impressions of cuba cruises 2016/17
Transcription
impressions of cuba cruises 2016/17
IMPRESSIONS OF CUBA CRUISES 2016/17 ABOARD THE 72-GUEST MEGA YACHT VARIETY VOYAGER NOVEMBER 2016-MARCH 2017 | 8-DAY CRUISES FROM HAVANA OR CIENFUEGOS, CUBA Discover the authentic Cuba A cruise unraveling the colonial cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, the verdant landscapes of Vinales / Pinar del Rio and the crystal clear seas and amazing underwater life in Cayo Largo. M/Y VARIETY VOYAGER MEGA YACHT The 68 meter/36 cabin Voyager was launched in 2012. This sleek high-tech looking yacht complies with the most stringent SOLAS safety regulations. GENERAL INFORMATION: Length: 68 m (223 ft) Launch Year: 2012 Cabins: 36 Capacity: 72 passengers Crew: 33 CABIN SPECIFICATION: The 68m Variety Voyager accomodates up to 72 guests in 36 cabins. 28 cabins are located at the Marina and Riviera Decks and 8 staterooms at the Horizons Deck. Cabins and staterooms sizes range from 16 to 20 m2 /170 to 216 sq.ft. Cabins at the Marina deck feature two oversized portholes and cabins at the Riviera and Horizons deck feature large windows. All cabins have individually controlled A/C and ventilation, minibars, flat screen TV’s, DVD players and all the amenities of a luxury ship. Bathrooms are finished with warm marble and Corian materials. M/Y VARIETY VOYAGER LIFE ON BOARD MAIN LOUNGE Located on the Main deck, right off the reception area, the Main Lounge is gracefully designed and finished with wood panels. There is ample seating space for moments of pleasure or relaxation and modern AV equipment for presentations. The mini library/ just off the Main Lounge, offers a variety of books and magazines. DINING ROOM Located on the Horizons deck, the glass enclosed dining room seats 75 passengers and allows for spectacular views around you, while dining in an elegant environment. It extends to the adjacent open deck dining room, also seating 50 passengers and allowing for breakfast, lunch or dinner to be taken “al fresco”. Food is served at the table or displayed on the state of the art hot & cold buffet which also includes a “a la minute cooking” section. OCEAN'S BAR & LOUNGE Located on the Sun Deck, the open Bar and Lounge offers stylish shaded seating and is the ideal spot for reading, relaxing or dancing under the stars until the late hours at the sound of our resident DJ/entertainer. SPA & FITNESS SUITE Located at the Marina Deck, it offers Massage, Sauna and some fitness equipment. Our Balinese Spa Supervisor also provides hair, face and nails treatments. SUN DECK Sun loungers are available to sunbathe in total comfort while enjoying drinks served from the Sun Deck Oceans Bar. Impressions of Cuba Cruise – 2016-7 7-NIGHT/ 8-DAYS HAVANA TO CIENFUEGOS ON THE 36 CABIN VARIETY VOYAGER DAY 1 Havana Embarkation 3 to 4 pm at Sierra Maestra Cruise Terminal. Welcome briefings and cocktails. Safety drill. Welcome dinner. Overnight in port. DAY 2 Havana DAY 3 Havana – Afternoon at sea to Maria la GordaBahia de Corrientes Choose from the 2 half day optional excursions in colourful and vibrant Old Havana, founded by the Spaniards in 1519 in the natural harbour of the Bay of Havana and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a guided exploration on foot through Old Havana streets and squares. We will stop to see the scale model of the Old City, to the “Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos” Workshop/School for artisans and craftspeople specializing in monuments restoration. Alternatively you can take the optional full day excursion with lunch in the Pinar del Rio province. We will go inland to visit the Valley of Vinales, one of Cuba's most scenic regions. You will be amazed by a unique landscape and by the "Magotes", dramatic rock formations and by the 18th century city of Vinales all of which contributed to make the Valley a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cuban Night. Overnight in Havana. Take one of the optional walking Havana Tour in Old City or choose the optional excursion to the Artemisa Region outside Havana. We will drive by bus to the UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve Las Terrazzas, in the mountainous Sierra del Rosario area. This is perfect chance to discover this beautiful region including an old/colonial 18th century coffee plantation and also observe life in rural Cuba with visits to the local family doctor, nurse, clinic, an elementary school, community museum, local artists homes and studios. Late in the afternoon the ship will leave Havana port for an overnight sailing to Maria la Gorda (Bahia de