Cunard's South American Odyssey
June 28, 2005
Cunard Cruise Lines has announced that it has added the convenient east coast port city of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as an embarkation and debarkation point for its much anticipated Path of Magellan cruise series to be offered aboard the incomparable Queen Mary 2 during the 2006 cruising season. This extraordinary South America odyssey features a grand 36-day westbound voyage departing on January 17, 2006, taking guests around Cape Horn via the Drake Passage, Beagle Channel, and the Straits of Magellan.
This remarkable journey of intriguing history and stunning natural scenery departs from New York on January 15, 2006. On January 17, the ship will also be stopping in Ft. Lauderdale where passengers can board as well, before embarking on the full 36-day excursion. An eastbound reverse journey from Los Angeles is also offered, concluding in Ft. Lauderdale on April 13, and New York on April 15, 2006.
"Adding Ft. Lauderdale to the Path of Magellan itineraries allows our Southern-based guests a convenient departing and returning point to experience the adventure of Queen Mary 2's maiden passage around South America," said Jan Swartz, senior vice president of customer service and sales for Cunard Cruise Line. "Guests will relive the adventures of such legendary explorers as Magellan and Willem Shouten, the first man to make the journey through the Drake Channel at the very tip of South America, all while sailing in the sumptuous surroundings of this grand ocean liner."
When the Queen Mary 2, currently the biggest and one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world, embarks on this incredible journey, she will be the largest passenger vessel ever sail the legendary waters around Cape Horn. This historic voyage will visit vibrant and culturally rich South American capitals, world-class resorts, remote native settlements, and spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Guests will chart a memorable course through the West Indies and along the Atlantic seaboard of South America, around Tierra del Fuego to Chile and the Pacific Coast, then on to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and the United States mainland. For those with a desire to be a part of the magnificent Path of Magellan series, but that don't have the luxury of unlimited vacation time, Cunard will also be offering five shorter segmented itineraries which range in length from 10 to 14 days. Some of the most popular segmented Path of Magellan series itineraries include:
Route to Rio
Route to Rio will see the triumphant return of Queen Mary 2 to Rio de Janeiro. A southbound voyage departs New York for Rio on January 15, 2006, calling at St. Kitts, Barbados, and Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The reverse itinerary departs Rio on April 3, 2006. For those wishing to depart from Ft. Lauderdale, the 10-day Route to Rio cruise leaves Ft. Lauderdale on January 17, 2006.
Cape Horn & Chilean Fjords
Cape Horn and the Chilean Fjords is a 12-day navigation of Patagonia departing on January 27, 2006, and visiting Montevideo, Uruguay; Ushuaia, Argentina; and Punta Arenas; and Puerto Montt, Chile. The reverse itinerary departs March 22, 2006. Scenic wonders abound including the Straits of Magellan, the breathtaking Chilean fjords and Lake District, Tierra del Fuego, and even a flight-seeing excursion to Antarctica.
Andes & the Americas
The Andes and the Americas journey between Valparaiso and Los Angeles is a two-week voyage to amazing ports of call in seven different countries. Queen Mary 2 will call on Callao, Peru; Esmeraldas, Ecuador; Fuerte Amador, Panama; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; and Acapulco. From Fuerte Amador passengers can join an excursion to the Panama Canal Zone. The Valparaiso to Los Angeles itinerary departs February 8, 2006, and operates in the reverse direction departing on March 8.
For more information or to reserve you spot on any of Cunard's incredible 2006 Path of Magellan South American voyages, give your friendly Cruise Network Cruise specialist a call today at 888-267-1232!
