Peter Deilmann Cruises' Deutschland sails the seas of Europe, Africa and Asia In 2008

**Ally** · 09-05-2007, 05:25 PM

Peter Deilmann Cruises ocean-going flagship, MS Deutschland, is sailing 33 world-class itineraries ranging from five to 20 nights during its 2008-2009 season and has detailed these deluxe cruises in a new 63-page "Grand Hotel Voyages" brochure.

The extensive list of destinations ranges from the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen, the culturally wealthy cities of Europe and Africa's beautiful Cape Town to the golden beaches of Phuket and Bali and the ancient and fascinating countries of Asia and the Middle East. The five-star MS Deutschland, with accommodations for 513 passengers, is reminiscent of Old World cruising with grand European styling, personalized service, multiple restaurants serving gourmet meals, original works of art, beautifully appointed staterooms and classic teak decks.

Many of the departures include Special Interest voyages to satisfy an array of interests: 13 nights of recitals and concerts performed by distinguished classical musicians and discussions with composers; playing golf on some of the world's finest golf courses - from Portugal and France to Qatar, Russia and South Africa - with an experienced escort to ensure all goes smoothly; visiting many of the world's renowned gardens with an expert at your side; equestrian riding through the stunning landscape of the Baltics, Europe, and the Middle East; and hiking or cycling with learned escorts along the world's most scenic paths.
On-board "Wellness Spa Packages" can be arranged ahead of time and range from classic back massages to Kraxen-oven heat treatments and Rasul full-body peels.

SOUTHEAST ASIA, INDIA, MIDDLE EAST
The first four sailings, beginning December 18, 2007, take in Southeast Asia, including a 19-night winter holiday cruise to Phuket, Indonesia, Hong Kong and China with Christmas spent in Bali and New Year's Eve celebrations onboard after departing Borneo. Other Asia itineraries offer Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Japan.
Ports such as Yangon, Mynammar, with its towering pagodas, the vibrant city of Cochin, known as "Queen of the Arabian Sea" because of its breathtaking scenery on the Indian peninsula, and India's largest city, Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, are just three of the many highlights on the February and November MS Deutschland cruises to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands. In March, October and February-March, 2009, port calls in the Middle East's United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen and Egypt, feature the world renowned shopping in Abu Dhabi, the temples of Luxor and Karnak and a transit of the Suez Canal, among the many possibilities scheduled.

EUROPE, RUSSIA, SCANDINAVIA
For passengers whose love is Europe, April through October is a great opportunity to see the countless Gothic and baroque cathedrals, Greek theaters, medieval castles, royal palaces, Roman Temples, cultural events, shopping districts, Old Towns and cosmopolitan cities throughout Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, U.K., Ireland, Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia and Monaco. More northerly itineraries, May-August, provide opportunities to view polar bears in Spitsbergen, soak in the hot springs of Reykjavik, sail through the magnificent scenery of Norway's fjords and explore the Hermitage and Winter Palace in Russia's St. Petersburg, as well as visits to ports in Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Latvia.

SEYCHELLES, MALDIVES, AFRICA
During the colder winter months the ship heads to the Maldives, the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, South Africa and Namibia. Guests can explore the Valee de Mai Nature Preserve in the Seychelles, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town in Tanzania, Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town and the botanical gardens in Durban; take in the view of Port Elizabeth from its 145-year-old lighthouse in Donkin Reserve; and stroll along the many sandy beaches encountered along the way - Hellville in Madagascar, Le Port on Réunion Island and Nahoon Beach in East London.

The MS Deutschland, launched in 1998, is a nine-deck ship with 286 well-designed staterooms (67 singles) with elegant furnishings and fully-equipped bathrooms, and three restaurants rated highly by the prestigious Châine des Rôtisseurs dining organization and readers of "Condé Nast Traveler" and "Travel + Leisure" magazines and a greater than 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratio. Sun decks, swimming pools, bars, lounges, ballroom, cinema, library, putting green and spa and fitness facilities are among the amenities.

Rates for these upscale adventures begin at $4,297 per person, double occupancy, port charges included. A special "Round-Trip Air and Shore Excursion" package, available on 25 departures, is priced at $99 per person and offers a choice of flights from 69 U.S. gateways and a package of pre-arranged shore excursions valued up to $700. Air taxes are an additional $265 per person.

(Source: Peter Deilmann Cruises)