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Springtime on Our Shores: Americas Historic Cities and Canadas Maritime Provinces on a Grand Voyage from Florida to Newfoundland
When the first Europeans came to North America they established their settlements along the Atlantic coast. What began as a cluster of log cabins soon developed into handsome seaport towns and cities, renowned for their fine architecture and lovely formal gardens, but also famous for the part they played in the history of the United States and Canada. This May we will explore the East Coast’s historic cities and the majestic scenery of Maine and Nova Scotia on a grand journey from Florida to Newfoundland.
One of the pleasures of this voyage will be discovering how architects and craftsmen in Charleston, Williamsburg, Halifax, and Louisbourg adopted the styles of Europe, but adapted them to the tastes and requirements of the New World. We have also planned excursions to historic sites that changed the destiny of the United States and Canada: Louisbourg, France’s greatest bastion in Canada, which fell to the British in 1758; Yorktown, where George Washington’s decisive victory led to American independence; and Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.
The ship for this historic voyage is the all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II, an elegant small cruise ship known for its fine accommodations, superb cuisine, and impeccable service. You’ll find that Clelia II’s spaciousness and beautiful design make it ideal for this cultural expedition. Joining you on this voyage is an outstanding team of lecturers, experts, and musicians. William Ferris, of The University of North Carolina, is an authority on the subject of Southern history, culture, and cuisine. Architectural historian and author Dwight Young looks forward to sharing his knowledge about this part of the world.
And to entertain you as we sail from port to port, we have teamed with The Metropolitan Opera Guild, one of the world’s most acclaimed opera and music institutions, to present a series of shipboard recitals conducted by three gifted artists: pianist Jeffrey Brown, Soprano Julianna Di Giacomo, and Tenor Chad Johnson.
This voyage offers so many special features, we know you won’t want to miss it. Join us aboard Clelia II as we discover those great centers of history and culture that defined the character of the United States and Canada.
Itinerary
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Sunday, May 16, 2010 • FLY FROM HOME CITY | ARRIVE PALM BEACH, Florida, USA | EMBARK
Monday, May 17 • AT SEA
Tuesday May 18 & Wednesday, May 19 • CHARLESTON, South Carolina
Thursday, May 20 • AT SEA
Friday, May 21 • YORKTOWN | COLONIAL WILIAMSBURG | YORKTOWN, Virginia
Saturday, May 22 • AT SEA
Sunday, May 23 • NEWPORT, Rhode Island
Monday, May 24 • PORTLAND, Maine
Tuesday, May 25 • BAR HARBOR, Maine
Wednesday, May 26 • HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Canada
Thursday, May 27 • LOUISBOURG
Friday, May 28 • ARGENTIA | PLACENTIA | ST. MARY’S ECOLOGICAL RESERVE, Newfoundland
Saturday, May 29 • ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland | DISEMBARK | FLY TO USA
Click here to view the voyage reading list from Longitude Books.
View Detailed Itinerary
Enrichment Program
On this unique itinerary we are pleased to offer an equally unique enrichment program. Expert guest lecturers will lecture on the history of our ports of call, and artists selected by The Metropolitan Opera Guild will perform for our enjoyment. Below are short biographies of the experts and artists who will accompany us on the voyage.
Performing Artists
Jeffrey Brown is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he studied with Natalya Antonova. Recent performance highlights include the Dame Myra Hess Series in Chicago, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Artist Presentation Society in St. Louis, the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in Chengdu, China, and summer festivals in France, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Currently, he is Assistant Professor of Piano at Western Illinois University.
Soprano Juliana Di Giacomo recently made her Italian debut in the 2008-09 season at La Scala as Lucrezia Contarini in I due Foscari. She also appeared this past season at Carnegie Hall for the New York Choral Society’s Rossini Stabat Mater and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. A graduate of San Francisco Opera’s Merola Program, she is in the midst of a rich career, performing with a variety of opera companies including New York City Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, and, of course, the Metropolitan Opera.