Corrientes). Overnight at sea. DAY 4 Maria la Gorda DAY 5 Cayo Largo DAY 6 Casilda/ Trinidad DAY 7 Cienfuegos DAY 8 Cienfuegos Mid morning day arrival in Maria la Gorda (Bahia de Corrientes). This afternoon our optional excursion will take us to the “Guanahacabibes” National Park, one of the country’s largest nature reserves. Meet with the naturalists and locals. The peninsula was one of the last refuges of aboriginals fleeing from the Spanish conquistadors and also holds some 140 archaeological sites linked to the life of aborigines, who were known as Guanahatabeyes. You will meet with environmentalists at the CITMA Environmental Research Station as well. Enjoy lunch before continuing your exploration of the park with local community members and scientists to see the results of the Endangered Species Protection Projects and Environmental Education Programs. Alternatively you can spend the day at nearby beach snorkelling and enjoying the sun and the sea. Overnight at sea to Cayo Largo. Morning arrival in Cayo Largo. Cayo Largo was formed by limestone, formed over millions of years from the remains of marine organisms, much like the ones that form coral reefs. Our optional afternoon excursion will take us to the Sea Turtle Breeding Centre and Endangered Species Protection program. We will then join coral reef experts for an amazing 2 1/2 hour guided snorkelling experience. Protected from strong sea currents, the seabed is varied and unspoiled, with an abundance of underwater caves, valleys and steep, gorgonian-encrusted walls. Late in the evening we sail away from Cayo Largo for an overnight at sea to Casilda. Early morning arriving into the port of Casilda. Our full day optional excursion brings us to Trinidad, a Spanish colonial settlement once built on huge sugar fortunes. Trinidad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A meticulously well-preserved Spanish colonial city, with its rich architecture, cobblestone streets, palaces and plazas, it is sometimes referred to as the “museum city of Cuba.” There will be stops for visits to local artists and home studios, the Museum Romantico or the Architecture Museum. After lunch, we will drive to the nearby Sugarmills Valley (Valley de los Ingenios) also a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site. Early in the afternoon we set sail for Cienfuegos, where we will arrive after midnight. Overnight in Cienfuegos. Early morning optional excursion to Playa Giron also known as the Bay of Pigs and to the Matanzas area. Visit the Bay of Pigs and the War Museum and later the Matanzas area where you will take a boat ride on the Treasure Lake and visit a replica of a Taino Indian Village and a crocodile breeding-farm. We return to the ship for a late lunch. In the afternoon you can take the Cienfuegos optional city tour and visit the only Cuban city founded by French settlers. It is also known as the Pearl of the South. In 2005 the historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among buildings of particular interest are the Government Palace (City Hall), San Lorenzo School, the Bishopric, the Ferrer Palace, the former lyceum, and some residential houses. Cienfuegos is the first, and an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble representing the new ideas of modernity, hygiene and order in urban planning as developed in Latin America from the 19th century. Captain's Farewell dinner. Overnight in Cienfuegos. Disembarkation 9 to 9.30 am and 3-4 hours bus transfer to Havana Melia Cohiba Hotel. Impressions of Cuba Cruise – 2016-7 7-NIGHT/ 8-DAYS HAVANA TO CIENFUEGOS ON THE 36 CABIN VARIETY VOYAGER DAY 1 Cienfuegos DAY 2 Cienfuegos DAY 3 Casilda DAY 4 Cayo Largo DAY 5 Maria la Gorda/ Bahia de Corrientes DAY 6 Havana DAY 7 Havana DAY 8 Havana We meet at 11 am at the Melia Cohiba Hotel lobby for a drink and a free transfer by bus to Cienfuegos. After a 3 hour drive through Cuba's central regions we reach Cienfuegos and embark the Panorama between 3 and 4 pm. Welcome briefings and cocktails, safety drill. