InSight Cruises News-es:  

 

Neil Bauman pic

Greetings (from the Kennedy Space Center)!

Welcome to InSight Cruises. We’re glad you’re here, and appreciate your interest. This edition of the Newses gives you the scoop on travel experiences to whet your appetite for learning and inspire conversation.

On an InSight Cruises event, you’ll translate your interests to meaning, learn new skills, and get a fresh appreciation of the world’s cultures.

Please join us on an InSight Cruises event. We’ll look forward to hearing from you!

All the best,


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MacMania 12 Seminars

The conference fee is $1,095 and includes all 13 seminars below (18 hours total). You may take every class — i.e., there will be no overlap as only one class will be going on at any one time. Classes only take place when we’re at sea, between 8:30am and 7:30pm.

David Pogue

Randal Schwartz

Sal Soghoian

Specialty Wine Cruise, Too

If you enjoy wine and like to learn about wine, its culture, and benefits, the Celebrity Millenium has a treat in store during MacMania 12. September is grape harvest season, so it’s a natural time for the Celebrity Life Savor series. A renowned guest wine maker will be aboard the Millennium during MacMania to help interested guests celebrate good wine. Among the Life Savor activities:

  • Develop your sampling technique with wine, champagne, sparkling wine and port tastings
  • Learn how food can impact the flavor of wine
  • Be amazed and taste how the shape of a wine glass affects flavors on the palate in Celebrity’s popular Riedel Wine Glass Comparative Workshop
  • Head into the wine country on an outing to a winery with a wine tasting and dinner
  • Fine tune your palate at a connoisseur Wine Dinner where French and California wines are paired to the best of the Pacific Coast
     


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MacMania_12_itinerary

MacMania 12

September 9–19, 2011
What does “West Coast” mean to you?


MacMania_12_itinerarySharpen the image when you experience the majestic Pacific Northwest, California’s legendary Central Coast, and sunny southern California on MacMania 12, sailing Vancouver, British Columbia to San Diego, California on the Celebrity Millennium September 9 – 19, 2011.

Ports of call are Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria British Columbia, Seattle Washington, and San Francisco, Monterey, Catalina, and San Diego California.

On a splendid itinerary, the glorious MacMania 12 mix encompasses the rugged Northwest, an overnight in San Francisco, Monterey National Marina Sanctuary and Big Sur, the nostalgic seaside on Catalina Island, and sunny San Diego. Certified West Coasters Sal Soghoian and Randal Schwartz, plus deputized West Coaster David Pogue show you how to simplify, streamline, and fully benefit from your Mac and digital devices.

Join MacMania’s experts and tame your digital devices — turn your iPhone and iPad from fun accessories to indispensible hubs of your dynamic life. Learn how to use iPhoto to unlock the enduring value of your photos. Home in on the social media that serve your connectivity needs. Cut through the grillions of OSX apps with the experts to find the ones that work for you. Find out how to create content for the iPad with no fuss and no bother, using only a pile of data and Automator tools you already have laying around in OSX.

Cabins are priced from $1,029 to $4,399 per person. The MacMania 12 conference fee is $1,095.

Get the latest scoop and learn the tips & tricks that make digital devices make life easier. Take in North America’s breathtaking West Coast with a friend. Enjoy fine dining aboard ship. Sample regional cuisine and signature sights. MacMania makes it seamless for you.

Get in on the fun now! This cruise will sell out quickly as it is also an official Celebrity “Savor Your Destination” Specialty Wine Cruise. Make your reservation online, and call us at (650) 787-5665 or write Concierge@InSightCruises.com with your questions.

Macworld_logo

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Our Four Optional
Land-based Day Trips

VATICAN
September 30, 2011
(pre-cruise)

Vatican City is home to some of the most famous art in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sistine Chapel alone hosts world famous frescos, including works by Perugino, Domenica Ghirlandaio, Boticelli, Raphael and Fra Angelico as well as the ceiling and Last Judgement by Michelangelo.

Vatican Observatory

Join InSight Cruises for an exclusive, five-hour tour of the Vatican. You will be in a group of no more than eight people plus an expert tour guide. Included with your tour is a “no-lines” entrance pass and headphones for superior listening to our tour guide. Your experience includes a a visit inside the Sistine Chapel, highlights of the Vatican Museums, and a close look at the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica. Your guide will lead you off the beaten track for a trip into the Michelangelo-designed Vatican Dome (you can trek to the top, and gaze down into the church interior, or remain at a cafe on the roof of the Basilica, taking in superb views of Vatican City and Rome).
 

ISTANBUL
October 6, 2011

Istanbul is impossible to describe, and has mesmerized travelers for millennia. Plunge into Istanbul’s cultural whirlwind with Bright Horizons staff, who have been there, done that. On your itinerary: Hagia Sophia. It was the largest cathedral in the world for a thousand years, then a mosque, now a secular museum (so Istanbul). The Blue Mosque is defined by its 20,000 Iznik tiles. We’ll peruse the sweets, spices, and nuts at the Spice Bazaar.

