lions (or "lobos" - as they are called in Argentina). It is very enjoyable to watch hundreds of them jostle for space on the rocks and then companionably scratch each other's backs with their fins once settled.

On the way to a huge penguin colony, several hours' drive north of the port and deep into the Patagonia region, there is the chance to stop off for a traditional Welsh High Tea in Gaiman. Funnily enough Welsh is still spoken here 150 years after Welsh Nationalists were first invited to settle in Patagonia.

COSTA CRUISES TO SEND THREE SHIPS TO SOUTH AMERICA IN 2008/2009 SEASON

South America is a great place to cruise, and Costa Cruises will increase its presence in South America in the 2008/2009 cruise season by sailing three ships in the area. First, Costa Cruises will send the 86,000-ton Costa Mediterranea to South America with 44 new, exclusive spa accommodations.


The Costa Mediterranea will sail routes to Argentina and will feature a new spa program.


Passengers who book one of 44 exclusive accommodations on the Costa Mediterranea will enjoy privileges including a personalized wellness consultation, three complimentary treatments, two fitness or meditation classes and complimentary access to the Wellness Restaurant, offering a wide array of spa-friendly cuisine. Spa cabins, available in ocean view, veranda and suite categories, will feature aromatherapy diffusers, special shower and air filters, and a mini bar stocked with healthy food and beverage selections. In addition, passengers with these accommodations will be offered priority spa reservation times. The Costa Mediterranea, which has been operating since 2003, features decor inspired by 17th and 18th century Italian noble palazzos. It has a double occupancy capacity of 2,114.


In addition, the Costa Magica and Costa Marina will also sail the region on routes throughout Brazil and Argentina. The 105,000-ton Costa Magica will return to the region on itineraries out of Brazil with weekly routes to Bahia and cruises throughout the Southeastern coast while the intimate, 25,600-ton Costa Marina will sail routes out of Buenos Aires. The Costa Magica entered into service in 2004 and features an interior design that pays homage to the most beautiful Italian places as well as the largest dance floor at sea. It has a double occupancy capacity of 2,720.


The Costa Marina entered service in 1990 and was refurbished in 2002. It features wide windows, skylights and flawless glass atriums that reflect her contemporary design and has a double occupancy capacity of 776.

PRINCESS CRUISE TOURS GO TO SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST CELEBRATED DESTINATIONS IN 2008-09

Princess will debut three new cruisetour options for the 2008-09 season to add more adventurous opportunities for passengers on South America, Asia or Australia cruises.

These land/sea vacations take passengers to explore some of the world's most fascinating destinations, including new tours to the remote Galapagos Islands, and Hangzhou, one of China's most scenic cities.
Together Princess' worldwide lineup of cruisetours offer passengers the opportunities to visit three of the new Seven Wonders of the World as well as a number of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, including such important sites as Machu Picchu, The Great Wall of China, Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Angkor Wat.
Courtesy of About.com

SOUTH AMERICA CIRCUM NAVIGATION

For the first time ever the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the seas leaves her home port of port Canaveral to complete a series of 3 cruise itineraries circum navigating South America via Rio de Janeiro, Cape Horn, Chile and Peru to Los Angeles.

This exciting South American circum navigation lasts for 48 nights and takes places on 3rd Jan 2009. This early booking offer gives passengers the opportunity to plan well in advance and take advantage of low prices before demand pushes the price up. This Voyager Class ship sailing for the first time around South America is sure to generate interest and sell fast.

The fist leg of the cruise is for 17 nights on the 3rd Jan 2009 from Port Canaveral to Rio de Janeiro from only £1599pp. The second leg takes you from Brazil to Argentina, Uruguay, through the Straits of Magellan onto Chile. This departs on the 18th jan 2009 for 17 nights from only £1899pp. The final leg departs on 2nd Feb for 18 nights from Chile past Peru , Lima , Costa Rica and Mexico into Los Angeles from only £1649pp.

Perhaps combine all 3 legs for a definitive 48 night circum-navigation of South America from only £3099pp or try the last 2 legs for a 33 night adventure from only £2599pp.

The Mariner of the Seas is the fifth and final ship to be built in the revolutionary and much celebrated Voyager class of ship. Being the last of the class to be built this ship has taken advantage of and incorporates all of the enhancements to the first four ships in the class. With more facilities than your local town - this is the first opportunity to visit the far flung corners of the world in true style, comfort and familiar surroundings. There are 14 bars, 9 restaurants, nightclub, theatre, casino, shopping mall, 3 swimming pools, 7 jacuzzis, fitness centre, spa, sports court, rock climbing wall, 18 hole mini golf, roller skating, ice skating, cinema, 4 kids clubs, internet cafe, video arcade and much more.

All in all an exciting unusual itinerary on one of the best ships afloat at a great price.