Book by February 10, 2010, and receive $150 per person off.

About Chris Pearmund 

Our Host, Chris Pearmund, is synonymous with Virginia wine.  Simply search "Chris Pearmund" using your favorite internet search engine, and you will find Chris mentioned in countless online and print publications.  And it's no wonder.  Chris has been involved in the wine industry for more than 20 years.  Throughout his impressive career, he has been engaged in all aspects of the wine industry, from wine making to assembling, to final filtering and bottling.  All told, Chris has worked for 40 wineries across 10 states.

In 2003, Chris realized his ultimate dream, founding Pearmund Cellars, located in Broadrun, Virginia.  In its 5-year history, Pearmund Cellars has racked up countless awards for its varieties of red and white wines, and recently was voted Virginia's favorite winery.  Pearmund Cellars is a warm, welcoming place to spend a leisurely weekend day among the vineyard, soaking in the stunning Virginia countryside, with rolling hills, blue sky, and acres of grape vines.  In addition to Pearmund Cellars, Chris was a driving force and founder of another award-winning winery, Winery at LaGrange, located in Haymarket, Virginia.  The historically-rich 1790s home that has become Winery at LaGrange creates a unique and inviting winery that welcomes guests year round from across Virginia and the country.  Today, Chris continues to serve as a sought-after consultant to wineries throughout the Commonwealth.  Chris' dynamic and engaging personality, his extensive knowledge of wine and the wine industry, and the incredibile itinerary offered on this upscale Oceania cruise assure guests of a remarkable, truly unforgetable vacation.

About the Cruise

We will sail through the heart of Burgundy and Provence along the Rhone River.  Our journey begins in Arles, France, and we will visit Avignon, Viviers, Tain L'Hermitage, Tournon, Lyon, Beaune, and Chalon.  En route, you will enjoy spectacular included shore excursions, with the option of joining some additional unique excursions with Chris to wineries and vineyards in French wine country.  In addition, onboard, Chris has exciting wine-themed events planned.  You will enjoy a private cocktail reception to meet Chris.  It's your opportunity to make new acquaintances who share the same love of wine as you do.  You also will enjoy complimentary onboard wine tastings just for our group.  Plus, Chris plans to offer one or more lectures on such topics as the history of winemaking and the wine industry.

What is Included?

What does it cost you to participate in this fun-filled wine cruise?  No more than it would cost you to book directly with the cruise line.  Our rate is the same, but you will enjoy so much more.

For your fare, you will enjoy all of the following:

• 7-night cruise along the Rhone River;
• Luxurious accommodations;
• All onboard meals and entertainment;
• Complimentary onboard wine tastings;
  
• 1 complimentary onboard cocktail reception;
• Informative and entertaining onboard lectures by wine expert, Chris Pearmund;
• Complimentary shore excursions in each port of call (see below);
  
• Complimentary wine served at dinner;
• Option to book unique shore excursions customized for our group and lead by Chris Pearmund.

Included Shore Excursions:

The following shore excursions are included in your rates:

• Arles:  A walking tour shows you the highlights of this UNESCO listed city, including the Roman Amphitheater, Town Hall Square, and the St. Trophime Cathedral, a Romanesque cathedral built  in the 12th century.  See the former hospital where van Gogh was treated in 1889, now the museum Espace van Gogh, dedicated to his life and work.  Afterward, pass Forum Square and Constantine's Roman Baths on your way back to the ship.
• Avignon:  A tour of ancient Avignon starts at Clocktower Square, with its many cafes, shops and namesake clock tower dating back to the 1300s.  Then, on to Pope's Palace Square for a visit to the Papal Palace.  Next, travel up to Rocher des Doms, where Avignon was first settled.
• Viviers:  Stop in the quaint city of Viviers.  Your walking tour here starts in Old Town with stops at the Rue Chevrerie, Porte Riquot, the Renaissance Maison des Chevaliers, Rue du Chateau, and Maison Elementaire du Commercant.  Then stroll through the medieval streets of this historic town as you head back to the ship.
• L'Hermitage/Tournon:  Nestled among famous vineyards are the little towns of Tain L'Hermitage and Tournon, both known for chocolate and Cote du Rhone wines.  In Tournon, see its feudal castle, set overlooking the river.  Later, learn more about chocolate at an on board tasting.
• Lyon:  Lyon has a weath of Roman remains, as well as many impressive museums, Renaissance architecture, and world-renowned cuisine.  Start today's tour with a drive to a good vantage point to see the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, Lyon's hallmark church.  Next, sto on Croix-Rousse Hill for a dramatic view of the Beaujolais Mountains and Saone River.  then, on a coach ride through town, see Terreaux Square, the Fine Art Museum, and the Opera House.
• Beaune:  Travel to the medieval town of Beaune, the center for Burgundy wine making.  Admire the Flemish-influenced architecture, including the eye-catching Hospices de Beaune.  A hospital from 1443 to the 1960s, it is now a museum dedicated to the history of healthcare.
   