Istanbul

Onward to our learning lab in Turkish hospitality, doing lunch at Topkapi Museum’s former guard house. Then we’ll immerse ourselves in the context and treasures of Topkapi, including the Treasury, Harem, and Holy Relics sections. Risking total sensory overload, we’ll conclude our day at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
 

EPHESUS
October 11, 2011

Many civilizations have left their mark at Ephesus. It’s a complex and many splendored history, often oversimplified. Bright Horizons pulls together three important aspects of understanding Ephesus which are rarely presented together. Join us! You’ll meander the Marble Road, visit the legendary latrines, check out the Library, and visit the political and commercial centers of the city. A visit to the Terrace Houses will enliven your picture of Roman era Ephesus.

Ephesus

We’ll take a break for Mediterranean cuisine in the Selcuk countryside, and then visit the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk, where finds from the excavation of the city are showcased, and you get a fuller look at local history, from the Lydians to the Byzantines.
 

ATHENS
October 13, 2011

The Parthenon and its Acropolis setting are stunning, no doubt about it. They don’t require interpretation, and compose the perfect DIY Athens excursion. On the other hand, visiting the new Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum with a skilled guide who’s on your wavelength adds immeasurably to the experience. We suggest you join Bright Horizons on a focused trip. You’ll see the Parthenon frieze, exquisite sanctuary relics, and Archaic sculpture at the Acropolis Museum.

Athens

Lunch, of course, is tucked away at a taverna favored by Athenian families. For dessert, we’ll visit the richest array of Greek antiquities anywhere — at the National Archaeological Museum.
 

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Scientific American Travel logo

Bright Horizons #10

October 1–13, 2011
RomeKatakolon, GreeceSantorini, GreeceIstanbulVarna, BulgariaOdessa, UkraineYalta, UkraineEphesus, TurkeyAthens


Bright Horizons 10 itinerarySet a course for intellectual adventure on the Black Sea with your curiosity as a guide and Scientific American to take care of the details. Join Scientific American on the Bright Horizons cruise conference on Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam, sailing Rome to Athens October 1–13, 2011.

As you ply the wine-dark seas, join Dr. John Steele in tracing the astronomical legacies of the Babylonians and Greeks. Dr. Michael Wysessions conveys the impact of volcanoes and tsunamis in the flow of civilization. Sit with Dr. Michael Benton as he brings dinosaurs to life. Tune in to Dr. Mohammed Noor, as he details the nature of species. Get the latest concepts on comets with Dr. Mark Bailey. Illuminate dark matter with Dr. Lawrence Krauss.

The Draconid meteor shower will punctuate your Black Sea sojourn. Typically a minor celestial event, the 2011 shower is forecast to be a humdinger.

Cover new terrain, from Rome to Odesa to the Kuiper Belt. Celebrate ancient civilizations and the current moment with a friend. Find the how-tos and details at www.InSightCruises.com/SciAm-10 and join kindred spirits on a voyage of discovery.

Meteors, Meteor Showers, and the Draconids

Pacholka Meteor ShowerMeteors or shooting stars are fragments of dust from comets, burning up in the Earth’s atmosphere. One of our 24 lectures coincides with a predicted outburst of the annual Draconid meteor shower, caused by dust from comet Giacobini-Zinner. It is expected that activity will increase to a peak over a 2- to 3-hour period beginning around 8pm (ship time), with up to several hundred meteors per hour possibly being seen, depending on local weather conditions. After a brief introduction to meteors and meteor storms from Dr. Bailey, we go up on deck to observe the “dragon’s” fiery flame. (Photo courtesy of Wally Pacholka.)
 

SciAm_pixBRIGHT HORIZONS ports of call:

  • ROME, ITALY — Head straight for the many treasures of Rome and the Vatican: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and more.
  • KATAKOLON, GREECE — Gateway to Olympus, site of the original Olympic Stadium and host to some games of the 2004 Olympiad.
  • SANTORINI, GREECE — Your harbor on this island was created by a volcano in 1500 B.C., and the effect is still explosive: steep cliffs rise from sea level, cubist white houses glow in the Aegean sun.
  • ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Known in the course of history as Byzantium and Constantinople. This city’s rich past is evident in such sights as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans.
  • VARNA, BULGARIA — The largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, home of ancient golden treasure, the 2nd century remains of a Roman Bath, and the breathtaking 19th century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin.
  • ODESA, UKRAINE — “Pearl of the Black Sea.” Walk the famous Potemkin Steps. Shop for lacquer boxes, matrioshka dolls and samovars. Admire the Pushkin Monument, tribute to the Russian poet.
  • KUSADASI (EPHESUS), TURKEY — Gateway to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archeological sites in the classical world. Explore its grand colonnaded marble streets, the Celsus Library, the ancient Agoura and the Baths.
  • ATHENS, GREECE — The port of Piraeus is your gateway to the wonders of Athens, including the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch, the Olympic Stadium and more. Or join us for our own visit to the new Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum.


