Pay the Same, But Get More!

Nov. 21, 2008 - PRLog -- Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo is thrilled to offer Mission Viejo and Orange County area travelers a vacation option that makes sense in today’s economy.  Excursion Society sailings from Cruise Holidays are cruise itineraries aboard three of the world’s leading cruise lines which include one-of-a-kind, private – and most importantly – complimentary shore excursions.  In 2009 Cruise Holidays will offer 23 Excursion Society sailings aboard Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean.

“Our Excursion Society sailings offer the amazing, in-depth cultural experiences our clients want, without them having to hand over more of their hard-earned money.  That’s the truly incredible part of our Excursion Society,” said Carrie Bajak of Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo.  “With an onboard host, private reception and exclusive shore excursion, our clients will feel like VIPs no matter what category stateroom the book.  Because of the clout Cruise Holidays has in the industry, we are able to offer this uniquely tailored program at a price our clients can afford.”

In 2009, Excursion Society selections include popular and exciting destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada and New England, Europe, the Panama Canal and The Holy Land. Among the intriguing highlights of the varied, complimentary shore excursions:

• Halifax: The Colors and Flavors of Nova Scotia – Begin your adventure with a private, guided, historic tour of the city which was founded in 1749. Continue with a scenic coastal drive to Peggy’s Point lighthouse and conclude with a lunch of the local delicacy, lobster, in the seaside village of Hubbards. (Explorer of the Seas voyage sailing October 15, 2009.)

• Rome: In the Footsteps of the Popes – Experience the Eternal City as very few others can, and top it off with an Italian lunch that features specialties and wine typifying Rome. (Summit voyages sailing April 30 and August 14, 2009.)

• St. Maarten: Dutch, French & Creole Discoveries – Enjoy a unique visit to St. Maarten’s Butterfly Farm then dine in the village of Grand Casse savoring French cuisine with a special Creole twist. (Solstice voyages sailing December 13, 2008, and April 12, 2009.)

• Santorini: Akrotiri, Oia & Fira – Walk in the footsteps of an ancient culture while touring one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean, Akrotiri.  Then view the excavated treasures housed at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. Also, sample local specialty foods and wine. (Oosterdam voyage sailing September 4, 2009.)

• Skagway: The Gold Rush – Visit the awe-inspiring White Pass Summit and the Yukon Suspension Bridge, pan for gold and enjoy a lunch of local flavors and beverages. (Serenade of the Seas voyages sailing June 13 and August 15, 2009.)

• Puerto Limon, Costa Rica: The Best of Puerto Limon – Experience 6-tours-in-1: a jungle cruise, a rain forest nature walk, a banana plantation and packing house tour, deluxe lunch and shopping in Puerto Limon and a city tour. You will be joined by a professional naturalist guide who will explain the Afro-Caribbean culture of Costa Rica and show you the rich wildlife of this fascinating region. (Jewel of the Seas voyage sailing April 3, 2009.)

Launched in January 2007, Excursion Society provides a value-added shore excursion unlike any other (including those offered directly from the cruise lines) exclusively* to clients of Cruise Holidays, all at no extra cost to the cruise. Excursion Society guests also receive specialized onboard care from a dedicated, expert travel host and an invitation to a private reception.  For a full list of the 2009 Excursion Society groups cotact Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo or visit their websiteat www.cruisebuzz.net.

In addition to Excursion Society, Cruise Holidays – the oldest and largest network of cruise-specialty travel agencies – recently kicked off its 25th anniversary with a year-long celebration that will include a celebratory Alaska cruise for all Cruise Holidays clients, past and present.  For more information on these and other exclusive Excursion Society sailings, Cruise Holidays’ 25th Anniversary cruise, or to begin planning your next vacation, call Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo at 949-215-6700, visit us at 27760 Santa Margarita Parkway in the Portola Plaza shopping center in Mission Viejo, CA or go to www.cruisebuzz.net.

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Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo is part of the oldest and largest cruise-specialty retail franchise in North America, with stores in both the United States and Canada. Cruise Holidays is also a distinguished provider of land tour vacation packages. Founded in 1984, Cruise Holidays is part of Travel Acquisitions Group (TAG). With more than 1,700 travel agency locations in the United States and Canada, TAG serves millions of individual leisure travelers, as well as select corporate clients and destinations.