In addition to these included shore excursions, you will have the option to book into private excursions just for our group.  These excursions will be lead by Chris Pearmund and will be wine focused.  We will visit quaint wineries throughout the Rhone River Valley.  These private wine-themed excursions will be optional, and available at an additional cost that we anticipate will range from $75 to $200 per person, depending on the length and nature of the excursion.

What is life like on the cruise?

• Intimate, boutique hotel-style cruise ship catering to just 132 total guests;
• Attentive, English-speaking staff with 1 crew member for every 3 guests;
• Gourmet cuisine prepared fresh daily using fresh ingredients often brought onboard from local markets;
• Complimentary wine at dinner, bottled water in your stateroom, and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas;
• Onboard local entertainment reflecting the regions we will visit;
• Luxuriously-appointed staterooms featuring 100% Egyptian combed cotton sheets, private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, individually-controlled air conditioning, and complimentary bottled water;
• Casual sophisticated environment, with no formal nights;
• Rated by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine as among the "World's Top 10 Small Cruise Ships" and member of Conde Nast's "Gold List."

What you need to know to book

• Deposit required:  $200 per person.  You may use MasterCard, Visa, or American Express, or pay by personal check made payable to Cruise Holidays of Alexandria.
• Final Payment Date:  April 2010
• Fare includes cruise and select shore excursions.  Not included are cruise-related government fees and taxes onboard grautuities, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (except as provided at wine tastings, cocktail reception, and wine served at dinner).

By when should you book?

• Book now to assure your selection of stateroom.  Our group currently is limited to 20 staterooms (40 guests) at these rates.
• If you book and deposit by June 30, 2009, you will receive a $200 per person reduction in the rates listed below.  If you book and pay in full by June 30, 2009, you will receive a $400 per person reduction in the rates listed below.
• By booking now, you guard yourself against increases in the cruise fare.

Earning extra shipboard credit

• Shipboard credit defrays your expenses onboard your cruise.
• If you book and then refer others who book and travel on this cruise, we will provide you with $50 per stateroom shipboad credit for your referral.

Call us today with any additional questions, or to book.  You may reach us 7-days per week at 703-706-0011, or toll free at 866-368-7327.

About the River Royale:

• Inaugurated:  2006
• Length:  361 feet
• Width:  37.5 feet
• Draft:  4 feet
• Maximum guests:  132
• Staterooms:  65
• Voltage:  110/220 volts
• Beautiful panoramic lounge, full-service bar, cozy library, and elegant restaurant
• Sun deck, fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi, beauty salon, boutique with gifts and sundries, and Internet corner
• Wireless Internet access
• Complimentary use of bicycles
• Elevator
• 24-hour coffee and tea bar, and front desk attendant

Stateroom Choices:

All staterooms feature a river view.  Here are the choices:

• Category 3:  Located on the Champagne Deck, which is the lowest passenger deck and one floor below the Cezanne Restaurant.  Category 3 staterooms are 151 square feet, and feature two porthole windows, private bath, and all the same luxurious appointments of other staterooms on the ship.  The River Royale has just 10 Category 3 staterooms.  Rate:  $2,799 per person.  Book by Ferbruary 10th, $2,649.
   
• Category 2:  Located on the Burgundy Deck, which is the same deck as the Cezanne Restaurant is located, and one floor below the Reception and Concierge desks and the Renoir Lounge.  Category 2 staterooms are 151 square feet and feature a large picture window, private bath, and all the same luxurious appointments of other staterooms on the ship.  The River Royale has 29 Category 2 staterooms.  Rate:  $3,149 per person.  Book by February 10th, $2,999.
   
• Category 1:  Located on the Azure Deck, which is the highest passenger deck.  Category 1 staterooms are 140 square feet, and feature a private balcony.  The River Royale has 26 Category 1 staterooms.  Rate:  $3,499 per person.  Book by February 10th, $3,349.
   
• Suite:  The River Royale offers one suite.  The suite is located on the Azure Deck, the highest passenger deck.  The suite boasts 217 square feet, and features a private balcony.  Rate:  $4,049 per person.  Book by February 10th:  $3,899.