Our Conference: Thirty-six (36) hours of seminars with Mark Bailey, Ph.D., Michael Benton, Ph.D., Lawrence Krauss, Ph.D., Mohamed Noor, Ph.D., John Steele, Ph.D., and Michael Wysession, Ph.D.):

  Comets

  Dinosaurs

  Cosmology

  Evolution

  Ancient Astronomy

  Geology

  pdf icon

Download a two-page flyer

Cruise prices vary from $1,799 for an Interior Stateroom to $5,299 for a Deluxe Suite, per person. (Cruise pricing is subject to change.) For those attending our educational program there is a $1,475 fee. Government taxes, port fees, and InSight Cruises’ service charge are $169 per person. Gratuities are $11 per person per day. Please use our PRICING CALCULATOR for a quick price quote!

For questions, please don’t hestitate in calling InSightCruises.com (650-787-5665) or emailing Concierge@InSightCruises.com.
 

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Arecibo Observatory

Arecibo

Explore the contributions and potential of radio astronomy at the celebrated Arecibo Observatory.

Get an unparalleled behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic facility, and absorb an in-depth look at the unique contributions derived from Arecibo research and development.

Join us as we wind through the rainforest-blanketed karst terrain of Northern Puerto Rico. We’ll get a sense of the massive physical scope of the Arecibo radio telescope. We&rsuo;ll boldly go where ordinary visitors are not permitted. NAIC scientists will update us about the radio astronomy, planetary radar discoveries, and climatology research at the observatory. From the monitoring of near-earth objects to cosmology, astrophysics, and global warming research, you’ll gain insight into the vital activities at Arecibo. This $275 optional six-hour tour includes transportation, lunch, and entrance fees.
 

Arecibo

Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center

NASA’s launch headquarters, on the Space Coast, is the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet a veteran astronaut, and grasp the true enormity of the Space Program. Experience fun and wonder with Bright Horizons companions in this private pre-cruise, custom, full-day tour. Get ready to walk among and beneath giant rockets, discover what it takes to launch the Space Shuttle from preparation to liftoff, and soak in Kennedy Space Center’s “The Right Stuff” vibe.

The KSC excursion is $575 pp and includes all of the above plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner; one-night hotel; and transportation to/from the KSC to our hotels in Ft. Lauderdale.

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Scientific American Travel logo

Bright Horizons 11

Januaryt 14–21, 2012
E. Caribbean: San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, & Half Moon Cay, Bahamas


Exercise your science curiosity in the surprisingly suitable Caribbean. Cast off on Bright Horizons 11 and explore a slate of science topics inspired by the islands. Based on Holland America Line’s m.s. Eurodam, our community of science experts and science buffs head for tropical climes, January 14–21, 2012, round-trip Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

PrimatesTake a cue from our island journey and delve into the form and function of flowers and plant evolution on islands with Dr. Spencer Barrett. Open a door to thought provoking developments in primatology with Dr. Frans de Waal. Enjoy the fruit of crossdisciplinary work in bioarchaeology when Dr. Patrick McGovern details discoveries about ancient fermented beverages. Dr. Marc Davis guides us through physical cosmology and the latest on the search for exoplanets. Explore sun science and energy futures, and grasp “Einstein in a Nutshell” through Dr. Richard Wolfson’s sessions.

sa11_pixWe’ll go behind the scenes at the Arecibo radio telescope on an optional excursion with briefings on the radio astronomy, planetary radar and climatology research there. Plus, we’ll boldly go where ordinary visitors are not permitted at the telescope, using the password “Scientific American”.

See what’s brewing in astrophysics and climatology, primatology, botany, and bioarchaeology. Add vivid colors and beautiful beaches, elegant dining and gracious service, sunsets and fun with friends, and you have the Bright Horizons 11 picture. Please join us!

  pdf icon

Download a two-page flyer

Our Conference: Thirty (30) hours of seminars with Spencer C.H. Barrett, Ph.D., Marc Davis, Ph.D., Frans B.M. de Waal, Ph.D., Patrick E. McGovern, Ph.D., John Steele, Ph.D., and Richard Wolfson, Ph.D.:

Astrophysics, Astronomy, and Relativity

The Ancients and Chemistry

Primatology

Botany

Environmental Science

 
 

Cruise prices vary from $699 for an Inside Stateroom to $2,699 for a Deluxe Suite, per person. (Cruise pricing is subject to change.) For those attending our PROGRAM, there is a $1,475 fee. Government taxes, cruiseline fees, port charges, and an InSight Cruises fee totals $183.80 per person. All prices and fees are detailed on the BOOK NOW page.

For a detailed listing of the cruise itinerary please review our ITINERARY page. Use our PRICING CALCULATOR for a quick price quote!

For questions, please don't hestitate in calling 650-787-5665 or emailing Concierge@InSightCruises.com.
 


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Post-cruise Options

Eiffel Tower

ONE NIGHT IN PARIS
Includes dinner and a cabaret

April 19, 2012

($899 pp, based on double occupancy; $1,399 for singles)

The morning of April 19 we transfer from the vessel in Basel to Paris (via bus then high-speed train). We arrive at our hotel, Le Meridien Etoile (or equivalent) mid-afternoon. You will be accompanied by both AmaWaterways and InSight Cruises representatives throughout the day. This evening we will leave our hotel at 7:30pm for an authentic Parisian Cabaret.

