Cruises
September 29th, 2007 at 07:52am
Under Cruises
As the fastest-growing sector of travel, with some 11 million people boarding vessels each year, the cruise industry must relentlessly reinvent itself, adding fresh ports of call, itineraries, onboard activities, shore excursions—and ships. And as the ships become more luxurious and the destinations ever more far-flung—from Coquimbo, Chile, to Maputo, Mozambique—getting there is more than half the fun. Want to learn about art, study a language, watch penguins waddle across an ice shelf? Whatever your interest(s), there’s a voyage (or two) for you. T+L has the latest offerings for seven types of trips, plus booking tips and a sneak peek at ships that will be christened in the New Year.
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By admin
September 29th, 2007 at 07:30am
Under Cruises+ Asia+ China
The Port of Shanghai is getting a new cruise passenger terminal.
Officials from China are using the 2008 Olympics to promote a triangle of northern cruise ports. Southeast Asian nations are teaming up on a Web site for cruise travelers, CruiseASEAN.com.
Hello, Asia, cruising’s new frontier.
Representatives from the Asia-Pacific region attended the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference last week, beginning an aggressive marketing campaign with the goal of making Asia a competitor in the world cruise market. Many of them toured ports in Miami and Port Everglades to get a sense of U.S. port operations.
“Asia is blooming, maybe because people are too familiar with the south Caribbean or South America, and you know Europe is too expensive,” said Michael C.Y. Chang, director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. “Most of the countries in Asia are in a very good shape, and it’s reasonable in cost and it has major wonders and culture.”
The Asia-Pacific region lags behind the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska as a cruise destination. But Asian officials contend there is long-term growth potential for a region with improving ports and alluring destinations such as the Great Wall of China and the jungles of Indonesia. They predict that cruising will grow 40 percent to 1.5 million passengers in 2010 in the region.
Meanwhile, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, collaborated on the CruiseAsean.com Web site to promote the Southeast Asian cruise industry, which is predicted to grow 5 percent per year until 2020, to about 820,000 passengers. The site takes advantage of the trend of customers using the Internet as a preferred method of finding vacations.
Experts say infrastructure is a major obstacle to expanding the cruise market in Asia in terms of ship and passenger capacity, with many ports falling short of having adequate transportation in and out of port facilities, for example. Security, deployment costs and creating more interest in cruising among Asian travelers are other challenges.
The world’s two largest cruise operators, Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., are establishing a presence in Asia. Carnival’s Costa Cruises already offers Asia-Pacific vacations on the Costa Allegra, and Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas will become the largest ship in the region when it begins its deployment in December.
The Port of Shanghai is addressing some of the infrastructure concerns by investing in a 300,000-square-foot terminal to handle three 80,000-gross-ton cruise ships. Shanghai’s busy port, the gateway to the Yangtze River, already is served by Costa, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, which fall under the umbrella of Carnival.
The Chinese are reaching out to U.S. tour operators and travel agents to promote their country, which saw 1.7 million total U.S. visitors last year and hosts the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The port of Tianjin is billed as the gateway to Beijing. Two other ports in north China, Dalian and Qingdao, can hold large cruise ships, and both are set to have new cruise terminals within the next three years.
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By admin
September 21st, 2007 at 06:23am
Under Cruises
Or should we say hasta la vista? Carnival says that after many years of faithful service, its second oldest ship, the 1,486-passenger Celebration, finally is leaving the fleet, though it isn’t going away completely. It’s new home: Spain. The 20-year-old…
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By admin
September 20th, 2007 at 02:01pm
Under Cruises
Is John Cleese the only famous comedian who will take a gig on a cruise ship? Less than a month after Cunard announced the British funnyman will headline its newly expanded speaker series, Silversea, too, is now touting Cleese as…
Tags: travel insurance, miami, hotel, skiing, mountains, camping, las vegas, flights, motels, new york city, boating, ocean, paris, spain, beaches, europe, flights, attractions, italy, england
By admin
July 30th, 2007 at 06:34pm
Under Cruises+ USA+ Vacations
When the city of Washington DC was first conceived and built, a great deal of daily business centered around the Potomac River. Often called “The Nation’s River”, the Potomac flows though the most historical and scenic parts of Washington DC, including the Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, the Memorial Bridge and the Kennedy Center. At night, restaurants glitter with tiny white lights and other forms of elegance, as the riverfront comes alive with the very power of the DC heartbeat. While vacationing here, why not treat yourself to one of the Washington DC dinner cruises, and see the city as its founders did in a slower, more thoughtful time?
