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October 21, 2023November 28, 2023

The Best Ports for Shopping in the Mediterranean

When you’re exploring new places on a trip, it’s the perfect time to shop till you drop! You’ll be happy to know that destinations in the Mediterranean are full of shopping opportunities. When you take a Mediterranian cruise, you’ll want to check out the best ports for shopping. Here are our favorite Mediterranean ports to get your shopping fix:

Barcelona

When cruising to Barcelona, exploring the port is a must. Begin your journey by having some tapas and sangria, but also be sure to check out the shops! A good place to head for the best shops is La Rambla boulevard. This area is a busy, exciting portion of the city and it’s not far from the cruise port. You’ll be happy to head back with some great souvenirs, and unique boutique finds.

Capri

If you’re cruising on a smaller ship, Capri may be part of your itinerary. You’ll find boutique stores as well as larger, designer brand stores here. If you’re looking to make big purchases and love expensive, designer goods, head to the street known as Via Vittorio Emanuele III street. If you prefer unique items and smaller shops, head to Via le Botteghe street.

Seville

Seville is the perfect place to stop while on your Mediterranean cruise. You’ll be happy to know that it’s full of shopping opportunities. A favorite area to spend time and shop is Barrio Santa Cruz. The oldest part of the city, it has charming views and is full of character. Explore the narrow streets and make your way from shop to shop. Sierpes and Tetuan are also excellent streets to explore if you enjoy shopping.

Malta

Another must-see destination as you make your way throughout the Mediterranean is Malta. This incredible island is gorgeous and full of things to do. As you begin your shopping adventure, head to Republic Street, which is the central shopping hub. Merchants Street is another fun place to stop. The Merchants Street Market is a good place to wander for fashion items. While here, be sure to visit C. Camilleri & Sons, which is the place to go while in Malta for sweets.

And there you have it—these are some of the best ports for shopping in the Mediterranean. Be sure to leave a little extra room in your bag when packing for your cruise so that you can bring home some local delights from your travels.

October 12, 2023November 28, 2023

Princess Cruise Lines 2024 forever!

The early bird catches the worm or in this case, the cruise of their dreams with early booking discounts! Princess Cruises recently launched its 2024 cruises and cruise tours to sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean, British Isles, Scandinavia & the Med Norway & Iceland and Transatlantic crossings.

A fleet of ships will sail the European waters for the 2024cruise season, and every vessel will feature Princess Medallion Class vacations. New cruise ships Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess are joined by Crown Princess, Island Princess, and Grand Princess, with a total of 100+ departures on 50+ unique itineraries to 100+ destinations in 25+ countries.

“Not only will our guests be lured to Europe with our culturally-rich itineraries to bucket-list destinations, but they’ll also enjoy an elevated experience onboard with our highly-rated Princess Medallion Class Vacations offered on every ship for the 2024season,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president.

A few key deployment highlights include:

· Enchanted Princess sails throughout the Mediterranean with combinable seven-, 11-, 14-, or 21-day departures from Barcelona, Rome or Athens and will feature Istanbul, Turkey on select departures.

· Northern Europe highlights include Sky Princess to the Baltic on 11-day Scandinavia & Russia sailings from Copenhagen.

· Crown Princess sails the popular 12-day British Isles from London (Southampton) or Paris (Le Havre) and features Dublin, Edinburgh and a new port of Portland, giving access to the prehistory monument of Stonehenge (on select sailings).

Cultural immersion abounds with select sailings visiting an array of treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as The Acropolis in Athens and Ephesus from Kusadasi. Guests will delight in award-winning Discovery, Discovery Family, Animal Planet and Bon Appetit shore excursions. And Princess offers More Ashore late-night and overnight stays in 30 ports to maximize time exploring these famed cities. Enjoy overnight stays in; St. Petersburg, Russia; Cork, Ireland; and Alta, Norway.

Several Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises can be combined with a multi-night land tour to create a cruise tour for additional exploration. Example cruise tours include:

· Classic Italy: Visit Florence and Rome’s most celebrated sights from the Duomo to the Roman Colosseum.