Synonymous with Paris, the cabaret is one of the most popular entertainments the city offers. Parisian Cabaret is a variety performance of song and dance, jugglers, acrobats and comedians. This excursion is a traditional Parisian Cabaret show, with dinner and drinks, and includes escorted transfer to and from the hotel. (7:30pm – midnight; one hour bus time, 3.5 hours cabaret and dinner)
 

TWO NIGHTS IN PARIS
Includes everything in the one-night package plus Paris City Tour and an evening in the Montmarte including dinner

April 19–April 21, 2012
($1,399 pp, based on double occupancy; $1,999 for singles)

Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour. Start with a panoramic tour where you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower. End your tour with a visit to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral (pictured below). The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Lights.” (April 20: 9am – 1pm; 2.5 hours on a bus, 1.5 hours walking)

This evening, Montmartre (pictured above)! Situated in the north of Paris, the “Hill of Martyrs” became renowned in the latter part of the 19th century as the home to the burgeoning Parisian artist community. The village-like nature of this suburb attracted painters, sculptors and many others from across Europe. Montmartre’ center, Place du Tertre, still has the vibe of the Belle Epoque era with street artists, restaurants, and a cosmopolitan area with a vineyard — and a Bohemian atmosphere. Dominating the whole area is the huge white church of Sacré-Coeur, from which the view of Paris below is breathtaking. (6:30pm – 11:30pm; 2.5 hours on a bus, one hour walking, two-hour dinner)
 

THREE NIGHTS IN PARIS
Includes everything in the two-night package plus Seine cruise and Eiffel Tower tour

April 19–April 22, 2012
($1,599 pp, based on double occupancy; $2,399 for singles)

Take in Paris from two different and unique angles. Begin with a cruise along the banks of the Seine River, the heart and soul of Paris. All the highlights of Paris can be seen, from the Eiffel Tower, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, L’Institut de France, and Notre Dame Cathedral (pictured above) on the Ile de la Cité, the old center of Paris. Following our Seine cruise, experience Paris from above from the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower. From here, the whole of Paris is laid before you in panoramic view. (April 21: 9am – 1pm; one hour on the bus, one hour walking; 1.5 hour cruise on the Seine River)
 

INSIDER’S TOUR OF CERN
April 20, 2012
($799 pp)

From the tiniest constituents of matter to the immensity of the cosmos, discover the wonders of science and technology at CERN. Join us for a private, custom, full-day tour of this iconic facility.

Whether you lean toward concept or application there’s much to pique your curiousity. Discover the excitement of fundamental research and get a behind-the-scenes, insider’s look of the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.
 

pic of Cern Tunnel

Our full day will be led by a CERN physicist. We’ll have an orientation; visit an accelerator and experiment; get a sense of the mechanics of the large hadron collider (LHC); make a refueling stop for lunch; and have time to peruse exhibits and media on the history of CERN and the nature of its work.

This tour includes:

  • transfer from Basel (end of cruise) to our Geneva hotel (April 19)
  • hotel (3 nights) — the nights of April 19, April 20, and April 21
  • full breakfasts (3) — April 20, 21, and 22
  • transfer from hotel to CERN and back to the hotel on April 20
  • lunch at CERN
  • cocktail party the evening after our visit to CERN (April 20)
  • free day in Geneva; transfers to/from downtown provided (April 21)
  • transfer to airport for return home (April 22)

The price is $799 per person (based on double occupancy). NOTE: This tour is only available to conference attendees (and their roommate). CERN charges no entrance fee to visitors. This trip is limited to 50 people.

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Macworld_logo

MacMania 14
Heads in a New Direction: River Cruising

April 12–19, 2012
Amsterdam • Cologne, Germany • Kolbenz, Germany • Rudesheim, Germany • Worms, Germany • Speyer, Germany • Strasbourg, France • Breisach, Germany • Basel, Switzerland • Paris or Geneva post-cruise options


AmaDolceFiguring out how new features can help you tell your story and share your experiences? Maybe looking to lose some of your piles of paper without losing your marbles? Or just tempted to stay in your Mac comfort zone and knowing it’s not really an option? MacMania 14, April 12–19, 2012 aboard AmaWaterways’ Amacello, gives you tools to ace the Apple learning curve.

Immerse yourself in Chris Marquardt’s 4-part photography course and get the tools and views to bring your photos alive. Color outside the lines with Joe Kissel, mastering the nuts and bolts of the iPad, then learn what serious geeks know about the iPad. Tune in to Josimar King, as he’ll share how to seamlessly sync your iDevices, demystify media formats, and get you to elicit the best from iPhoto and iMovie. MacMania 14 is a savvy community of experts and users with the latest how-tos, a love of learning, and a playful approach to serious business. MacMania 14 has Mac veterans who are masters of Apple technology, full of tips and tricks, taking their skills up a notch as well as newbies who have the basics but looking to streamline workflow, get their devices in harmony, and enjoy life.