There are quite a few choices for how to enjoy the city by river. The elegant Spirit of Washington ship conducts harbor cruises in the sun or by the light of the moon. You’ll never see the city looking so grand as when you take a two-hour luncheon cruise or a three-hour dinner cruise along the spectacular Potomac riverfront, past the monuments that bring the largesse and history of our nation to mind. The Spirit of Washington also offers Midnight Moonlit cruises for the night owls among us, a two-and-a-half-hour adventure under the stars.
Another sumptuous vessel on which to enjoy dinner cruises in Washington DC is the Odyssey III. A floating oasis of glass and luxury, the ship was designed specifically to glide under the bridges along the Potomac. Its glassed-in interior and ceilings make it ideal for viewing the nightscape, as well. Four separate compartments within the dining space allows for private parties to compartmentalize on the cruise as well, making it a favorite for weddings, business parties, and other special occasions.
Not all Washington DC dinner cruises are formal dining affairs. Some are more quaint, with lighter fare. For example, Capitol River Cruises offers narrated, one-hour cruises daily from noon to 9pm leaving from Washington Harbor. The Nightingale is a smaller vessel, serving refreshing snacks, spirits, beer, wine and sodas, while cruising past the Kennedy Center, Memorial Bridge, Roosevelt Island, The US Capitol, the Watergate, and of course the monuments. The staff will even let you have a picnic aboard, should the fancy strike you as you sail.
Another special way to enjoy a lighter DC dinner cruise is, of course, aboard a grand riverboat. The Potomac Riverboat Company hosts wonderful cruises aboard their elegant riverboat, the Matthew Hayes. It is an open-air boat with a central entertainment deck, designed for more intimate gatherings of up to 70 people. In addition to their narrated 90-minute tour of the monuments and memorials, they offer a cruise out to George Washington’s historic estate, Mount Vernon.
These are some of the more well known charters available for dinner cruises in Washington DC. Of course, a trip to the waterfront harbor or to the harbor in Old Town, Alexandria, could yield many more options for enjoying a lovely meal on the famous river that goes to the heart of the nation.
By admin
July 17th, 2007 at 06:54am
Under Cruises+ USA
The Alaskan cruise will take you into the wilderness, allowing you to see some of the most beautiful landscapes and oceans out there. The good news is that there are several cruise lines that now offer these cruises and more and more people are falling in love with what Alaska has to offer. To help you to get started with your planning, here are some tips that you may need to get you started.
· When can you actually travel to Alaska? Although winter time is not the best time to travel, you can visit anytime you would like to. The Alaskan cruises, though, usually run from May to September when the waters are easily traveled.
· Which cruise line should I use? There are many cruise lines that run through this line. It is your best bet to consider which fits your budget as well as your specific entertainment and travel goals. The Alaskan lines offer many wonderful choices in entertainment and sight seeing even some of which offer specific choices.
· When should I plan my vacation? It is best to start planning early, in the off seasons. Many people make reservations for their Alaskan cruise well in advance especially if you are traveling in the summer months when space is limited. If you go in May or in September, crowds are less likely yet you still should plan ahead.
The Alaskan cruise offers many adventures. It is not just a boat ride into the cold waters. You will find many enjoyable things to do and to see in Alaska, all of which will allow you to enjoy the things that interest you. When planning your Alaskan cruise, make sure to check out several opportunities so that you can find the best part for you. You can even do this on the web.
