Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery will embark on its first-ever circumnavigation of South America next January, with cruises from 10 to 77 nights. Early-booking savings of up to 32 percent are available, along with free and reduced air add-ons from 26 North American 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,” he said.
The 77-night “Grand South America Discovery” cruise sails roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Jan. 3, 2011. Fares begin at $12,429 per person, double occupancy, and include free air 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 Nov. 18 “Discovery of the New World” trans-Atlantic crossing from Malaga to Barbados, 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 to Machu Picchu from Callao ($1,315 per person). Guests also can book 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 is $809 per person and the three-night cruise starts at $2,639 per person. Special rates for single travelers are also available. Discovery Club members receive an additional 5 percent savings. The winter 2010-11 cruise catalog will be available in late February. For more information, call 866-623-2689 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.