· Ring of Kerry: Featuring overnights in Limerick, Killarney, and Cork, this cruise tour brings guests to the starkly beautiful landscapes and charming villages of Ireland. Highlights include visits to the breathtaking Ring of Kerry and the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher.

Captain’s Circle Savings and Early Booking Deposit

September 10, 2023November 28, 2023

Ponant Relais & Chateau Cruises in 2024

If you think Michelin star dining and fresh seasonal ingredients are reserved for land only, you’ll be delighted to learn of the recent collaboration between PONANT and Relais & Châteaux. The partnership between the luxury cruise line and Relais & Châteaux, a beacon of hospitality and gastronomy, will continue epicures culinary cruises in 2024.

You don’t need to be a foodie to fall in love with great food and excellent service; you simply need a passion for adventure and taste for remarkable cuisine.

Hosted by the Relais & Châteaux chefs onboard PONANT EXPLORER ships, the journeys will include two gala dinners featuring two new signature dishes that the respective Chef has created for the occasion. The acclaimed chefs will also host culinary demonstrations, cooking classes, and lectures for you throughout the journey. Depending on the ports of call, you can also join the Chef for market tours to meet local producers.

Treasures of Brittany

Restaurante Filigrana Relais&Châteaux A Quinta da Auga

Set sail from Portugal to Senegal for a nine-day, 10-night itinerary aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville with Relais & Châteaux’s Chef Federico López Arcay. Ports of call include the historic city of Funchal, Madeira, the island of eternal spring; the Canary Islands with stops in Tenerife and Gran Canaria; and Cape Verde’s Mindelo, the cultural cradle, and Santiago, the archipelago’s most inhabited island.

China & Vietnam

Embark on Le Lapérouse in the Chinese megalopolis of Shanghai for an eleven-day, 10-night cruise that will journey to Halong Bay. An exceptional cruise during which passengers will discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Yandang Mountains, Gulangyu, and Bay of Ha Long as well as the wander the shopping malls and street markets of Hong Kong.

Philippe Gombert, President of Relais & Châteaux, states, “Through this partnership, we are delighted to offer a unique stay and the best cuisine to our guests at sea. PONANT’s ships boast exceptional accommodation making every cruise an unforgettable experience.” Bon Appetit!

June 3, 2023November 28, 2023

Dive to the Depths of the Ocean With Seabourn

What if you could travel to the next frontier? To depths of the ocean that most people will never have the opportunity to experience in this lifetime?

Thanks to technology, innovation, and a world-class cruise line, you will have the opportunity to travel to this exciting underwater world for the first time. Seabourn, the ultra-luxury cruise line known for its famed expeditions to remote locations, is yet again pushing boundaries and opening up a whole new world for adventure lovers with subs designed specifically for the cruise line.

Both Seabourn Venture and her yet-to-be-named sister ship will sail to the far corners of the Earth carrying two U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 subs.

Each battery-powered sub will carry six guests as well as one pilot, who will guide the journey up to nearly 1,000 feet beneath the surface to explore sunken wrecks, reefs. and the natural habitat. Guests are seated in two clear acrylic spheres flanking the center pilot’s station, with an awe-inspiring perspective of the marine world just outside. Think 369 degrees, head on a swivel.

If you’re traveling to such extraordinary depths, you surely want to document your remarkable journey. Seabourn leaves no stone unturned when it comes to enhancing the once in a lifetime opportunity. A 4K underwater video camera system will record the world outside the sub while an internal video recording system will capture you inside the sub, set to the backdrop of the vast sea.

Seabourn Venture is expected to visit more than 150 unique and fascinating destinations across the globe – many of which few travelers have ever been – and over 65 new or notable destinations with a multitude of new and compelling expedition experiences.

