This European vacation package of a lifetime offers you the best of two worlds: the relaxing cruising experience as well as the exciting chance to witness the highlights of Amsterdam and Paris! Board the Poesia and experience the white glove service that only MSC can provide; cross the blue waters of the Atlantic, pampering yourself with the luxurious accommodations and unique cuisine. Next, visit exciting ports of call, including Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, La Coruña, Bilbao, and Dover. After disembarking in Hamburg, transfer to Amsterdam to witness the beautiful array of colors in the tulip fields. Then, visit the site of the Battle of the Bulge en route to the “City of Lights,” Paris, for a great blend of planned tour activities and leisure time to explore on your own before traveling home.
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Day 1(Tuesday, April 27, 2010) – Fly to Ft. Lauderdale and board MSC’s Poesia: Tour members who have purchased their airline tickets from YMT Vacations, please meet your YMT representative in baggage claims for meet and greet services and transfers to the ship. Board the MSC’s Poesia to begin your cruise and tour adventure. Days 2-3(Wednesday-Thursday, April 28-29, 2010) – At Sea: Settle into life at sea, get to know your fellow passengers, and enjoy the pampered life. Day 4(Friday, April 30, 2010) – New York City, New York (7:00 AM-11:00 PM): Today, you will explore the “Big Apple,” New York City. This bustling city, famous for its skyscrapers, culture, and commerce, will keep you riveted and at your seat’s edge. Complete with museums, restaurants, shopping, bright lights, and a little bit of everything else. This city really has it all! Days 5-9(Saturday-Wednesday, May 1-May 5, 2010) – Trans-Atlantic Crossing: The Poesia’s crew is at your disposal for five entire days, and their job is to grant your wishes. Plus, you can enjoy the ship’s amenities—learn to play shuffleboard, enjoy the golf simulator, play basketball or use the jogging/walking track. Work out on the weight machines, play tennis, volleyball or ping pong, schedule some time with a personal trainer and get a fitness evaluation, have a steam, sauna, or relax in a hot tub. At night, play in the casino, catch the evening’s scheduled entertainment, or just explore this amazing ship extravagantly decorated in a Roman classical style. Statues, paintings, sculpture—art is everywhere, and it is not to be missed. Afterward, enjoy your favorite beverage in one of the themed lounges. Day 10(Thursday, May 6, 2010) – Ponta Delgada, Azores/Portugal (9:00 AM-5:00 PM): Arrive today in the historic town of Ponta Delgada, which is at the heart of Azores, an autonomous region in Portugal. Famous for its pineapple cultivation and whale watching locations off the marina, this town will be a nice change in scenery after your relaxing Trans-Atlantic crossing. Day 11(Friday, May 7, 2010) – At Sea: Read the ship’s newsletter to find out what the featured activity of the day is. Go swimming or just relax by the pool. Find the card room and play a hand or two—time passes quickly when you’re having fun. Days 12-13(Saturday-Sunday, May 8-9, 2010) – Lisbon, Portugal (1:00 PM): Explore historic Belém along the Rio Tejo (Tagus River), or stop by the grand Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a monastery whose construction was financed primarily through the spice trade. Take a ride on a 1930’s tram or one of three funiculars–almost essential to getting up and down the many hills of Lisbon and a perfect opportunity for pictures! Day 14(Monday, May 10, 2010) – La Coruña, Spain (7:00 AM-2:00 PM): The name of this busy port locale is said to be derived from the ancient columna, or Tower of Hercules, which was converted into a light-house in 1791. With 2,000 years of history as a port, they say that “no one is a stranger in La Coruña.” Besides the hospitable stature of this town, the mixture of history and modernity makes for a superb maritime location. Day 15(Tuesday, May 11, 2010) – Bilboa, Costa Verde Spain (8:00 AM-6:00 PM): From the Guggenheim Museum to the Fine Arts Museum to the Maritime Museum, this rich and prosperous city is known especially for its plethora of museums. In contrast, “Old Town”, the medieval neighborhood of Bilbao, makes for some great photo opportunities with its maze of narrow streets full of taverns, shops and monuments. Day 16(Wednesday, May 12, 2010) – At Sea: Use your time to do something you have never tried, catch up