By admin
July 12th, 2007 at 07:29am
Under Cruises
Rejoice, Swan Hellenic fans. The small-ship line is about to make a comeback. U.K.-based All Leisure Group says it will revive the educational-focused brand, known for its port-intensive discovery itineraries, in May, 2008. And that’s not all. It even will…
Original post by Gene Sloan For All Your Travel Needs Best Travel Rates Online
By admin
July 11th, 2007 at 09:40am
Under Cruises
She’ll do it again in 2009. That’s the word from Cunard, which says the much-ballyhooed Queen Mary 2, which made headlines this year with its first around-the-world sailing, will repeat the voyage in 18 months. Cunard says the 2,600-passenger ocean…
Original post by Gene Sloan
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By admin
July 10th, 2007 at 03:59pm
Under Cruises
Things definitely didn’t go according to plan the past week on the Celebrity Millennium, which was cruising in the Mediterranean. Thousands of passengers had their 12-day vacation interrupted — and then canceled outright — after the ship hit submerged rocks…
Original post by Gene Sloan
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By admin
July 6th, 2007 at 10:54am
Under Cruises
The Caribbean just isn’t what it used to be. At least, that’s the word from Lorraine Artz, 80, of Beverly Hills, Calif., the famously well-traveled cruiser we profiled last week. Artz, a growing legend in the industry who has sailed…
Original post by Gene Sloan
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By admin
July 4th, 2007 at 07:57am
Under Greece+ Cruises
When to Go
The sailing season in Greece lasts from March to early November. During the Spring months, the weather during the day varies from cool to warm and is usually cool at night. The sea temperature is not usually suitable for swimming until the middle of May and then you can swim right through to the middle of October. The months of May, June, September and October usually have warm to hot daytime temperatures and pleasant temperatures at night. There are good winds at this time, but they are often variable. In July and August there are stronger winds, particularly in the Cyclades islands. Spring and Autumn are the most popular seasons for yacht chartering in Greece because this is when the climate is most suitable and there are far fewer tourists on the mainland and on the islands, than in high Summer.
Deciding on the Type of Charter
There are many options to choose from and when planning your trip you should consider the following questions. How many people will be in your party and will they require single or double berths aboard? Do you require a sailing yacht, a motor yacht or a motorsailer? What level of comfort do you want aboard? Will you require a skipper? If you require a bareboat (i.e. you intend to do the sailing yourself, without a skipper or other professional crew aboard), what size of yacht are you experienced in handling? Remember that European regulations, require that two qualified people be aboard. Another option is to sail in a group or flotilla of other boats. These can be a combination of bareboat and skippered yachts, and can provide you with the right balance of educational support and local knowledge.
Length of Trip
In order to get the most out of a yacht charter, the minimum length of trip should be about 7 days. As for the maximum amount of time, that is up to you. Many companies will offer discounts for longer charters. Good charter companies will have lots of local knowledge on the best routes and places to visit, and will work with you to agree an itinerary, which suits your needs. Remember that you do not have to spend your entire holiday aboard the boat. You could arrange a couple of days at the beginning or end of your charter to explore the mainland. It is well worth spending at least two or three days in Athens - a wonderful city, which unfortunately is often side-stepped by people who head straight for the islands.
By admin
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:24pm
Under Cruises+ The Americas
There is probably no cruise vacation that is more American than traveling by paddleboat along one of American’s most majestic rivers. Paddlewheels or steamboats offer unique cruise vacations that take you to some of America’s best loved and most scenic cities and sees them as they were meant to be seen–from the water. From the waterways of Alaska to a steamboat down the MIssissippi, the steamboat cruise is the all-American vacation.
The paddlewheeler may sound as American as apple pie and it certainly conjures up thoughts of Mississippi gamblers, dance hall girls, and the American frontier. However, paddlewheel ships actually originated in China and can be found all over the world. Americans in the 19th century took the ancient concept of using a paddlewheel and made two improvements: they moved the wheel to the stern or back of the ship (ancient Chinese vessels had the wheel in the front) and they powered these new vessels with the steam engine.