November 10, 2023November 21, 2023

2024…Worlds Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines are plentiful, and all offer varying degrees of pampering, experiences and exotic voyages to the most unique and glorious destinations. Here are our picks for the brands, one new ( RITZ CARLTON) small and big, but mostly for being consistent across all areas including price, value, food, on board / off board activities and delivering on an unforgettable LUXURY experience.

RITZ CARLTON YACHT – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered. Here, freedom and flexibility allow immersion in life’s exceptional experiences; exploration of earth’s exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections. All of this delivered in an intimate setting with a heightened level of care and attention

Viking Ocean Cruises, With 250 awards to its name, “Luxury” should be its middle name. Currently operating a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades, including the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice .

Azamara, It’s been said that guests sail with Azamara for the destinations, but come back for the staff and crew. Luxury comes in small packages, And we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re greeted with a cool towel, a warm smile, or a glass of sparkling wine after a rewarding day spent onshore, their staff and crew are always ready and waiting to welcome you home.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® consistently delivers unmatched luxury cruises with the very best value for over thirty years. Unrivaled onboard space. Unforgettable shoreside excursions. Incomparable culinary experiences. Exceptional personalized service. Every lavish amenity is included when cruising aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™

Silversea Cruises, small luxury ships, There is something uniquely satisfying about a smaller ship. The intimacy. The friendly camaraderie. The excitement of exploring secluded harbours where others cannot go . The intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s 4 expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet. Travel is the elixir of life at Silversea and every cruise is a voyage of discovery.

Oceania Cruises, their unique itineraries are specifically designed to showcase the most fascinating destinations across the globe. As Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, Marina, Riviera and Vista are all small and luxurious, each ship can call on the world’s most desirable ports, from historic cities to modern meccas to charming seaside villages nestled along sparkling coastlines.

Seabourn, Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed — elegant, yet casual — sumptuous, yet understated. Our intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow.

August 29, 2023October 31, 2023

Riverside Luxury Cruises, Mozart Sails in Style

LUXURY RETURNS TO THE RIVER

The Riverside Mozart is an exceptional phenomenon. As one of the largest river cruise ships on the Danube, and certainly the most well-appointed, she knows – just like her famous namesake – how to captivate and constantly surprise her guests. A river cruise aboard the Riverside Mozart means luxury, local culture and loving life. No sense is left untouched. Dine in one of the first-class restaurants. Decompress in the spa with sauna and massage. Discover another world on an excursion. Or simply delight in an Earl Grey or a Taittinger on the Vista Deck as you sail serenely through the landscape of the Wachau Valley. It’s one big treat for the senses.

Time ticks differently on the Riverside Mozart, as does the ship itself. It sets the standard for true luxury on the river. Enjoy suites instead of staterooms, the smallest alone measuring 215 square feet, while the Owner Suites deliver an expansive 883 square feet. No other river cruise ship on the Danube offers so much space combined, with a suite to crew ratio of 1:1. The service on board is exceptional, catering to standards enjoyed in luxury hotels the world over. When it comes to styling, different tastes can certainly divide opinion – but this ship is without a doubt uncompromisingly beautiful.

No day on the Riverside Mozart is like the other. But each one is unforgettable. Every route has its charm and every city is special. You enjoy the finest cuisine and sleep in exclusive suites.

OWNER’S SUITE, With the Owner’s Suite you can treat yourself to the greatest luxury in the truest sense of the word. It offers space for two to four guests and is a place of possibilities: a chat in front of the fireplace – and always the view through the French balcony windows, which bring the light and the landscape inside. Private dinners or a casual evening in front of the television are also possible. Those who reside here enjoy limousine transfers (e.g. from the airport to the ship) on the days of embarkation and departure.

The Mozart Suite on the MS Mozart with a double bed and a view of the river through an open window.

MOZART SUITE, The great composer was space consuming. You too can be as a guest in this suite of the same name. And there’s a good chance you’ll look more wrinkled here than Mozart himself without effort: as for the guests of the Owner’s Suite, the butler will collect your clothes and bring them back washed and ironed. You can write down your wonderful experiences in your diary at your own desk. And this suite also offers French balconies and limousine service.