Rhine RiverCurious? Please join us on MacMania 14. You can experience everyone’s favorite, Amsterdam, the historical and lovely Rhine Valley, picturesque French Strasbourg, and southwestern Germany, the old country to many Amish and German Americans. The elegant and comfortable riverboat Amacello is the platform for our explorations of the wonders of Mac and Apple devices, and Central Europe. Sign up for MacMania 14, soak in the expertise, commune with the MacManiacs and get an indepth look at image making and story telling. You’ll be humming Danke Schoen in no time. Find the how-tos and details at http://www.insightcruises.com/top_g/mm14_top.html


Ease Into Amsterdam

AmsterdamPRE-CRUISE FULL-DAY TOUR
Includes lunch and “The Masterpieces”

What makes Amsterdam a perennial favorite? InSight Cruises invites you to find out on a private, full-day tour of “the Venice of the North”. Discover the unique charms of Amsterdam as you get oriented with a coach tour of cultural touchstones. Then anchor your vacation album with images from your cruise through the city’s tree-lined UNESCO World Heritage canals, getting a superb view of 17th century gabled homes, old bridges, and bicycles and more bicycles. We focus on the finest, savoring an Old Dutch welcome and contemporary cuisine at one of Amsterdam’s best restaurants, and then paint ourselves into the scene at the Rijksmuseum with a visit to “The Masterpieces” exhibit. Start your MacMania memories and fun and join us!

$275 per person and includes local guide for eight hours, one-hour canal cruise, three-course lunch, and entrance fee to the Rijksmuseum and The Masterpieces exhibit.
 

  pdf icon

For additional information, please download the two-page flyer.

MacMania in Padagonia

SciAm_pixMAC MANIA ports of call:

  • AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS — Striking architecture and canals, rich and deep cultural traditions, and Dutch hospitality make Amsterdam a beacon for travelers.
  • COLOGNE, GERMANY — Two thousand years of history endow Cologne with Roman and Germanic historical sites, and a vibrant museum scene, from ancient artifacts to contemporary art to the Imhoff Chocolate Museum.
  • KOBLENZ, GERMANY — Seated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the ancient city of Koblenz is known for its abundant historic buildings, relaxed atmosphere, and role in the wine trade.
  • RUDESHEIM, GERMANY — Picturesque Rhine vistas and ancient vineyards, dining along the Drosselgasse and the 10th century Brömserburg castle combine to make Rudesheim a traveler's favorite.
  • WORMS, GERMANY — Kings and emperors, Judaism, Lutheranism, and medieval cathedrals form the cultural DNA of Worms, one of the most ancient towns in Europe.
  • SPEYER, GERMANY — Seated on banks safely above Rhine flooding, Speyer has been an administrative center since Roman times, and is where Protestantism gelled.
  • STRASBOURG, FRANCE — A crossroads for over 3,000, Strasbourg is home of the European Parliament. A fusion of German cuisine and architecture and French culture make Strasbourg and Alsace compelling.
  • BREISACH, GERMANY — Volcanic soil, mild climate and sunny days have made Breisach a wine center since Roman days, and a winetasting destination.
  • BASEL, SWITZERLAND — There must be something in the water in Basel: it’s and home to Paracelsus, Vesalius, Bernoulli, Euler, Jung, and Nietzsche, among many other notables.

The cruise fare is approximately $3,674 for either a Category A or B cabin, per person. For those attending our PROGRAM, there is a $1,195 fee. For detailed information and pictures about our ship, please visit CABIN & SHIP INFO page. Additional per-person fees include: government taxes and fees ($199) and gratuities are €15 per day. All prices and fees are detailed on the BOOK NOW page.

For a detailed listing of the cruise itinerary please review our ITINERARY page.

Use our PRICING CALCULATOR for a quick price quote! For questions, please don’t hestitate in calling InSightCruises.com (650-787-5665) or emailing us.

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Post-cruise Options

INSIDER’S TOUR OF CERN
April 20, 2012
($799 pp)

From the tiniest constituents of matter to the immensity of the cosmos, discover the wonders of science and technology at CERN. Join us for a private, custom, full-day tour of this iconic facility.

Whether you lean toward concept or application there’s much to pique your curiousity. Discover the excitement of fundamental research and get a behind-the-scenes, insider’s look of the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.
 

pic of Cern Tunnel

Our full day will be led by a CERN physicist. We’ll have an orientation; visit an accelerator and experiment; get a sense of the mechanics of the large hadron collider (LHC); make a refueling stop for lunch; and have time to peruse exhibits and media on the history of CERN and the nature of its work.

This tour includes:

  • transfer from Basel (end of cruise) to our Geneva hotel (April 19)
  • hotel (3 nights) — the nights of April 19, April 20, and April 21
  • full breakfasts (3) — April 20, 21, and 22
  • transfer from hotel to CERN and back to the hotel on April 20
  • lunch at CERN
  • cocktail party the evening after our visit to CERN (April 20)
  • free day in Geneva; transfers to/from downtown provided (April 21)
  • transfer to airport for return home (April 22)

The price is $799 per person (based on double occupancy). NOTE: This tour is only available to conference attendees (and their roommate). CERN charges no entrance fee to visitors. This trip is limited to 50 people.
 