You can book a paddlewheel cruise from a few different lines. Some of them also feature old-fashioned furnishings and a staff in period costumes. You may also be treated to some themed events during your cruise.
Paddleboats cruised the Mississippi in the 19th century, but most of these ships were working vessels. They carried merchandise as well as passengers up and down the river. Some of the best known ports on the route include St. Louis and Memphis, but the Mississippi runs as far north as Minneapolis and as far south as New Orleans, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Accommodations on these modern versions of paddlewheel cruises tend to go back to the style of the day when travel was more leisurely but also a bit grander. Expect stately touches on the ship and modern amenities along with antique furnishings. One does not grab a bite on a steamboat; it’s more typical to dine. While paddlewheelers today do accommodate our modern preference for the casual lifestyle, this is about as far from the “barefoot” cruise as you can get.
In their day, the American steamboats frequently offered gambling, entertainment that for its day was considered racy, and music from a calliope. A calliope is a very loud, steam-operated instrument most frequently associated with the circus. You’ll find them on some steamboat cruises today, along with lots of music in the evenings (the type depends a lot on the cruise you take).
Before the Civil War, many Southern plantations along the Mississippi were deliberately built on the river so that they could send their crops more easily to market. Cruising by paddlewheeler allows you to see some of these antebellum mansions the way they were meant to be viewed … by a party approaching on the river.
Even many Southern cities on the Mississippi were built to be visited not by land but by waterway. The grand dame of all river cities in the United States remains New Orleans. Katrina notwithstanding, New Orleans is back. You can visit the French Quarter (which abuts the Mississippi River) and at least one major cruise line is using New Orleans again as a port.
Paddlewheels also are frequently used on shorter day trips. Brunch cruises, short sightseeing cruises, or even day-long cruises can be found all over the country (including in Orlando, a landlocked city). While this can be a great way to sample the experience of a steamboat trip without committing to a cruise, it’s not going to be as true a steamboat experience as a multi-day journey on the river.
While the steamboat may seem old-fashioned or even clumsy, their small size and design actually makes them far more maneuverable than larger vessels. Captains typically have a bit more latitude in setting their course and itinerary, meaning that depending on the time of year and the river conditions, the captain may be able to travel to slightly different areas to get the best views of wildlife or other sites of interest.
Don’t expect to find lots of passengers; a steamboat cruise will take only a few dozen to possibly a few hundred passengers on any one trip. This means that passengers on a steamboat cruise will get to know each other, interact with each other, and actually rediscover the pastime of conversation. While you won’t find as many activities on a steamboat as on a large cruise ship (there won’t be a miniature golf course, ice-skating rink, or rock wall), you will find more opportunities to get to know other people.
Since steamboats have always been known for their music, you can usually expect lots of rollicking evening entertainment, from jazz cruises on the Mississippi to other dance bands in the North. Steamboats may be nostalgic and stately but they aren’t quiet, especially at night.
And while the Mississippi River cruise has to be the quintessential steamboat experience, you’ll also find river cruises that go as far north as Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Washington state and even Alaska. The Alaskan cruises, in particular, boast that they can access ports and areas that are off-limits to the larger cruise ships.
Whether you’re looking for a red-white-and-blue cruise experience or just as slightly different spin on the traditional cruise vacation, a paddlewheel cruise in the U.S.A. offers a wonderful vacation experience.
By admin
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:17pm
Under Cruises
The summer cruise season is once again upon us. Time for cruise lovers everywhere to choose their yearly cruise vacation. Or, for you cruise first-timers, to decide to finally take the plunge and go on your first cruise.
For first-timers and seasoned pros alike, most people assume that in order to sail the world’s oceans and rivers you have to sign up with one of the major cruise lines. While cruising with one of the majors is the most common way to sail, there are other options available, such as chartering a private yacht.