Chad Johnson, originally from Muskegon, MI, has participated in the young artist training programs of Chicago Opera Theater, Santa Fe Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, and the Tanglewood Music Center where he sang Ferrando in Mozart’s Così fan tutte under the baton of Maestro James Levine. Recent engagements include Gérald in Lakmé (Florida Grand Opera), Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni (New Orleans Opera), Paolino in Il matrimonio segreto (BAM) as well as concert appearances with the Atlanta Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic.
Clelia II
Launched in 2009, after extensive refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II offers the finest in small-ship cruise travel. This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measures 215 square feet or more and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, spacious closets, air conditioning.
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries and teak floor
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Fresh flowers and fruit basket
• 24-hour room service
BESPOKE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, rare antiquities and fine works of art, the yacht’s public spaces are warm and inviting. These include:
• Library with Internet access
• 2 Lounges with audiovisual facilities
• State-of-the-art gym/spa
• Beauty salon
• Boutique
• Hospital
• Elevator serving all passenger decks
• Dining room
• Two sun decks
• Jacuzzi
• Swimming platform
Clelia II complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull and a fleet of Zodiacs. Clelia II is staffed by 60 European officers and crew. Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, Clelia II's spaciousness and intimate ambience combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.
| Cabin Code |
Cabin Description |
Regular Rate |
Special Savings Rate |
Your Savings |
| E |
Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites *342-*345,*428, *429
*Partially obstructed view
|
$9,995
|
$5,995 |
$4,000 |
| D |
Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with window and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites 334 - 335, 433 |
$10,995
|
$6,995 |
$4,000 |
| C |
Deluxe suites on Athena Deck with portholes and sitting area. 275 sq. ft. Suites 246 - 252 |
$11,995
|
$7,995 |
$4,000 |
| B |
Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with windows and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 336 - 341 |
$12,995
|
$8,995 |
$4,000 |
| A |
Deluxe suites on Leto Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 420 - 427, 430 - 431 |
$13,995
|
$9,995 |
$4,000 |
| AA |
Deluxe suites on Cleo Deck with forward windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 505 - 506 |
$14,995
|
$10,995 |
$4,000 |
| VS |
Deluxe Veranda Suites on Cleo Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 245 sq. ft. Suites 507 - 518 |
$17,995
|
$12,995 |
$5,000 |
| PHS |
Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Phoebe Deck with private balcony, window and sitting area. 260 sq. ft. Suites 601 - 604 |
$18,995
|
$13,995 |
$5,000 |
No Single Supplement: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D-A at no single supplement to the per person, double occupancy rates above. Singles in Categories AA, VS, and PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates.
AIRFARE: Airfare is not included in the cost of the program. Please call the Air Travel Desk at toll-free 877-711-9896 or 212-592-1340 to make your reservations, or see your travel agent.
Clelia II Deck Plan
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
- 13-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II
- Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
- All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
- Complete program of tours and excursions
- Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
- Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff
- Complete pre-departure materials
- Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
- Port and embarkation taxes
- Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers
Sunday, May 16, 2010
FLY FROM HOME CITY | ARRIVE PALM BEACH, Florida, USA | EMBARK
Monday, May 17
AT SEA
Tuesday May 18 & Wednesday, May 19
CHARLESTON, South Carolina
Arrive in Charleston, one of the East Coast’s loveliest cities. A cosmopolitan seaport as far back as colonial times, it was here in Charleston’s harbor that Confederate troops first fired upon Fort Sumter, thus starting the Civil War. Tour the extensive historic district, including the Heyward-Washington House, an 18th-century structure which features an enchanting garden. In the afternoon, drive to Drayton Hall. The oldest surviving example of Georgian Palladian architecture in the United States, Drayton Hall is also one of the only pre-Revolutionary houses that remain in close to original condition today. Or, take the ferry to Fort Sumter, site of the 1861 beginning of the Civil War.
