Carnival Cruise Lines recently announced new four-day, three-night cruises from New York to Saint John, New Brunswick, visiting the Bay of Fundy. Starting June 12 and then almost every Thursday through Aug. 30, the line will offer seven departures leaving New York at 5 p.m. and arriving in Saint John at 8 a.m. the next morning. Rates start at $319 per person, double occupancy.
From June 16 to Aug. 20, Carnival will feature a series of 10 five-day, four-night itineraries calling at both Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The cruise departs New York on Saturdays or Mondays at 5 p.m. and spends almost a full day at each port. Rates start at $459 per person, double.
More expedition ships are being attracted to Atlantic Canada. Polar Star Expeditions, headquartered in Halifax, will offer two sailings calling at ports in Newfoundland, Labrador and Nova Scotia for the second year in a row in September and October. Cruise North Expeditions offers itineraries that explore the rugged coasts and charming outports of Newfoundland and Labrador. Hapag Lloyd expedition ships have called at ports in Atlantic Canada and will do so again in 2008.
FYI: Web sites: www.carnival.com, www.polarstarexpeditions.com, www.cruisenorthexpeditions.com.
VISITING THE HOLY LAND
In its 60th year, General Tours World Traveler offers a variety of tours that focus on both traditional and nontraditional religious sites and events.
In Israel, The Christian Pilgrim is an eight-day guided vacation that includes Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha and Nazareth. In the company of expert guides well-versed in biblical history, travelers discover ancient sites from both the Old and New Testaments. Tour prices start at $1,499 per person, land only. International air is available from $700.
The Holy Land is an eight-day itinerary visiting Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Tiberias, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Masada and the Qumran Caves. Comprehensive sightseeing with knowledgeable guides explores impressive archaeological sites that have been significant in Jewish, Christian and Islamic history. Priced from $1,399 per person land only, the tour includes choice of hotel, daily breakfast and comprehensive sightseeing.
Often overlooked on traditional Holy Land tours, Jordan offers a number of significant religious sites. General Tours' eight-day escorted tour Ancient Pathways to Petra visits the historic Dead Sea; Mount Nebo, the traditional burial site of Moses; and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Petra, Jordan's most famous ancient city and one of the wonders of the Middle East. Priced from $1,399 land only, the tour includes a choice of first-class or deluxe hotels, daily breakfast, seven dinners and extensive sightseeing throughout.
FYI: For more information or reservations, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com.
THE UNDISCOVERED EMERALD ISLE
Dooley Vacations is encouraging travelers to explore Ireland beyond the Blarney Stone and uncover the undiscovered western and northwestern regions as they now offer nonstop flights on flyglobespan airline to Ireland West Airport Knock. From The Burren to Connemara to Sligo and Yeats Country, the west-northwest of Ireland is considered to be the most typically Irish part of the country and experiencing these less-traveled counties is now easier than ever. With a rental car with unlimited mileage, guests can take in the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, festivals in Galway City, the medieval Donegal Town and more. Rates start at $799 per person including airfare from New York, six nights accommodations, rental car and daily breakfast.
Valid for travel May 1 to June 30 and again in October, the Irish jaunt begins with a one-night stay in the Ridgepool Hotel in Ballina on the banks of the River Moy, followed by five nights in guest's choice of traditional Irish B&Bs. Upgrades to bed and breakfasts with private baths and automatic rental car are available from an additional $79 per person.
FYI: For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.dooleyvacations.com or call 877-331-9301.