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Cienfuegos. Early morning optional excursion to Playa Giron also known as the Bay of Pigs and to the Matanzas area. Visit the Bay of Pigs and the War Museum and later the Matanzas area where you will take a boat ride on the Treasure Lake and visit a replica of a Taino Indian Village and a crocodile breeding-farm. We return to the ship for a late lunch. In the afternoon you can take the Cienfuegos optional city tour and visit the only Cuban city founded by French settlers. It is also known as the Pearl of the South. In 2005 the historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among buildings of particular interest are the Government Palace (City Hall), San Lorenzo School, the Bishopric, the Ferrer Palace, the former lyceum, and some residential houses. Cienfuegos is the first, and an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble representing the new ideas of modernity, hygiene and order in urban planning as developed in Latin America from the 19th century We leave Cienfuegos at 4 am for an early morning arriving into the port of Casilda. Our full day optional excursion brings us to Trinidad, a Spanish colonial settlement once built on huge sugar fortunes. Trinidad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A meticulously well-preserved Spanish colonial city, with its rich architecture, cobblestone streets, palaces and plazas it is sometimes referred to as the “museum city of Cuba”. There will be stops for visits to local artists and home studios, the Museum Romantico or the Architecture Museum. After lunch, we will drive to the nearby Sugarmills Valley (Valley de los Ingenios) also a UNESCO World Heritage site. We leave Casilda mid afternoon . Overnight at sea to Cayo Largo. Early morning arrival in Cayo Largo. Cayo Largo was formed by limestone, formed over millions of years from the remains of marine organisms, much like the ones that form coral reefs. Our optional excursion will take us to the Sea Turtle Breeding Centre and Endangered Species Protection program. We will then join coral reef experts for an amazing 2 1/2 hour guided snorkelling experience. Protected from strong sea currents, the seabed is varied and unspoiled, with an abundance of underwater caves, valleys and steep, gorgonian-encrusted walls. We return to the ship for lunch and sail to Maria la Gorda (Bahia de Corrientes). Overnight at sea. Morning arrival in Maria la Gorda (Bahia de Corrientes). Today our optional excursion will take us to the “Guanahacabibes” National Park, one of the country’s largest nature reserves. Meet with the naturalists and locals. The peninsula was one of the last refuges of aboriginals fleeing from the Spanish conquistadors and also holds some 140 archaeological sites linked to the life of aborigines, who were known as Guanahatabeyes. You will meet with environmentalists at the CITMA Environmental Research Station as well. Enjoy lunch before continuing your exploration of the park with local community members and scientists to see the results of the Endangered Species Protection Projects and Environmental Education Programs. Alternatively you can spend the day at nearby beach snorkelling and enjoying the sun and the sea. Mid afternoon sailing to Havana . Overnight at sea. Morning arrival in Havana. ½ day optional afternoon excursion in colourful and vibrant Old Havana, founded by the Spaniards in 1519 in the natural harbor of the Bay of Havana and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a guided exploration on foot through Old Havana streets and squares. We will stop to see the scale model of the Old City, to the “Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos” Workshop/School for artisans and craftspeople specializing in monuments restoration. . Overnight in Havana. Optional Havana ½ excursions or optional excursion to the Artemisa Region outside Havana. We will drive by bus to the UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve Las Terrazzas, in the mountainous Sierra del Rosario area. This is perfect chance to discover this beautiful region including an old/colonial 18th century coffee plantation and also observe life in rural Cuba with visits to the local family doctor, nurse, clinic, an elementary school, community museum, local artists homes and studios. Captains Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Havana. Disembarkation 9 to 9.30 am Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of Variety Cruises and of the Vessel's Captain in case of adverse weather conditions - winds of 6/7 beaufort or more depending on the vessel- on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not entitle automatically passengers to any refunds but Variety Cruises. Impressions of Cuba Cruise – 2016-7 on the M/Y VARIETY VOYAGER – SAILING DATES & GROSS EURO RATES – 26 November 2016 10, 24 December 2016 7, 21 January 2017 4, 18 March 2017 Havana to Cienfuegos Cienfuegos to Havana CABIN CATEGORIES Cat C Lower Deck – Twin or Double bedded Cabins Cat B Lower & Main Deck – Twin or Double bedded Cabins Cat A Main Deck – Twin or Double bedded Cabins Cat P Upper Deck – Twin or Double bedded Cabins Owner's Suite Upper Deck – Twin or Double bedded