Eiffel Tower

ONE NIGHT IN PARIS
Includes dinner and a cabaret

April 19, 2012

($899 pp, based on double occupancy; $1,399 for singles)

The morning of April 19 we transfer from the vessel in Basel to Paris (via bus then high-speed train). We arrive at our hotel, Le Meridien Etoile (or equivalent) mid-afternoon. You will be accompanied by both AmaWaterways and InSight Cruises representatives throughout the day. This evening we will leave our hotel at 7:30pm for an authentic Parisian Cabaret.

Synonymous with Paris, the cabaret is one of the most popular entertainments the city offers. Parisian Cabaret is a variety performance of song and dance, jugglers, acrobats and comedians. This excursion is a traditional Parisian Cabaret show, with dinner and drinks, and includes escorted transfer to and from the hotel. (7:30pm – midnight; one hour bus time, 3.5 hours cabaret and dinner)
 

TWO NIGHTS IN PARIS
Includes everything in the one-night package plus Paris City Tour and an evening in the Montmarte including dinner

April 19–April 21, 2012
($1,399 pp, based on double occupancy; $1,999 for singles)

Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour. Start with a panoramic tour where you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower. End your tour with a visit to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral (pictured below). The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Lights.” (April 20: 9am – 1pm; 2.5 hours on a bus, 1.5 hours walking)

This evening, Montmartre (pictured above)! Situated in the north of Paris, the “Hill of Martyrs” became renowned in the latter part of the 19th century as the home to the burgeoning Parisian artist community. The village-like nature of this suburb attracted painters, sculptors and many others from across Europe. Montmartre’ center, Place du Tertre, still has the vibe of the Belle Epoque era with street artists, restaurants, and a cosmopolitan area with a vineyard — and a Bohemian atmosphere. Dominating the whole area is the huge white church of Sacré-Coeur, from which the view of Paris below is breathtaking. (6:30pm – 11:30pm; 2.5 hours on a bus, one hour walking, two-hour dinner)
 

THREE NIGHTS IN PARIS
Includes everything in the two-night package plus Seine cruise and Eiffel Tower tour

April 19–April 22, 2012
($1,599 pp, based on double occupancy; $2,399 for singles)

Take in Paris from two different and unique angles. Begin with a cruise along the banks of the Seine River, the heart and soul of Paris. All the highlights of Paris can be seen, from the Eiffel Tower, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, L’Institut de France, and Notre Dame Cathedral (pictured above) on the Ile de la Cité, the old center of Paris. Following our Seine cruise, experience Paris from above from the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower. From here, the whole of Paris is laid before you in panoramic view. (April 21: 9am – 1pm; one hour on the bus, one hour walking; 1.5 hour cruise on the Seine River)
 

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Scientific American Travel logo

Bright Horizons 12

April 12–20, 2012
What does the “Rhine River” mean to you?


amadagioFinally the Bright Horizons you’ve been waiting for: A European River Cruise on the Rhine River.

There are only 75 cabins on this small boat — and half are sold already!

AMA Waterways emphasizes that the ship will sell out quickly (Hhhmmm ... April in Switzerland ... April in Tulip Land ... April in German wine country ... 75 cabins only ... ok, got it.) Please book now to secure your cozy base of exploration.


Seminars

The conference fee is $1,195 and includes all 16 seminars below. You may take any class though two of the 16 classes will overlap another Bright Horizons class taking place at the same time. Classes only take place when we’re cruising, between 8:30am and 7:30pm.

Pål Brekke, Ph.D.

Patrick Hunt, Ph.D.

Frank Linde, Ph.D.

Stephen Macknik, Ph.D. & Susana Martinez-Conde, Ph.D.


River Cruising Value

Refinement and great value thrive together on our cruise. The AmaCello offers

  • complimentary WiFi throughout the ship,
  • complimentary bottled water refreshed daily,
  • a complimentary sightseeing program including walking tours, bike tours, wine tasting, and city coach tours,
  • and complimentary local red and white wines, beers, and soda with dinner,
  • plus much more (see deckplan and ship description).

The ship has a highly professional, all English-speaking staff. Berths on the AmaCello cost approximately $3,674 (based on double occupancy).

If you’ve been curious about Germany’s UNESCO world Heritage Rhine Valley, now is the time. If you’ve longed to visit France and Switzerland with a gracious local insider to guide you, here’s you chance. Get the latest in science, immerse yourself in German scenery, be astounded at the beauty of the Rhine Valley. Contact us with questions, and book this strong value now. Reserve now and join the fun on Bright Horizons 12!

P.S., this trip visits or makes it possible to visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites:

  • Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Germany
  • Cologne Cathedral, Germany
  • Speyer Cathedral, Germany
  • Amsterdam Canal District, the Netherlands
  • Strasbourg — Grande Île, France


Ease Into Amsterdam

AmsterdamPRE-CRUISE FULL-DAY TOUR
Includes lunch and “The Masterpieces”

What makes Amsterdam a perennial favorite? InSight Cruises invites you to find out on a private, full-day tour of “the Venice of the North”. Discover the unique charms of Amsterdam as you get oriented with a coach tour of cultural touchstones. Then anchor your vacation album with images from your cruise through the city’s tree-lined UNESCO World Heritage canals, getting a superb view of 17th century gabled homes, old bridges, and bicycles and more bicycles. We focus on the finest, savoring an Old Dutch welcome and contemporary cuisine at one of Amsterdam’s best restaurants, and then paint ourselves into the scene at the Rijksmuseum with a visit to “The Masterpieces” exhibit. Start your MacMania memories and fun and join us!

