In celebration of her Asia debut this winter, the 694-guest Azamara Quest is offering guests a way to make the most of their experiences in the exotic destinations that she will visit. Two tour packages that each include a well-rounded selection of excursions will be available for seven select sailings during Azamara's 2008-09 Asia season. The packages are similar to those Azamara Cruises offered in its first Europe season earlier this year, offering guests a 5% savings over the retail value of the tours in each package.

Three of Azamara Quest's Southeast Asia itineraries will offer the packages: an 18-night sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong, departing on December 16, 2008; a 14-night sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore, departing on January 3, 2009, and a 14-night voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong, departing on January 17, 2009.

The packages will also be offered on four Northeast Asia sailings: a 14-night sailing from Hong Kong to Beijing, departing on January 31 and February 28, 2009; and a 14-night sailing from Beijing to Hong Kong, departing on February 14 and March 14, 2009.
Azamara Cruises to Offer Exotic Excursion Packages in Asia

Forbidden City in Beijing, China (c) Linda Garrison

Travel photographers Ellen and Hank Barone will lead a special photography cruise in Mexico's Sea of Cortés aboard American Safari Cruises’ 120-foot, 22-guest luxury yacht Safari Quest, March 8 to 15, 2009. The eight-day, seven-night cruise from La Paz to colonial Loreto sails through the wildlife-rich desert sea that Jacques Cousteau called "the aquarium of the world" for its large number of indigenous species of marine life.

The activities on the all-inclusive cruise offer opportunities for photography -- an excursion to see gray whales at Bahia Magdalena, a burro ride into the arroyos, swimming with sea lions, exploration of mangroves and hikes among the cardon cactus, and a visit to a tiny fishing village of just two dozen inhabitants.

I sailed this same itinerary last March on the American Safari Cruises' Safari Quest, and the number of opportunities for great photos was amazing.
American Safari Cruises Adds a March 8-15, 2009 Photo Theme Departure in Mexico's Sea of Cortés

Bay of Magdalena Photo (c) Kevin Martin, American Safari Cruises

River cruising provides up-close-and-personal access to great cities and quaint villages along the world's great rivers—and there is nothing better than enjoying European landscapes aboard a beautiful new cruise ship. In 2009, Viking River Cruises will enhance its appeal to cruise travelers with a new ship, Viking Legend, featuring cutting-edge technology and the region's largest suites.

The new ship will debut on the popular 15-day Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour itinerary, which takes passengers along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between Amsterdam and Budapest; its official launch is expected to occur in May of 2009. I sailed this itinerary on the Viking Spirit and loved exploring central Europe on a Viking River Cruises' river ship.
Viking River Cruises Builds New Ship for 2009 River Cruise Season

Budapest Photo (c) Linda Garrison

The Iguazu River Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil are spectacular. A trip to the falls is a great extension to your cruise embarking or disembarking in Buenos Aires.
Iguazu Falls Photo (c) Linda Garrison