VARIETY CRUISES LAUNCHES NEW RIVERS OF WEST AFRICA CRUISE IN DECEMBER 2010

Variety Cruises will set sail on its new cruise adventure to West Africa in December 2010. The Rivers of West Africa cruise will explore a land of lush vegetation and cultural beauty by way of the winding Saloun and Gambia rivers. Passengers will spend eight days aboard the newly renovated PEGASUS mega yacht. Embarking from Dakar, Senegal, the program sails from December 17, 2010 through March 18, 2011, with fares beginning at $2,490 per person, per week. An excursion package is available at an additional cost.

THE PEGASUS

Passengers will sail aboard the mega yacht Pegasus, which hosts just 46 guests with 23 cabins in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. The vessel, which will be fully refurbished in March 2010, affords magnificent sea views as guests stroll 2,500 square-feet of open deck, furnished with comfortable deck chairs and spaces for delightful al fresco meals. Passengers can relax with friends in the handsomely appointed lounge, browse in the well-stocked library or enjoy ocean-view dining in the spacious restaurant area. A platform on the stern enables swims right off the ship when weather and anchorage conditions permit.

Life on board centers around the indoor/outdoor lounge and the American bar on the upper deck. Friendly service on-board is provided by the captain and his experienced marine and hotel crew members. Cabins are equipped with twin or queen size beds with large windows or portholes. All cabins offer en suite bathrooms with shower, TV/DVD players, hairdryers, individually controlled air conditioning and safety deposit boxes.

ITINERARY

The Rivers of West Africa cruise departs Fridays from Dakar in Senegal and sets sail to Djiffere via the Saloun River. From Djiffere, passengers have the unique opportunity to explore the vibrant village of Joal Fadiout, a fishing community built entirely of shells.

The cruise continues along the Gambia River to the following ports of call:

* Tendaba, home to Kiang West National Park and the Baobolong Reserve
* Kuntaur, a thriving port village on the Gambia river
* Janjangbureh, location of River Gambia National Park, a conservations sanctuary for chimpanzees, hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles and many bird species
* Banjul, the capital city of Gambia and nearby the Nature Reserves of Abuko and Makasutu

The Rivers of West Africa cruise fares begin at $2,490 per person, per week, which includes:

* Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
* American buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
* Coffee, tea and water free all day.
* Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability).
* English speaking Gambia River Expert.

Fares do not include shore excursions or crew gratuities.
Optional pre or post land program extensions feature seven days in Mali and Timbuktu. Explore the charming local markets of vibrant Mopti, and revel in the beauty of the impressive mud brick Grand Mosque of Djenné. Spend a full day in Timbuktu, and discover why it is has earned the nickname “City of Mystery.”
For more information on Variety Cruises’ Rivers of West Africa program, please visit www.varietycruises.com, or call 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) and 1-800-319-7776 (US).

About Variety Cruises

Variety Cruises offers luxury, premium and casual experiences in old-world or cosmopolitan locales. Founded in 2005, it is one of the largest small ship cruise company worldwide with a fleet of more than 17 fully owned vessels, including cruise ships and luxury yachts. The family-owned company offers scheduled tours through Greece, Turkey, the Adriatic Sea, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, and a charter yacht program that further traverses the globe. Itineraries are a unique opportunity to savor the cultural, architectural, historical and natural diversity of each port. With a private, convivial and relaxed ship environment, fine cuisine and personalized service, the company is positioning itself to become the choice for travelers seeking a superb small ship cruise experience. Variety Cruises is affiliated with key travel organizations, including: United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Ensemble, Vacation.com, Central Holidays, TravelSavers, Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN), National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA), Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST), International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) Vacations.