New Galapagos and Amazon Itineraries Announced for Discovery World Cruises

April 20, 2005 – Discovery World Cruises will enter its third winter season with exciting new cruises that explore the timeless wonders of the Galapagos Islands and venture up the Amazon River. Specialists in exploring faraway places in comfort and style, Discovery will offer a total of 21 itineraries to some of the world’s most fascinating ports-of-call, from November 2005 through May 2006.

Featured in the line’s cruise schedule are voyages to the Caribbean & Amazon, Antarctic Peninsula, South Pacific and Galapagos & Panama Canal. In addition, for the world traveler with unquenchable wanderlust, Grand Pacific, Galapagos & Panama Canal unveils all the wonders and charms found from Auckland to Nassau on a 53-night voyage of the South Sea.

Unlike the mega-liners that dominate the seas these days, passengers cruise the world aboard the 650-passenger MV Discovery – a mid-sized ocean-liner that offers the amenities of a large cruise ship, but is able to access smaller out-of-the-way ports for a unique cruise vacation.

“Discovery World Cruises strives to offer the most distinctive cruise vacations on the open seas,” said Tim Davey, the line’s vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services. “Every consecutive cruise season, we have been able to add more exotic and exciting itineraries. When coupled with the trademark service of MV Discovery’s staff and crew, it makes for a truly memorable voyage.”

Caribbean & Amazon
Discovery’s season begins with Voyage to the Caribbean – departing November 26, 2005 – which is a 15-night repositioning cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, to Barbados. Passengers visit three continents while enjoying the relaxing rhythm of a transatlantic voyage. On Gems of the Caribbean, MV Discovery explores the beautiful beaches and historic colonial plantations in the West Indies and Dutch Antilles for seven nights, departing December 11th.

For the first time ever, MV Discovery will venture to the source of the Amazon, the widest river in the world, on three itineraries. Amazon Adventure, departing December 18th, is a 10-day Christmas voyage from Barbados to Manaus, Brazil, home of the famous Opera House in the jungle. Travelers can herald the New Year on Amazon & South America, departing December 28th, on an 18-night cruise-tour that combines the mighty river with the rich cultural tapestries of Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. Fares begin at $1,095 per person, double occupancy.

Antarctica
For its third consecutive season, MV Discovery sails to the breathtaking beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula on three inspiring and enlightening voyages. Passenger will discover the scenic grandeur and abundant wildlife found in this still-unspoiled region of the world. What distinguishes Discovery World Cruises from most other lines visiting the destination is that passengers actually step onto the shores of the forbidding White Continent and waddle alongside penguins in their rookeries, and cruise alongside majestic whales and tireless albatross. Depending on weather and ice conditions, passenger landings are planned for King Georges Island, Hope Bay, Paradise Harbor, and Half Moon Island.

Antarctica & the Falklands, departing January 9, 2006, is a 17-night cruise expedition that combines the highlights of Antarctica with visits to the Falkland Islands. Antarctica, departing January 21st, is a 13-night itinerary that concentrates on the Antarctic Peninsula. Rounding out the series is a 20-night Antarctica & Chilean Fjords cruise-tour, departing January 29th, which adds in the scenic splendor of Chile’s magnificent fjord-lands. Cruise fares begin at $3,595 per person, double occupancy.

South Pacific Discovery
From the charms of Polynesian paradises to the quaint, two-island nation of New Zealand, Discovery unfolds the magic nestled in the South Pacific on four journeys to some of the world’s most remote islands. Passengers shadow the routes marked by the infamous Captains Cook and Blye through Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, Tahiti, on In the Wake of the Bounty, an 18-night cruise-tour departing February 12, 2006. South Pacific I, departing March 1st, is a 17-night itinerary that will delight the soul that calls on Fiji along the way to New Zealand. Discover New Zealand - departing March 11th, is a two-week cruise vacation spotlighting the nation’s thriving vineyards, expansive sheep farms and colonial architecture. South Pacific II combines all the wonders of the South Sea on an 18-night voyage, departing March 21st. Cruise fares begin at $2,450 per person, double occupancy.

Galapagos Discovery
New for 2006 Discovery World Cruises features two unforgettable cruise-tours to Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, where time has stood still and wildlife from another eon flourishes unimpeded. The line’s MV Discovery is one of very few cruise ships that are permitted to visit this pristine archipelago. Polynesia, Peru & Galapagos – departing April 7, 2006 – is a 26-night voyage from the splendor of the South Pacific to the islands that provided Charles Darwin with the inspiration for his scientific theories. Galapagos & Panama Canal, departing April 27th, combines the Galapagos with the Panama Canal on a 16-night itinerary that concludes in The Bahamas. Fares begin at $3,795 per person, double occupancy.

Cruising Aboard MV Discovery
MV Discovery hosts an international, English-speaking clientele, who share an appetite for exploration and knowledge. The mid-size liner has a friendly and convivial atmosphere and features 351 cabins and suites, each with television and hair-dryer; three restaurants; five lounges; a well-stocked library; casino; modern health club and spa; two swimming pools – one beneath a retractable dome; two Jacuzzis; and a duty-free boutique.

All Discovery World Cruises’ vacations are packages as complete “cruise-tours,” which include shipboard accommodations, meals, entertainment, Captains cocktail parties, ground transfers, baggage handling and applicable port charges. Low-cost air add-on fares are available through to ensure worry-free travel to and from the ship.

To receive Discovery’s new Winter 2005-06 brochure or to make a reservation, please see a travel professional, contact the cruise-line tool free at (866) 623-2689, or visit www.discoveryworldcruises.com.

SOURCE Discovery World Cruises