$275 per person and includes local guide for eight hours, one-hour canal cruise, three-course lunch, and entrance fee to the Rijksmuseum and The Masterpieces exhibit.
 

  pdf icon

For additional information, please download the two-page flyer.

MacMania in Padagonia

BRIGHT HORIZONS 12 ports of call:

  • AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS — Striking architecture and canals, rich and deep cultural traditions, and Dutch hospitality make Amsterdam a beacon for travelers.
  • COLOGNE, GERMANY — Two thousand years of history endow Cologne with Roman and Germanic historical sites, and a vibrant museum scene, from ancient artifacts to contemporary art to the Imhoff Chocolate Museum.
  • KOBLENZ, GERMANY — Seated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the ancient city of Koblenz is known for its abundant historic buildings, relaxed atmosphere, and role in the wine trade.
  • RUDESHEIM, GERMANY — Picturesque Rhine vistas and ancient vineyards, dining along the Drosselgasse and the 10th century Brömserburg castle combine to make Rudesheim a traveler's favorite.
  • WORMS, GERMANY — Kings and emperors, Judaism, Lutheranism, and medieval cathedrals form the cultural DNA of Worms, one of the most ancient towns in Europe.
  • SPEYER, GERMANY — Seated on banks safely above Rhine flooding, Speyer has been an administrative center since Roman times, and is where Protestantism gelled.
  • STRASBOURG, FRANCE — A crossroads for over 3,000, Strasbourg is home of the European Parliament. A fusion of German cuisine and architecture and French culture make Strasbourg and Alsace compelling.
  • BREISACH, GERMANY — Volcanic soil, mild climate and sunny days have made Breisach a wine center since Roman days, and a winetasting destination.
  • BASEL, SWITZERLAND — There must be something in the water in Basel: it’s and home to Paracelsus, Vesalius, Bernoulli, Euler, Jung, and Nietzsche, among many other notables.

Get in on the fun now! This cruise will sell out quickly. Make your reservation online, and call us at (650) 787-5665 or write Concierge@InSightCruises.com with your questions.


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Transit of Venus
Transit
Day
June 5:
full
details

 


June 4 — Full day of classes:

Learn all about the Transits of Venus, past and present from Sky & Telescope Editor Robert Naeye. He and other famous astronomy speakers will be delivering several talks over the next couple of days. In addition to the talk described below, other scheduled talks include:

  • The Hubble Space Telescope’s Greatest Scientific Achievements
  • Asteroid Impact Threat
  • Cassini at Saturn, Part 1: The Planet and Rings
  • Cassini at Saturn, Part 2: The Moons
     

“Transits of Venus” class

Bob NaeyeTransits of Venus across the face of the Sun (as seen from Earth) are among the rarest predictable spectacles in astronomy. Unless medical science invents some way to extend human life well beyond 100 years, the June 5, 2012 transit of Venus will likely be the last one anyone alive today will ever see. The next Venus transit won’t take place until December 2117 — 105 years from now. Transits of Venus always take place in pairs eight years apart, with the pairs separated by long intervals of either 105.5 or 121.5 years. Sky & Telescope editor Bob Naeye will explain the rare geometric aligments that must take place for transits of Venus to occur, and why they occur so infrequently and in a particular pattern. He will provide a historical overview of Venus transits, which scientists used to discover Venus’ atmosphere and measure the distance between Earth and the Sun. Bob, who watched the entire 2004 Venus transit from the tomb of Cyrus the Great (founder of the Persian Empire) in Iran, will describe how to view the transit safely, and what you can expect to see when Venus crosses the disk of the Sun.

Pricing and terms and all the fine print.


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Sky_Telescope_logo

Transit of Venus

June 3–7, 2012

Experience the Transit of Venus in an otherworldly setting. Join Sky and Telescope’s Bob Naeye on the Aloha State’s astronomy-oriented Big Island of Hawaii for a memorable transit expedition. We’ll stay a the Waikoloa Beach Mariott Resort and Spa, home to gracious Hawaiian hospitality, exotic scenery, and classic sunsets.

  • Editor-in-chief Naeye sets the scene with background on transits of Venus and the latest in planetary science.
  • Transit day you’ll head up Mauna Kea above the clouds to 9,300 feet, based near the Mauna Kea VIS and the viewing sites of Hawaii’s pro-am astronomy clubs. You can opt to ascend to Mauna Kea’s observatory-clustered peak at 14,000 feet, visit the Keck Observatory, and take in an unforgettable view of Transit progress.
  • To ice the cake, June 6, 2012 we’ll visit Keck Observatory Headquarters in Waimea and learn about Keck’s current endeavors plus get a privileged behind the scenes look at Keck’s command and control center.