The sleeping area of the Penthouse Suite on the MS Mozart with double bed, sofa and wide window overlooking the river.

PENTHOUSE SUITE, Seahorses enjoy the peace and quiet and like to withdraw. And that’s exactly what you can do in our penthouse suites on the Seahorse Deck. All with a view of the landscape passing by through the French balcony windows. Perfect comfort in 30 square meters. With a walk-in closet, a sofa bed for the child and two sinks in the bathroom. And if someone has dreams that are too expansive – no problem. These suites also offer twin beds as an option. And the luxury of limousine transfers.

The interior of a suite with a sofa, double bed and desk in light gray and white.

RIVERSIDE SUITE WITH FRENCH BALCONY, Nomen est omen: Everything is in flux here in two senses. And it is always in sight from the French balcony. Enjoy style and comfort, perfectly formed, a king-size bed or alternatively twin beds and for a short nap in the afternoon there are also cozy sofas in the riverside suites. A great pleasure far away from everyday life – for romance in togetherness. But also for solo travellers.

ROUTES

THE DANUBE ROUTES

BELA BURJANcaptain

5 nights

VIENNA – BUDAPEST – BRATISLAVA – VIENNA

A building full of points in Prague, directly on the Danube in the atmospheric evening sun

3 nights

VIENNA – BRATISLAVA – BUDAPEST

The Habsburg monarchy – westward – On this tour you will collect impressions that you will talk about for a long time. It is rich and full of interplay. The peace and intimacy on board, the almost contemplative gliding of the ship and its culinary highlights, and then back to nature and the most beautiful cultural cities in Europe.

BE AMAZED OR TAKE OFF – EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS ON LAND OR IN THE AIR

Taste wine, marvel at the sculptures in the garden or just take off in a helicopter? Wherever the Riverside Mozart docks, we offer our guests special excursions in exclusive small groups. You can book as many as you like, but you can also explore the cities on your own.

ULRIKE NEHLS Director Land Operations

A small, yellow house with wooden doors in the traditional Vojvodina Village near Novi Sad on the Danube.

SALAS (TYPICAL SERBIAN FARMHOUSE)Novi Sad is a small Serbian dream. Pastel-colored houses in narrow streets. Museums and the Petrovaradin Fortress. And then there is the beautiful Matic family farm. The Matic have been farmers for generations. They offer guests of the Riverside Mozart a Vojvodin breakfast with homemade delicacies such as donuts – and Serbian music.

WINE TASTING

Even the ancient Romans referred to Ilok as “delicium mundi”. That means as much as deliciousness of the world. Wine growing in the Croatian town of Ilok and its localities Bapska, Šarengrad, Radoš and Mohovo goes back to a 2000 year old tradition. The drive there is like in a picture book and the famous and award-winning wines are pure pleasure

Budapest

BALLOON RIDE

Join Tom Sawyer in his ballooning adventure and enjoy the world from above. What an adventure to fly silently over Budapest – in a traditional hot air balloon at a height of 150 meters. And then stroll through the city and discover unusual shops and marvel at architectural jewels.

esztergom

SPA & FITNESS

Anyone who now thinks that he or she will leave the Riverside Mozart like an apricot dumpling after the trip is mistaken. Because in addition to the numerous excursions, there are opportunities for sports on board and of course for relaxation afterwards.

BEAUTIFUL INSIGHTS FOR GOOD PROSPECTS, It’s not just the head that decides to go on a cruise, but also the heart. Be inspired by our pictures. And then nothing stands in the way of your trip.

The bathroom of the Mozart Suite in light marble with bath, shower and washbasin.

Mozart's board bistro with round tables, white-grey chairs and warm light.

A long, set table with green velvet chairs on the MS Mozart.

The bar on deck of the MS Mozart with two white wine glasses, white bar stools and a view over the Danube.

June 1, 2023November 28, 2023

Authentic River Cruises in Africa

Africa is home to a variety of rainforests and rivers that provide habitats for endless species of exotic plants and animals. Explore Africa onboard one of these three river cruises.

