Costa Rica Raises Cruise Profile

With the 2013-14 cruise season officially now under way, Costa Rica has announced a new strategy to strengthen and promote its growing relationship with the cruise industry. 

Minsiter of Tourism Allan Flores explained: “In addition to reaching important agreements with industry executives, we have concentrated our efforts on improving port infrastructure and the amenities available to passengers through our local entrepreneurs. These relationships and efforts will continue to strengthen our position as a cruise destination and create an even better experience for visitors.”

The arrival of Princess Cruises' Island Princess to the Port of Limón (above) marked the start of a cruise season filled with new arrivals, partnerships and improvements aimed to support the destination’s offerings and passenger services. This was the first of 64 ships expected to arrive in the port city, 12 per cent more than last year. Officials also announced plans to include the improvement of infrastructure as well as projects for the recovery of

architectural and cultural heritage in the Caribbean city.

As part of the destination’s new strategy, Costa Rica has also announced a cooperative partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Through this partnership, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and New York will begin promoting travel packages that include three-night stays in Costa Rica, with a city tour, running through to December 31.

To further solidify the country’s cruise offerings, a new Mesoamerican regional agreement has also been implemented. For the first time, countries in the region have cooperatively developed a partnership with cruise lines worldwide to introduce new routes through the Pacific. The new route, named Amazing Pacific, will begin operations on January 14, with the arrival of Azamara Club Cruises, part of the Royal Caribbean company, to Costa Rica’s Puerto Caldera region. Additional major Pacific ports will include Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico.

More info: visit www.VisitCostaRica.com. 

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Central and South America With eWaterways

From this December, luxury cruise liner the Deutschland will embark on an exciting Central and South American sailing programme in conjunction with eWaterways, the niche and river cruise specialists.

Hailed as the ‘Grand Hotel at Sea,’ the elegant five-star cruiser is soon to be recognised under a different moniker, as a London 2012 Olympics hotel ship! But, before mooring in London’s docklands next July, the intrepid ship will offer the ultimate blend of expedition and luxury cruising. With many different itineraries to suit those seeking urban cultural encounters, off the beaten track adventures, nature discovery or relaxation on sun-kissed beaches, eWaterways and the Deutschland will start by showcasing the best of Latin America’s diverse and magical landscape.

Gold Coast of South America: Rio to Buenos Aires (Visiting Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina) Dec 19-Jan 5

Guests aboard this 18-day cruise will be able to celebrate the festive season in the party capital Rio de Janeiro, before setting sail for the historic towns of Buzios and Paraty along the Costa Verde. After visiting Punte del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay, the cruise crosses over to Argentina, where passengers will cruise the Parana River - the continent’s second longest river after the Amazon - docking in Rosario, a city famed for its neoclassical architecture. From here the glistening skyline of capital city Buenos Aires beckons, the final destination on this remarkable cruise where guests can celebrate the New Year in style.

Prices start from £5,610 on a full board basis, including sightseeing and excursions. Cruise only price excluding visas.

Central American Exploration: February 27-March 16, 2012

Starting in the Mexican city of La Paz, this 19-day cruise offers a full exploration of Central America. Cruising to the peaceful, secluded bays along the Pacific Coast there is opportunity to partake in an educational trip to the ancient Mayan pyramids in the middle of the Guatemalan rainforest.

The cruise continues along the coast for an exploration of less visited destinations like El Salvador and Nicaragua. Mooring at Acajutla, passengers will be able to spend a day exploring the main sea port of Central America’s smallest country before arriving in the sleepy town of Corinto in Nicaragua. A real treat for the Deutschland’s guests, Corinto’s virtually untouched beaches and idyllic tropical surroundings evoke a romantic bygone age. In Costa Rica, there are the naturally beautiful landscapes of Punta Arenas, a surfers’ favourite, and the lush port town Golfito.

The final destination on this cruise is Panama starting with Isla Coiba, a UNESCO Heritage Site and home to many indigenous plant and wildlife species. The voyage concludes with a visit to Isla del Rey, the largest island of the Pearl Islands before drawing to a close in Panama City.

Prices start from £5,895 on a full-board basis including sightseeing and excursions. Cruise only price excluding visas.

For more info, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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