on your correspondence, or catch a piano performance of Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, Scarlatti and Gershwin. Day 17(Thursday, May 13, 2010) – Dover, England - Port-of-Call (8:00 AM-5:00 PM): Famous for its white cliffs, this major port town faces into the English Channel and, at just 21 miles from the French port of Calais, it is the closest port to continental Europe on mainland Britain. Dover has been a permanent settlement since at least the time of the Romans, who were the first to record its presence, giving it the name Dubris. You can take a picture with one of the oldest buildings in Britain, the Roman lighthouse built on the present-day site of Dover Castle. Day 18(Friday, May 14, 2010) – At Sea: Take in the Atlantic Ocean while cruising along the coast of Europe one last time before your land portion of the trip. Day 19(Saturday, May 15, 2010) – Debark in Hamburg, Germany and transfer to Amsterdam, Netherlands: Arrive in the international port city of Hamburg, where the famous beef patties sandwiched between buns was named after the people here: Hamburger. Next transfer to Utrecht, the oldest city of the Netherlands with its tree-lined canals and medieval structures. There is something for every traveler’s taste here, whether you prefer culture and history or just the relaxing charm of an old European city. Day 20(Sunday, May 16, 2010) – Tulip Fields: Today, you will visit the world renowned tulip fields of the Dutch countryside. The beauty of these gardens and the brilliant bulb flowers just cannot be adequately captured in pictures. The 1949 mayor of Lisse worked with prominent Dutch bulb growers and exporters to develop the gardens in order to have an open-air flower exhibition where growers could showcase their latest hybrids, and consumers could view and buy a wide range of flower bulbs. You will be able to witness the Keukenhof Gardens, spread over 32 hectares with not only tulips, but also hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers on display. The park is located in Zuid Holland between the towns of Hillegom and Lisse south of Haarlem, southwest of Amsterdam. Day 21(Monday, May 17, 2010) – Paris, France via the Battle of the Bulge: Say farewell to Dutch country as you begin your trip to Paris. The Battle of the Bulge started on December 16, 1944, in the coldest, snowiest weather in “memory” in the Ardennes forest on the German/Belgium border. Join this excursion to “re-live” the “Battle of Bulge” which has marked our history. This tour will take you to Bastogne, located in heart of the Ardennes forest, which never fell from the Allied. You will also visit, the Historical center, the most important of all the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ museums. Next you will see The Mardasson Monument which commemorates the young American fighters. You will finish the tour with the Patton Monument, in remembrance of General Patton, the liberator of Bastogne. Day 22(Tuesday, May 18, 2010) – Paris, France Leisure Day or Optional Tour of the Palace of Versailles: Today in Paris, you’ll soon discover the romance of the “City of Lights” on your guided sightseeing tour to see famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Indulge in a shopping spree at Paris’ premier department store, Galeries Lafayette. Sightsee the Grande Arche in La Defense, the Palais Royal or Tuileries Gardens. Find an outdoor cafe and enjoy a meal, or ask your Tour Manager for more suggestions. Day 23(Wednesday, May 19, 2010) – Depart for Home It is on to the airport for your flight home. Although your vacation is coming to an end, you will take with you new friends, memories, stories to share, and plans for your next YMT adventure! |
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Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. |
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Paris, France