When it’s time for transit viewing, go where the pros go — Mauna Kea, with Sky & Telescope. Reserve your adventure now by visiting or call InSight Cruises at 650-787-5665. Aloha!

  pdf icon

Download a one-page flyer

Transit of Venus


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Sky_Telescope_logo

Land-based

Sky & Telescope has prepared an astronomy expedition that adds a memorable dimension to your eclipse viewing experience. After getting a look at the bright lights of Sydney, we head out to the quiet, dark, “bush” countryside to visit the famous Parkes Dish radio observatory. We’ll head up Australia’s astronomy corridor to Coonabarabran, home of the Australian National Telescope and 12 other telescopes. Get two evenings of Southern Hemisphere star gazing in along the way. Then we’re off to Cairns region, where we’ll view the eclipse and visit the Great Barrier Reef. Depending on weather and your preference, you have viewing options at the beach, and on the ground or aloft in a balloon at Mareeba.

Take advantage of a unique opportunity and privileged access within Australian astronomy. Review complete program details about itinerary and activities, how to book your reservation, and the fun and wonder in store. Ask us about optional Qantas trip extensions to deepen your exploration of Australia. Book before July 31 and save $500 on this Sky & Telescope expedition.

For questions, please don’t hestitate in calling InSightCruises.com (650-787-5665) or emailing Concierge@InSightCruises.com.
 

Watch the Eclipse from a Luxurious Cruise Ship

Oosterdam

 


Full details available soon!


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Two Solar Eclipse viewing options:
Land-based & Cruise-based
 

Australia Solar Eclipse itinerary

Total Solar Eclipse: November 14, 2012

Land-based

Let Sky & Telescope help you get the most out of the eclipse and the glories of Down Under. Join us November 8–15, 2012 for a swing through Australia, astronomy-style.

Join Greg Bryant, Editor of Australian Sky & Telescope, to bring you eclipse expertise, the latest on Australian astronomy, and a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative instrumentation and research found in Oz.

See beyond the obvious. We’ll orient ourselves in Sydney, enjoying its fresh vibe and hear the latest on Australian astrophysics research from University of Sydney astrophysicist Julia Bryant, Ph.D. Then off to Australia’s astronomy corridor. We’ll visit “The Dish” at Parkes and the Siding Spring Observatory at Coonabarabran (Astronomy Capital of Australia).

North to Cairns, with suspense building. While we’re in the neighborhood, we’ll unwind with a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. After the eclipse, if you’d like to move on to Uluru, the wine country, wildlife viewing, and beyond, we can make your concept a reality. S&T is poised to assist you to extend and customize your journey with pre- and post-packages as you wish.

  pdf icon

Download a two-page flyer

Australia Solar Eclipse

Map out a robust intellectual adventure. Reserve now, and join kindred spirits in a timeless moment. Visit http://www.insightcruises.com/SolarEclipse

Cruise-based

Bright Horizons 10 itineraryWe’re heading out on a roundtrip Sydney itinerary (see below) that adds a memorable dimension to your eclipse viewing experience. After getting a look at the bright lights of Sydney, we set sail toward optimal eclipse viewing circumstances south of New Caledonia, getting Southern Hemisphere star gazing in along the way. Accompanied by Sky & Telescope editor Bob Naeye and other astronomers, we’ll delve into eclipse details and astronomy Down Under. Your South Pacific sojourn includes visits in the biodiversity hotspot of New Caledonia, Vanuatu, home of the largest U.S. base in the South Pacific in WWII, and three days in the Great Barrier Reef.

(Full cruise itinerary)

Australia Solar Eclipse

Take advantage of an uncommon opportunity to experience Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, and the South Pacific, punctuated by totality, on Holland America Line’s ms Oosterdam, sailing roundtrip Sydney, Australia November 7–21, 2012. Find complete program details about itinerary and activities, how to book your reservation, and the fun and wonder in store at http://www.insightcruises.com/Sky-5 or call 650-787-5665 or email Concierge@InSightCruises.com for full details. Ask us about optional Qantas trip extensions to deepen your exploration of Australia. Book before July 31 and save up to $495 on this Sky & Telescope expedition. Please join us!
 

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Jason_SnellMac Gems (Delivered on May 7, 2010)
Speaker: Jason Snell
 
The Mac world is full of great, low-cost software that can dramatically improve your Mac-using life. The only catch is, they’re generally made by small companies you’ve never heard of. That’s where Macworld comes in. In this session, Jason Snell gives you a tour of great Mac programs that will make you more productive and informed, and make your Mac more fun! We guarantee that when you’ll be done you will have found several programs that you’ll need to add to your Mac right away.

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NEW from InSight Cruises!

Astronaut_Bluford_SpeakingWe’re starting to make an assortment of InSight Cruises’ classes available online. Currently you can watch two talks with Space Shuttle astronaut Dr. Guion Bluford (left) from Bright Horizons 6; three classes from MacMania 10; and six classes from Bright Horizons 7. All the way to the left, in column one, is Macworld’s VP & Editor in Chief Jason Snell, delivering this year’s version of one of the group’s favorite talks, “Mac Gems”.

Slides of VideosComplete
with
the
speaker’s
slides!


Visit our videos page to access them all!

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I hope to see you onboard a fabulous InSight Cruise soon!


Kind regards,
Neil R. Bauman,
CEO
InSight Cruises
CST 2065380-40
264 S. Meridith Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
650-787-5665