Before the money alarm bells start going off in your head, it might help to know that in some cases a privately-chartered yacht might make financial sense, particularly if you have a larger group of people who will split the cost of the charter. And, charters vary widely in price. For example, you can charter a yacht cruising Florida and the Bahamas in the winter and New England in the summer from $15,500 per week for 6 people. That comes out to just over $2,500 per person. Of course, there are pricier yachts you can charter for $385,000 per week for 12 guests and a crew of 13. A yacht like that comes equipped with fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, water skis, 3 waverunners, kneeboards, 2 kayaks, gym and a Jacuzzi. Again, prices vary widely. You may be amazed at what you’d find in your price range. Some private yacht charters also offer cheaper deals if you agree to cook your own food rather than have a chef onboard.
Benefits of Private Yacht Charter over Major Cruise Line
Privacy:
On a major cruise you have lots of company. Over 2,000 passengers on many cruises. With a private yacht charter it can be just you and under a dozen other people, often times just your friends and family. Besides you and the other passengers, the only other individuals onboard would be the yacht crew or staff. This might not only include a captain and other onboard hands, but it may also include a maid or a private chef.
Perfect for Small Gatherings:
Private yachts are ideal for small business parties, casual business meetings, romantic getaways, honeymoons, weddings, and even family vacations. It’s hard to hold a business meeting on a large cruise ship with all the noise and activity going on around you. And, a private yacht charter allows you the opportunity to get closer to your loved ones without other people getting in the way.
Activities:
You may be able to go swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling right off the yacht. Jumping off the ship and into the ocean is not something that’s encouraged on a major cruise ship. Neither is fishing. But, on your own private chartered yacht, that is also an activity you, your family and friends can enjoy.
Health Considerations:
Every year it seems there’s news of some outbreak of something on a major cruise ship. With all the people aboard, it’s much easier for infections to be spread around, no matter how hard the crew tries to keep everything clean and disinfected. With the small number of people on a private chartered yacht, you have less chance of coming in contact with pathogens.
Benefits of a Major Cruise Line over a Private Chartered Yacht
Cost:
While you can find a private yacht charter that won’t break the bank, a vacation with a major cruise line is still probably cheaper, even for an ocean-view balcony room. And, if you book early enough, you’re often offered an upgrade when your cruise date nears.
Activities:
A major cruise ship offers an incredible amount of activities, such as movies, dancing, yoga, exercise classes. Many have onboard casinos and numerous swimming pools. If you’re bored reading or watching the scenery, there’s always an activity scheduled.
Escape:
While taking a vacation on a yacht with 8 other people sounds nice, you may not be able to escape these same people during the day on a private yacht. On a major cruise there are so many activities that people can go off and do their own thing without always bumping into each other.
When deciding between a major cruise ship and private chartered yacht it helps to sort out what you really want on your vacation. Do you want the opportunity to see beautiful scenery at a minimal cost, or are privacy and being catered to an important consideration for you?
Should you decide to look into chartering a private yacht, you might wish to go through a yacht charter agent who has knowledge of the different companies offering chartered yachts. Choose an agent who is a member of one of the yacht broker’s associations, such as the AYCA, the American Yacht Charter Association, or CYBA, the Charter Yacht Brokers Association.
By admin
July 3rd, 2007 at 07:26pm
Under Cruises
Taking a cruise to a foreign country can be a new and exciting experience if you have never traveled abroad. There are plenty of new sights to see and things to try, but there are also dangers that naïve travelers must be aware of. When traveling internationally there are a number of things to take into consideration that will make your vacation even more enjoyable.
When traveling internationally on a cruise it might be a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Not only does travel insurance protect you from any unexpected cancellations, which can be important since cruises abroad can be more costly than domestic rates, but travel insurance can come in handy in other ways as well. Before leaving check into your medical insurance plan to find out if you are covered in foreign countries. Some insurance plans do not cover medical expenses in foreign countries and in some cases insurance plans are not accepted by foreign hospitals. In case of medical emergency while you are away, travel insurance policies can be purchased to cover any unforeseen medical costs that may occur while you are traveling.
