“SAIL AWAY”
CRUISE & COACH USA
INCLUDING PANAMA CANAL CROSSING

Tour Departs: 30 September 2012    •    Tour Length: 27 Days

We are delighted to offer once again this very special tour. We start in San Francisco and then fly east, visit New York and Washington DC before we join our ship in Miami. We cruise through the Caribbean before entering the Panama Canal, an absolute highlight for any traveller, and up the Mexican and Californian Coasts. We disembark in San Diego where we spend a couple of nights before returning home.

THE MAGNIFICENT 5***** CRUISE SHIP: “CELEBRITY MILLENIUM”
Celebrity cruise ships consistently rank among the best in the world with a fleet that combines modern-day technology with timeless elegance, gourmet cuisine, exclusive entertainment, spacious accommodations and the signature service Celebrity is known for. And the “Celebrity Millenium” is no exception. Shimmering in elegance, she demonstrates the grandeur and style synonymous with Celebrity. You can expect to be pampered, entertained and delighted throughout your time aboard. For 2012, we have a choice of onboard accommodation available … Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms or Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms with Verandah with both categories mostly located on Vista Deck. As the name implies, the Verandah Staterooms have their own private verandah and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can watch the world slip slowly by as the ship makes its way from one port to the next. And when it’s time to dine, experience masterful cuisine, exceptional service and sweeping ocean views in a most refined dining atmosphere of the Manhattan Restaurant or savour the exceptional fare in a collection of casual eateries throughout your ship. There is so much activity on board that you will never be at a loss for things to do. In the evening, enjoy a lavish Las Vegas-style show in the state-of-the-art lounge presented by the on-board entertainers, while during the day there is a constant range of games, lectures and art/craft/culinary demonstrations available.

Words from previous tour members:
“I can thoroughly recommend this cruise tour. We were amazed at the luxury and on-board comfort offered on the ship…. The itinerary included so many diverse and interesting ports of call…. Life on board is just wonderful – you can be as busy as you want or just sit back and enjoy the magnificent facilities….. Once you are on board, there is no packing / unpacking until the end of the cruise…. Great value for money – thanks for a most enjoyable holiday.”

TOUR COSTS:
Share Twin/Double Cabin/Room Per Person:
Ocean View Stateroom                         NZ$12,995               AUD$11,500
Verandah Stateroom                             NZ$13,600               AUD$12,150
Supplement for Single Cabin/Room:
Ocean View Stateroom                        NZ$ 3,950                AUD$ 3,400
Verandah Stateroom                            NZ$ 4.950                AUD$ 4,200

COST INCLUDES:
• Economy Class air travel ex Auckland or Sydney/ Melbourne/ Brisbane
(additional cost to upgrade to Business Class available on request)
• All prepaid airline/government taxes, security and fuel surcharges
• First Class hotel accommodation where applicable
• Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms or Verandah Staterooms on the cruise ship.
• All meals on board the cruise ship
• All Port Taxes & service fees, gratuities on the cruise, tips to coach drivers & guides
• Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
• Fully escorted

COSTS EXCLUDES:
• Shore excursions available on board ship (indicative costs will be supplied prior to departure)
• Any meals and sightseeing tours not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance (assistance and advice for this will be offered)
• Items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, drinks, telephone charges etc

IMPORTANT - CANCELLATION CONDITIONS:
Due to the cruise content in this tour, we must vary the cancellation penalties listed on the Tour Booking Form. Notice of withdrawal from the tour for any reason advised between 90 – 30 days before tour departure will result in cancellation penalties of 50% of the tour price. If advice of withdrawal is received less than 31 days before tour departure, then the full tour cost is forfeited. Insurance is available to protect you against these cancellation penalties and advice will be given well in advance of the critical dates.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

 
Sunday 30 September
Home – San Francisco
We depart this afternoon or evening for San Francisco. The flight crosses the international dateline en route and arrives San Francisco, where we start our journey with a 2 night stay in this “City-by-the-Bay”.

Monday 01 October
San Francisco (B.D)
This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of San Francisco which includes the downtown area, Nob Hill, Twin Peaks and Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city and this evening lets have a fun dinner together at "Lefty O'Doull's".

Tuesday 02 October
San Francisco – New York (B)
This morning, we return to San Francisco Airport and join our flight to the “Big Apple”. On arrival, we transfer to our midtown Manhattan Hotel for a 3 night stay.

Wednesday 03 October
New York (B)
Our comprehensive full day “coach and cruise” sightseeing tour of “the Big Apple” shows us plenty – Times Square, Central Park, Harlem, Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Wall Street, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Empire State Building and the United Nations.

Thursday 04 October
New York (B)
A full day free in New York to pursue your own interests. There are museums and galleries to suit every taste. Fifth Avenue shops, Circle Island cruise ……. the choice is yours! What about a Broadway Show this evening.

