Silversea Cruises to showcase China's Olympics

**Ally** · 10-24-2007, 04:57 AM

With the 2008 Olympic Games less than a year away, China is abuzz with excitement and activity as the country prepares to welcome the world. The host city of Beijing is already dressing itself up with brand new stadiums, hotels, restaurants, galleries and upscale shops that will accommodate the needs of an unprecedented influx of visitors -- meaning the months leading up to the Summer Olympics offer a unique opportunity for savvy travelers to explore China's greatest cultural and historic attractions amid the growing fanfare, but without the crowds.

Recognizing the destination's special allure, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is offering guests aboard Silver Shadow's World Cruise 2008 a collection of optional overland adventures carefully tailored to showcase China's rich history and fascinating culture, while offering a glimpse of new attractions like Beijing's stunning new National Stadium and the iridescent National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, both specially constructed for the Summer Olympics.

"Our new overland programs to Beijing blend together the ancient traditions and splendors of this legendary city with all the excitement and anticipation of a country revitalizing itself as it prepares to host one of the most important global competitions in sporting history. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the past, present and future all converging on one great city," said Joseph Proto, Silversea's director of world cruise and business development.

The programs are available on Silver Shadow's 21-day "Ode to a Peaceful Sea" segment (#3804), departing February 8, 2008 from Honolulu to Hong Kong, and "Harmonies of Legend and Legacy," a 14-day journey (#3805) from Hong Kong to Singapore that departs on March 1, 2008. Highlights include:

"ODE TO A PEACEFUL SEA" SEGMENT

** Wonders of Beijing and the Great Wall: This four-day, three-night program departs February 28 from Keelung, Taiwan, to explore the many traditional must-see landmarks found in Beijing's exciting metropolis including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. Participants also get a sneak preview of the 2008 Olympics with a photo stop near fascinating new structures like the National Stadium and National Aquatics Center. Package includes three nights at the award-winning China World Hotel, a Shangri-La property located in the heart of Beijing. Guests rejoin Silver Shadow in Hong Kong. Package price is $2,495 per guest, double occupancy.

"HARMONIES OF LEGEND AND LEGACY" SEGMENT

** Splendors of Beijing and Shanghai: Enjoy a comprehensive exploration of Beijing's Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Temple of Heaven. See the famed Great Wall of China and Summer Palace. Glimpse intriguing new Olympics-inspired architecture like the new National Stadium and National Aquatics Center. In Shanghai, visit the Jin Mao Building, walk along the Bund, experience the peaceful Yu Garden and tour the Shanghai Museum. This five-day program includes three nights at Beijing's China World Hotel and one night at the Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai. Guests depart from Hong Kong on March 2 and rejoin Silver Shadow in Ho Chi Minh City.) Package price is $3,295 per guest, double occupancy.

** The Xi'an Warriors and Beijing Treasures: Spend a day exploring the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi'an. Discovered in 1974, the 2000-year-old army of terracotta warriors is an amazing sight, not to be missed. Enjoy a dynamic dinner show with performances of traditional music and dance. In Beijing, discover its most famous attractions: the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, The Great Wall and the Summer Palace. Preview the Summer Olympics with a photo stop near the main Olympic Green, home of the new National Stadium and National Aquatics center. This five-day package includes two nights at the Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an and two nights at Beijing's China World Hotel. Guests depart from Hong Kong on March 2 and rejoin Silver Shadow in Ho Chi Minh City. Package price is $3,985 per guest, double occupancy.

Silversea land programs feature deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. (Specified hotels may be substituted with similar properties, based on availability.)

Additional overland packages are available for World Cruise 2008 guests, including multiple-day adventures through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Egypt and Jordan.

Departing January 16, 2008 from Fort Lauderdale, Silver Shadow's World Cruise 2008, appropriately themed "The Rhythms of the World," will host no more than 382 privileged and pampered guests on a wondrous odyssey, encircling the world and embracing the cultures of more than 25 countries and over 50 different destinations. Fares for the full 110-day voyage start at $62,400 per person, based on double occupancy.