Day 1(Friday, April 30, 2010) – Fly to New York City, New York and board MSC’s Poesia: Tour members who have purchased their airline tickets from YMT Vacations, please meet your YMT representative at your airline’s baggage claim area for meet and greet services and your transfer to the ship. Days 2-6(Saturday-Wednesday, May 1-5, 2010) – Trans-Atlantic Crossing: The Poesia’s crew is at your disposal for five entire days, and their job is to grant your wishes. Plus, you can enjoy the ship’s amenities—learn to play shuffleboard, enjoy the golf simulator, play basketball or use the jogging/walking track. Work out on the weight machines, play tennis, volleyball or ping pong, schedule some time with a personal trainer and get a fitness evaluation, have a steambath, enjoy the sauna, or relax in a hot tub. At night, play in the casino, catch the evening’s scheduled entertainment, or just explore this amazing ship extravagantly decorated in a Roman classical style. Statues, paintings, sculpture—art is everywhere, and it is not to be missed. Afterward, enjoy your favorite beverage in one of the themed lounges. Day 7(Thursday, May 6, 2010) – Ponta Delgada, Azores/Portugal (9:00 AM-5:00 PM): Arrive today in the historic town of Ponta Delgada, which is at the heart of the Azores, an autonomous region in Portugal. Famous for its pineapple cultivation and whale watching locations off the marina, this town will be a nice change in scenery after your relaxing Trans-Atlantic crossing. Day 8(Friday, May 7, 2010) – At Sea: Read the ship’s newsletter to find out what the featured activity of the day is. Go swimming or just relax by the pool. Find the card room and play a hand or two—time passes quickly when you’re having fun. Days 9-10(Saturday-Sunday, May 8-9, 2010) – Lisbon, Portugal (1:00 PM-2:00 AM): Explore historic Belém along the Rio Tejo (Tagus River), or stop by the grand Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a monastery whose construction was financed primarily through the spice trade. Take a ride on a 1930’s tram or one of three funiculars–almost essential to getting up and down the many hills of Lisbon and a perfect opportunity for pictures! While traveling up the coast of Portugal to your next destination, enjoy the relaxing lifestyle on board the Poesia. Day 11(Monday, May 10, 2010) – La Coruña, Spain (7:00 AM-2:00 PM): The name of this busy port locale is said to be derived from the ancient columna, or Tower of Hercules, which was converted into a light-house in 1791. With 2,000 years of history as a port, they say that “no one is a stranger in La Coruña.” Besides the hospitable stature of this town, the mixture of history and modernity makes for a superb maritime location. Day 12(Tuesday, May 11, 2010) – Bilbao, Costa Verde Spain (8:00 AM-6:00 PM): From the Guggenheim Museum to the Fine Arts Museum to the Maritime Museum, this rich and prosperous city is known especially for its plethora of museums. In contrast, “Old Town”, the medieval neighborhood of Bilbao, makes for some great photo opportunities with its maze of narrow streets full of taverns, shops and monuments. Day 13(Wednesday, May 12, 2010) – At Sea: Use your time to do something you have never tried, catch up on your correspondence, or catch a piano performance of Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, Scarlatti and Gershwin. Day 14(Thursday, May 13, 2010) – Dover, England - Port-of-Call (8:00 AM-5:00 PM): Famous for its white cliffs, this major port town faces into the English Channel and, at just 21 miles from the French port of Calais, it is the closest port to continental Europe on mainland Britain. Dover has been a permanent settlement since at least the time of the Romans, who were the first to record its presence, giving it the name Dubris. You can take a picture with one of the oldest buildings in Britain, the Roman lighthouse built on the present-day site of Dover Castle. Day 15(Friday, May 14, 2010) – At Sea: Take in the Atlantic Ocean while cruising along the coast of Europe one last time before your land portion of the trip. Day 16(Saturday, May 15, 2010) – Debark in Hamburg, Germany and transfer to Amsterdam, Netherlands: Arrive in the international port city of Hamburg, where the famous beef patties sandwiched between buns was named after the people here: Hamburger. Next transfer to Utrecht, the oldest city of the Netherlands with its tree-lined canals and medieval structures. There is something for every traveler’s taste here, whether you prefer culture and history or just the relaxing charm of an old European city. Day 17(Sunday, May 16, 2010) – Tulip Fields: Today, you will visit the world renowned tulip fields of the Dutch countryside. The beauty of these gardens and the brilliant bulb flowers just cannot be adequately captured in pictures. The 1949 mayor of Lisse worked with prominent Dutch bulb growers and exporters to develop the gardens in order to have an open-air flower exhibition where growers could showcase their latest hybrids, and consumers could view and buy a wide range of flower bulbs. You will be able to witness the Keukenhof Gardens, spread over 32 hectares