Make sure you get to the boat early. In today’s world, there are a number of security precautions and safety measures that are taken before you are allowed to board any mode of public transportation. This means that you will need plenty of time to check your bags and get through security before your boat leaves. If you end up having a little extra time before you board your cruise, most shipping docks have areas where travelers can wait for their cruises to leave. It is better to have a little extra time than to miss your boat. Also, be sure to have your boarding pass and passport handy so you can get them checked quickly and easily rather than having to search through your bags for them.
If you are traveling abroad for the first time, beware of scams that many international travelers unfortunately fall prey to. There are a number of smalltime thieves that lurk in areas where cruise ships dock, waiting to make unsuspecting passengers their next victims. Make sure to keep your bags in sight at all times, to avoid getting anything stolen. Also, be sure to only keep items you will really need in your wallet during your trip. Try not to carry a lot of unnecessary items with you. It is also a good idea to lock all baggage that you bring with you.
It is a smart idea to make copies of all important documents before your trip. You should make photocopies of your passport, credit cards, medical prescriptions, and your medical insurance information. Photocopying your credit cards will allow you to have images of them if they happen to be lost or stolen during your trip. You will have the numbers, expiration dates and the phone number to call if you do misplace them. By copying medical prescriptions you are able to have the information for any medications you might need during your trip. Medication bottles are small and can easily be misplaced. It is important to always have your medical insurance information with you in case of any medical emergencies. Of course, as previously mentioned, you should make sure that your medical insurance fully covers any medical expenses in other countries before departing on your trip. If it does not cover you, travel insurance might be a smart choice for you.
Make sure you know the currency conversions between American dollars and the currency of the country you are visiting. Make sure you are visiting places that will accept your credit cards or make certain that you have enough local currency on you for any expenses. You will also want to look into places to exchange your currency. Different places offer different rates of conversion. Banks are typically the best bet, as they usually offer the best rates. However, it is smart to look into this and do some research before your trip. Another option is traveler’s checks, which can be purchased from your local bank prior to your trip, and can be used anywhere.
The most important tip for people planning to travel abroad is to have fun and enjoy the trip. For most people it is not everyday that they get to visit a foreign country, so try your best to take in as many sights as possible and don’t forget your camera.
By admin
July 3rd, 2007 at 07:14pm
Under Cruises
1. If you’re 55 or older, you can get senior citizen discounts.
2. If you belong to American Automobile Association or American Association Of Retired Persons, you can get a discount.
3. “Buy One-Get One” fares are often offered. You buy your ticket and bring another person along for the ride. Or better yet, split the cost of the fare and you both travel at a 50% discount.
4. Added Value or Free Days. You book a 7-day cruise and get 3 days free or free shore excursions, as well as pre or post cruise hotel rooms.
5. Flat fare specials are one fixed price for the best available cabin at the time of booking.
6. Share a cabin with friends, another couple or two family members and you could easily end up cruising for free. This fare package can also be cut four ways - reducing the burden on all. You will be sleeping in head over bunks that are comfortable, so consider this strategy. Just make sure everyone gets along.
7. You should check into airfares at reduced rates offered by your cruise line to get you to your embarkation site.
8. How about an upgrade? Better cabins, discounted certificates, 10-40 percent savings off advertised prices may all be offered by your cruise line through their respective newsletters.
9. The early bird still gets the cruise, just like with the airlines. If you’re a good long-range planner, then you can save mucho dinero. The earlier you book your cruise - the more you save. Typically 10 - 40%.
10. If you belong to an association, organization, if you have a wedding party, family reunion, belong to a church group or are planning a corporate outing you can get a hefty group discount. As always, don’t be afraid to ask!