Thursday, May 20
AT SEA
Friday, May 21
YORKTOWN | COLONIAL WILIAMSBURG | YORKTOWN, Virginia
From Yorktown, our excursion leads to Colonial Williamsburg. The capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg is the nation’s premier living museum, offering a glimpse of life as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. A guided tour leads along the Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg’s main thoroughfare, past the Capitol, courthouse, Governor’s Palace, and Bruton Parish Church, which has held Episcopal services since 1715. Enjoy lunch at the historic King’s Arms Tavern before free time to explore the museums and side streets, which are filled with taverns, bakeries, and restored houses of coopers, apothecaries, and other tradesmen. Later, visit your choice of the Yorktown Battlefield, site of the decisive 1781 battle, or the award-winning Williamsburg Winery.
Saturday, May 22
AT SEA
Sunday, May 23
NEWPORT, Rhode Island
Clelia II sails into the yacht-filled harbor of Newport, the one-time summer playground of New York’s wealthiest families. Many of the grand “cottages” they built are now cared for by The Preservation Society of Newport County and are open to the public. See The Breakers, the 70-room Italian Renaissance mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Visit the National Museum of American Illustration, housed in Vernon Court Mansion and exhibiting works by Noman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, and N.C. Wyeth. Also enjoy time at leisure exploring the historic harbor at Newport with its fine architecture.
Monday, May 24
PORTLAND, Maine
Arrive in Portland, Maine’s largest city, and explore the charming Old Port district, with boutiques and restaurants lining cobblestoned streets. The nearby Arts District is home to many art galleries, antique shops, and artist studios. In the heart of this quarter is The Portland Museum of Art, home to more than 18,000 works dating back to the American Colonial era. Also see the landmark Portland Observatory and one of America’s best preserved Victorian residential neighborhoods, situated on a cliff.
Tuesday, May 25
BAR HARBOR, Maine
Explore Bar Harbor, set amid Maine’s dramatic coast. Surrounded by Acadia National Park, this quaint fishing village on Mount Desert Island was a fashionable resort in the late 1800s and the summer home of influential families, including the Astors and Rockefellers. Tour Acadia National Park to discover the Wild Gardens of Acadia, showcasing over 300 native plant species. Also visit the Abbe Museum’s collections chronicling Maine’s 10,000 years of Native American culture and history.
Wednesday, May 26
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Canada
Arrive in Halifax, a vital port city with impressive cultural and historic delights. See the sandstone Province House, St. Paul’s Church, the oldest building in the city, the Citadel National Historic Site and the Public Gardens. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore Halifax’s vibrant attractions such as Historic Properties, which mixes Canada’s oldest surviving warehouses with charming boutiques and restaurants.
Thursday, May 27
LOUISBOURG
Call at Louisbourg, home to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Canada’s largest historic park. Often called the “Williamsburg of Canada,” the French defended this fortified settlement many times against the British from 1713 until 1758, when they were finally defeated. Today it is a living museum that re-creates 18th-century life through costumes and reconstruction. Visitors are transported back to 1744 thanks to the partial rebuilding of the settlement, including the ramparts, King’s Bastion, homes, businesses, and streets. Actors play the roles of 18th-century inhabitants, including bakers, soldiers, musicians, and royalty.
Friday, May 28
ARGENTIA | PLACENTIA | ST. MARY’S ECOLOGICAL RESERVE, Newfoundland
Overlooking a bay on the Avalon Peninsula, Argentia is one of Newfoundland’s finest harbors. From here, there will be a choice of excursions. Explore Placentia, a picturesque town that was once the French capital of Newfoundland, with its Castle Hill National Site, the remains of 17th- and 18th-century French and British Fortifications, the O’Reilly House Museum, and other buildings. Or, travel to St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, one of the largest bird sanctuaries in North America, and nesting place for over 70,000 kittiwakes, razorbills, and other birds.
Saturday, May 29
ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland | DISEMBARK | FLY TO USA
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