with not only tulips, but also hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers on display. The park is located in Zuid Holland between the towns of Hillegom and Lisse south of Haarlem, southwest of Amsterdam. Day 18(Monday, May 17, 2010) – Paris, France via the Battle of the Bulge: Say farewell to Dutch country as you begin your trip to Paris. The Battle of the Bulge started on December 16, 1944, in the coldest, snowiest weather in “memory” in the Ardennes forest on the German/Belgium border. Join this excursion to “re-live” the “Battle of Bulge” which has marked our history. This tour will take you to Bastogne, located in heart of the Ardennes forest, which never fell from the Allied. You will also visit, the Historical center, the most important of all the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ museums. Next you will see The Mardasson Monument which commemorates the young American fighters. You will finish the tour with the Patton Monument, in remembrance of General Patton, the liberator of Bastogne. Day 19(Tuesday, May 18, 2010) – Paris, France Leisure Day or Optional Tour of the Palace of Versailles: Today in Paris, you’ll soon discover the romance of the “City of Lights” on your guided sightseeing tour to see famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Indulge in a shopping spree at Paris’ premier department store, Galeries Lafayette. Sightsee the Grande Arche in La Defense, the Palais Royal or Tuileries Gardens. Find an outdoor cafe and enjoy a meal, or ask your Tour Manager for more suggestions. Day 20(Wednesday, May 19, 2010) – Depart for Home It is on to the airport for your flight home. Although your vacation is coming to an end, you will take with you new friends, memories, stories to share, and plans for your next YMT adventure! |
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Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. |
New York City, New York
Paris, France
![]() | Inside Stateroom - Category 1Deck 8 – Tasso Deck These cabins have a queen-size bed that can be converted into two single beds (upon request, except handicapped cabins), air conditioning, bath with shower, television, radio stations (available on television channels), telephone, and optional pay-for-use Internet connection for laptop PC, minibar, safe. 151 sq. ft. |
![]() | Oceanview Stateroom - Category 5Deck 8 – Tasso Deck These cabins have a queen-size bed that can be converted into two single beds (upon request, except handicapped cabins), air conditioning, bath with shower, television, radio stations (available on television channels), telephone, and optional pay-for-use Internet connection for laptop PC, minibar, safe. Certain staterooms have obstructed views. 183 sq. ft. |
![]() | Balcony Stateroom - Category 6Decks 8, 9 – Tasso, Ungaretti Decks These cabins have a queen-size bed that can be converted into two single beds (upon request, except handicapped cabins), air conditioning, bath with shower, television, radio stations (available on television channels), telephone, and optional pay-for-use Internet connection for laptop PC, minibar, safe. 199 sq. ft. |
![]() | Balcony Stateroom - Category 9Deck 8, 9 – Tasso, Ungaretti Decks These cabins have a queen-size bed that can be converted into two single beds (upon request, except handicapped cabins), air conditioning, bath with shower, television, radio stations (available on television channels), telephone, and optional pay-for-use Internet connection for laptop PC, minibar, safe. 234 sq. ft. |
![]() | Balcony Suite - Category 12Deck 15 – Alfieri Deck These suites have a queen-size bed that can be converted into two single beds (upon request), air conditioning, a spacious wardrobe, bath with bathtub, television, radio stations (available on television channels), telephone, and optional pay-for-use Internet connection for laptop PC, minibar, safe. 317 sq. ft. |
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Images courtesy of YMT Vacations’ cruise line partners. Please note that the images, descriptions, and deck plans are for representation purposes only and actual cabin accommodation layout and/or amenities may vary according to the cruise line’s discretion. |
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The tour was well-planned, we saw so much, everyone was considerate of our needs and saw to it that we had a good time. Trip of a lifetime.
- R Nolte, MNMy husband and I had a wonderful vacation. A trip of a lifetime! Our tour guides were exceptional!
- S Hogan, ON