Viking River Cruises – Cairo to Cairo

Viking cruise MS Antares — Credit: Shutterstock

Viking’s MS Antares is a sixty-two passenger river vessel built specifically to sail the Nile river. The Antares features staterooms with French balconies, fifty-five-inch flat screen TVs, private bathrooms with jetted tubs and showers, a stateroom steward and twice daily housekeeping service. All rooms have toiletries, robes, and slippers available and the ship offers a laundry service. The sundeck offers a pool as well as shaded lounge areas and there is an onboard health club, spa, sauna, library, and bar. The Cairo to Cairo cruise offers twelve days exploring ancient Egyptian cities, temples, tombs, and monuments. Egyptologist guided tours are offered for passengers to explore areas and learn about the pyramids and hieroglyphics. Felucca (wooden sailboat) rides down the Nile are offered throughout the trip as well as time to explore local spice markets, bazaars, and museums.

CroisiEurope – Southern Africa River Cruise

croisieuropesouthafrica — Credit: Shutterstock

CroisiEurope’s MS African Dream features balcony cabins with exterior lounge chairs and sofas, a sundeck with a jacuzzi. The glass-walled restaurant, bar, and lounge offer unique viewing in an elegant setting. Traditional African foods are served throughout the cruise and passengers will have lunch at a floating restaurant. Africa’s Matusadona National Park with its many islands and inlets will be explored via water safari. Passengers have up-close encounters with elephants, hippos, buffalo, and crocodiles. Big cats, sea eagles, storks, and herons can be seen as well. A helicopter tour of the world-famous Victoria Falls is also an option for cruise-goers.

AmaWaterways – Wildlife and the Falls Cruise

The Zambezi Queen ship takes passengers through Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. This twenty-eight passenger ship with staterooms and balcony suites with a pool and a bar is beyond comfortable! The cruise offers morning and evening safaris in the Greater Kruger National Park, a 4×4 safari tour through Chobe National Park, and a Chobe River safari. Can’t miss activities include a guided tour of Victoria Falls, with sunset dinner and cocktails onboard a vintage steam train.

May 20, 2023October 31, 2023

New Bordeaux Itineraries from Uniworld

Uniworld will launch two itineraries traversing the region in 2014
Continue reading “New Bordeaux Itineraries from Uniworld”

May 10, 2023October 31, 2023

Sail with PONANT

Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship. To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.

Explore our list of 21 cruises

From the vast open spaces of Canada to the great megalopolises of the United States, to cruise North America is to be taken on a journey to completely different worlds. From the mouth of the Saint Lawrence to Niagara Falls, enjoy an escape to the heart of an exceptional natural environment in the Great Lakes region or admire the impressive architecture of Boston, Vancouver, Milwaukee, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and visit must-see museums.

The comprehensive eight-night cruise includes accommodations all with a private balcony and exclusive concerts by featured guest musicians. In addition, all meals aboard the ship are included along with a complimentary open bar; 24-hour room service; and a range of amenities that are standard on all PONANT cruises.

Le Champlain

PONANT is leading the way with a new style of luxury cruising through a unique conception of sea travel which combines exceptional itineraries with luxury hotel services aboard smaller-scale ships. The deluxe, five-star Le Champlain is one of a series of six new luxury PONANT expedition ships. These state-of-the-art vessels combine PONANT’s luxury offerings with a spirit of adventure and feature Blue Eye, the world’s first multi-sensory underwater lounge. Le Champlain is a small-capacity ship with just 92 staterooms, 100% with balconies, and a crew of 110.

Explore our list of Caribbean 23 cruises

With its picture-postcard landscapes and scenery, the Caribbean is a dream destination for travellers in search of sunshine, relaxation and discovery. From Havana to the French Antilles and from the Grenadines to the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean cruise will take you on one adventure after another, with everything from snorkelling and hiking to moments of relaxation in crystalline waters and visits to unique

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