Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 - (Page 60)

DESTINATIONS EUROPE MS Amadagio cruises along the Rhine River Onboard the Cruising the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with Amadeus Waterways WITH THE NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART SHIPS IN THE AMADEUS FLEET, luxury European river cruises should become an easy sell for agents. Travel Agent got an inside look at the MS Amadagio, built in Holland in 2006. The ship offers a slew of contemporary conveniences (complimentary WiFi, multi-jet showers) that sets it apart. But most importantly, the weak dollar means that a river cruise in Europe is a real bargain. Not only will your clients see different destinations every day without the hassle of packing up the rental car and braving the autobahn, they will also relish the benefits of an all-inclusive vacation. Everything from the shore excursions to the multi-course gourmet meals are included in the cruise price, so there is no need to worry about the plummeting dollar before a departure to Europe. Upon arrival at the Amadagio, guests are greeted by the friendly, English-speaking staff, many of whom are Bulgarian. The lobby is elegant and adorned with colorful contemporary art. With only 71 Staterooms (170 square feet) and four Junior Suites (255 square feet), the 360-footlong Amadagio offers an intimacy not possible on vast ocean liners, while still appointed with such facilities as a fitness center, sauna, glass elevator and beauty salon. The ship usually docks directly in a city center, 60 | TravelAgent April 28, 2008 AMADAGIO BY ANNE-SOPHIE GUÉRIN enabling your clients to step off the boat and discover the destination at their own leisure. The included shore excursions—led by Englishspeaking local guides with high-tech audio devices—provide excellent insights into the history and culture of each city. There are even complimentary bikes onboard so that your clients can take a spin around town. Luxury for the Eyes and Palate From the spacious Panorama Lounge, your clients can watch the scenery glide by while sipping complimentary espresso or tea from the 24hour coffee station. The Sun Deck, equipped with lounge chairs and a whirlpool, also offers a good spot to check out the views. The cruise director likened cruising a fabled stretch of the Rhine River to watching a particularly heated tennis match: many heads swiveled back and forth to gape at the beautiful castles on opposite river banks and postcard-perfect villages nestled beneath cliffs. Also on the Violin Deck, the smaller Aft Lounge is the perfect spot to organize group get-togethers, meetings and cocktail hours. Though there’s an open seating policy in the restaurant and no table CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Africa: Where to Stay in the Gateway to Southern Africa South Pacific/Australia: Luxury Lodges in Queensland and Tasmania Pacific/Asia: Shanghai, China’s Cosmopolitan Powerhouse, Sees New Hotel and Cruise Development Canada: Downtown Calgary is Easy to Get Around and Filled with Historic and Cultural Attractions California: Laguna Beach Blends Culture with Coastal Beauty Florida: Golf, History, Food and Fun Defined Our Stay at the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine Las Vegas: Vegas Hotels Gamble on the Allure of Men’s Grooming Pacific Northwest: Washington Inns Emphasize Local Charm Mexico: Tulum Comes Into its Own as a Luxury Destination Europe: Cruising the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with Amadeus Waterways Rudi Schreiner, President of Amadeus Waterways, Talks about River Cruises Caribbean: Travel Agent Reports From the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange The Slot Spot: Gaming at the Casino Dominicus Cruise: Suppliers and Businesses Use Ships as Springboards to Satisfy Enthusiasts’ Hobbies and Passions Key Legal Decisions Will Affect the Future of Alaska’s Cruise Industry Cover Story: Exclusive Beach Destinations Hotels: The Girlfriend Getaway is an Exploding Market Agent Profile: Sabine Harris’ Personal Touch Provides a Memorable Experience Virtual Tourism: New Websites Give a New View of Tourist Destinations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Anguilla’s Cap Juluca Sold Aloha Airlines is Grounded Exorbitant Hotel Rates Make Alternatives More Appealing Koepf takes Helm at NACTA, Plans to Expand Membership In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

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