Friday 05 October
New York – Washington DC (B)
today we, transfer to the airport to join short flight to Washington DC the nation’s capital. On arrival met and transferred to our Hotel for 2 nights.

Saturday 06 October
Washington DC (B)
A full day sightseeing today as this morning our tour shows us Capitol Hill, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Washington Monument, the White House, Embassy Row and much more. This afternoon, we drive to Alexandria in Virginia and a tour of Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s home on the banks of the Potomac River.

Sunday 07 October
Washington DC – Miami (B.D)
Early this afternoon we transfer to the Port of Miami to commence boarding formalities for our home for the next 15 days, the cruise ship “Celebrity Millenium”. Late this afternoon, our ship slips quietly out of Miami as we head south to Colombia. This evening we enjoy our first taste of shipboard life as we dine together.

Monday 08 October
Cruising at Sea (B.L.D)

Tuesday 09 October
Cruising at Sea (B.L.D)
Two days to enjoy all the facilities of your floating resort

Wednesday 10 October
Cartagena Colombia (B.L.D)
This large city, seaport was once the major centre for Spanish settlement in the America’s. Cartagena’s colonial walled city and fortress were designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 1980, also renowned for its pristine offshore islands and the finest emeralds in the world.

Thursday 11 October
Colon Panama (B.L.D)
As the capital of Colón Province on Panama’s central Caribbean coast, Colón lies at the very heart of the country’s rich history and innovation. This important port town is less than an hour’s drive from Panama’s most historical attractions, so it’s easy to fit in visits to sites like the Panama Railroad, Gatun Locks, and old Spanish fortress Fort San Lorenzo. And of course, crystal blue waters and pure white sand are always a sweet setting for a cruise port stopover.

Friday 12 October
Panama Canal Crossing (B.L.D)
The absolute tour highlight today. Our ship enters the Canal Zone at 6.00am for a full day traversing of this man-made wonder. Marvel at the series of giant locks that gently raise and then lower our cruise ship from one ocean to another. Cruise island dotted Gatun Lake, sculptured by the hand of man and gaze at the jungle clad shoreline crawling with vines and wildlife. We exit the Canal Zone at Cristobal at 8.00pm.

Saturday 13 October
Cruising at Sea (B.L.D)
 
Sunday 14 October
Puntarenas, Costa Rica (B.L.D)
Located along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Puntarenas is a great place to see native wildlife ranging from scarlet macaws to the alpha predator of Central America: the jaguar. Surfers from around the world regard this region of Costa Rica as prime surfing waters. As one of the country’s leading fishing ports, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, including ceviche de corvine, bits of fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions, peppers and spices.

Monday 15 October
Cruising at Sea (B.L.D)

Tuesday 16 October
Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala (B.L.D)
On the Pacific coast Guatamala is located in the northernmost part of Central America. Puerto Quetzal is one of the world’s newest and most exciting cruise destinations and boasts sublime scenic dramas. The port is a gateway to fascination and don’t be surprised by what you’ll uncover – a colourful history indispersed with farmland and timeless villages.

Wednesday 17 October
Cruising at Sea (B.L.D)

Thursday 18 October
Cruising at sea (B.L.D)
Relax and enjoy the cruise as the world passes by. Join in with some of the many activities provided during the day.

Friday 19 October
Puerto Vallarta (B.L.D)
Nestled on the 28 mile curve of Banderas Bay, flanked by shimmering Pacific waters and lush green mountains, Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful town with friendly people. It has managed to retain much of its traditional Old Mexico charm. Visit the town center, a fun filled maze of pretty cobbled streets lined with many and varied shops, top quality restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine

Saturday 20 October
Cabo San Lucas (B.L.D)
Once referred to as the “millionaire’s sandbox”, Cabo San Lucas is Mexico’s jewel resort at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. Its remote location and unspoilt beauty makes this a seaside paradise.

Sunday 21 October
Cruising at Sea (B.L.D)
Our last day to really enjoy all the facilities our cruise ship has to offer.

Monday 22 October
San Diego (B)
On arrival we join our coach for the transfer to San Diego where we stay for 2 nights. The rest of the day is free for you to discover what San Diego has to offer.

Tuesday 23 October
San Diego (B.D)
This morning, our sightseeing tour of San Diego shows us the many diversified and unique areas as we journey through the vibrant downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter with its old world buildings. Enjoy wonderful harbour views at The Embarcadero, see Balboa Park and its Exposition Museum buildings, La Jolla known as the jewel of the Pacific with many upscale shops and eateries and the historic landmark Hotel del Coronado along with its beautiful beach. The afternoon is at leisure – maybe you would like to visit the world famous zoo or Seaworld. Final dinner together

Wednesday 24 October
San Diego – Los Angeles –  Home (B)
This morning is at leisure then it’s time to depart when we transfer to Los Angeles Airport for our homeward flight crossing the dateline along the way.

Friday 26 October
Home
Our tour concludes with our morning arrival.