Cabins 3, 17, 31 December 2016 28 January 2017 11 March 2017 OFFICIAL GROSS EURO RATES per person in DBL/TWIN DISCOUNTED GROSS EURO RATES per person in DBL/TWIN* € 2,950 € 2,655 € 3,500 € 3,150 € 3,900 € 3,510 € 4,800 € 4,320 € 6,000 € 5,400 60% Single Supplement rd € 2,450 € 2,205 rd € 3,360 € 3,024 3 person rates in Cat B 3 person rates in Cat P Port Charges € 390 *The DISCOUNTED GROSS EURO RATES are valid for all sailings (Not applicable on Port Taxes) EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT – WINTER 2016/17: A 10 % EARLY BIRD discount on the DISCOUNTED GROSS EURO RATES is offered for reservations made by SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 with a deposit of Euro 900 -( Not applicable on Port Taxes). The EBD discount does not apply a/ for the Owner’s Suite on Variety Voyager programs and b/ for group bookings. The DISCOUNTED GROSS EURO RATES are valid for all sailings (Not applicable on Port Taxes). Any Early Booking Discount or Special Offer available APPLY on top of the Discounted Gross Euro Rates. A/ Cruise fares are per person and week and include Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning. Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local Theme Evening , fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner. Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day. Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability). English-Speaking Cruise Escort. Not included: Beverages (except those mentioned above). Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements. Crew tips. Passenger personal expenses Wi-Fi (available at charge) B/ Conditions and restrictions PROOFREADING Tour Operators featuring our Cruises in their Catalogue or Internet site by itinerary, vessel’s description and images, will send VARIETY CRUISES a draft for error-checking of the contents prior publication as well as two brochure copies when printed. In order to secure corect information given to our clients and keep our high customer satisfaction levels. Variety Cruises will not bare any responsibility for innacurate information or misrepresentation of our vessels or cruise itineraries without having accepted a draft prior to the brochure going to print or internet page published. CHILD REDUCTION Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount. Children between the ages of 10-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount. Port taxes are not discounted. PAYMENT 25% deposit is required 7 days from confirmation. 75% Balance of payment no less than 60 days prior to day of embarkation. CANCELLATIONS Up to 120 days from embarkation € 100—cancellation fees 119 to 90 days from embarkation 15% of the cruise fare 89 to 60 days from embarkation 25% of the cruise fare 59 to 30 days from embarkation 50% of the cruise fare 29 to 00 days from embarkation 100% of the cruise fare Cancellations must be confirmed by VARIETY CRUISES in writing in all cases. AMENDMENTS There may be a charge for amendments of cruise date or decreasing pax number received less than 60 days prior to sailing. Amendments must be confirmed by VARIETY CRUISES in writing. NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE Such personal expenses as drinks (other than included in the rate), laundry, spa-where applicable-, boutique items and gratuities, (gratuities are optional but as a rule, satisfied clients are expected to give to the captain, at the end of the cruise, approximately Euro 10.00-12.00 p/p p/day for distribution among all crew members) medical expenses, port taxes, shore excursions (shore excursions are proposed and arranged on board by the tour leaders), use of the on board Wi-Fi (available at a charge), expenditures incurred ashore, and anything not mentioned in cruise program. ### Beratung und Buchung: SEEREISEN CENTER Siegelgasse 1, TOP 1 / 2 A-1030 WIEN Tel.: 01/713 04 00; Fax: 01/715 45 10 E-Mail und Anmeldung für Newsletter: office@seereisen-center.at Besuchen Sie uns auch auf Facebook www.facebook.com/seereisencenterwien Alle angeführten Preise verstehen sich pro Person. Druck-, Preis- und Routenänderungen vorbehalten. Wir bitten um Verständnis, sollte die eine oder andere Reise bei Anfrage bereits ausgebucht sein – bei Angeboten sind oft nur wenige Kabinen verfügbar und es werden keine Kontingente vergeben. Vermittler: Caravelle Seereisen Touristik GmbH, VK Seereisen Center, Siegelgasse 1, A-1030 Wien, Veranstalter-Nr. 2006/0024, Reisebürosicherungsverordnung/Garantienr. 188157/05. Wir treten in diesem Fall nur als Vermittler auf. Es gelten die allgemeinen Reisebedingungen der jeweiligen Reederei. Wien, im Juni 2016