11. Stand by! Yes, it happens with cruise ships too. Typically you’re notified three weeks prior to departure if there is space. Late notice like this means you get a nice discount fare.
Bonus Tip:
Did you know that the best cabins to avoid seasickness in are the lower and middle deck cabins? There is more stability here than the pricey upper cabins! Just make sure you’re not placed under the Disco, in high traffic areas, or near the engine room. Diesel powered ships vibrate near the stern (rear) of the ship and passenger cabins near the bow (front) may subject you to hearing the anchor raise and lower.
By admin
July 3rd, 2007 at 07:14pm
Under Cruises
A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located on the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the countries of Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Greece and Turkey and the islands of Malta, Crete and Sicily. Some cruises also include stops in Egypt. The Mediterranean cruise season is April to November when the weather is generally sunny and mild. Many cruise lines sail the Mediterranean and while there is most likely a cruise that appeals to any style and budget, we’ll focus on luxury cruises here.
Radisson Seven Seas is a luxury carrier in the small cruise line category. As such, a small number of passengers (only 198 to 700 based on individual ship capacity) are treated to personal service by a cruise line that has been selected by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure to be the “World’s Best Small Cruise Line”. Radisson Seven Seas appeals to the sophisticated traveler. Based upon service, quality dining, upscale accommodations, and service, Radisson Seven Seas has earned a six-star rating. The cruise line’s special accommodations include two 700 passenger all-balcony suites ships, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, and one 490 passenger all-suites ship, Seven Seas Navigator. The Radisson Diamond is another unique ship due to its twin hull design. The Radisson Diamond carries 350 guests in luxury.
The Seven Seas Voyager and the Radisson Diamond routinely cruise the Mediterranean Sea, departing from or terminating at ports such as Rome, Venice, Athens, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Istanbul normally for a 7-night cruise. These cruises stop at some of the most famous European cities that occur between the start and end points such as Florence, Italy; Marseilles, France; St. Tropez, France; Dubrovnik, Croatia; the island of Sicily; and others.
Crystal Cruises is another award-winning six-star cruise line. A reader’s poll by Travel + Leisure magazine named Crystal “World’s Best” in cruise line service. Conde Nast Traveler magazine has awarded Crystal “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” while Travel + Leisure called Crystal the “World’s Best Large - Ship Cruise Line”, both titles being given for the past nine years. Crystal Cruises boasts “extraordinary cuisine” coupled with impeccable service.
Crystal offers a large number of 7- to 12-night Mediterranean cruises, many with romantic overtones. For example, the Renaissance Reflection cruise originates in Lisbon and stops in Barcelona, Cannes and Monte Carlo. The Italian Treasures cruise spends seven nights on the west coast of Italy. The Path of the Phoenicians is a twelve-night odyssey from Athens to Istanbul followed by stops at the historically famous Greek islands of Kusadasi, Rhodes, and Santorini before terminating at Venice.
The Yachts of Seabourn cruise line advertises that they provide “Ultra Luxury” by “delivering the highest levels of personalized service to an exclusive group of guests aboard intimate, elegant ships that could visit the most enticing destinations worldwide.” Seabourn sails three identical all-suite ships that cater to only 208 passengers each. Of course, dining and service is world-class.
Seabourn offers longer, leisurely cruises that can explore a small or unique area in-depth. For example, the 17-day Spring Time in Spain cruise originates in Lisbon, Portugal, stops at six Spanish ports plus ports in Monaco, France and the Balearic Islands. Many of the stops were selected due to the availability of golf courses. The 16-day Mediterranean Odyssey II begins at Istanbul; spends six days at Greek ports, four days at Italian ports along with several days at sea before terminating at Lisbon. The 7-day Capitals of Antiquity cruise begins at Cairo, Egypt; tours the historic Greek islands of Rhodes, Mykonos, and Kusadasi before terminating at Istanbul.
If luxury is your objective, there are a large number of out of the ordinary Mediterranean cruises to choose from beyond those discussed here.
By admin
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