September 2023 - Luxury Cruise News

5 Tips For Cruising With Friends

Cruising with friends can be an adventure of a lifetime…sometimes. People claim that you never really know someone until you travel with them. While cruising with your best pals may seem like a great idea, it can also turn sour, quickly. These five foolproof tips will ensure you and your besties return with great memories and intact friendships.

Hold A Pre-Cruise Meeting

Sit down together before the cruise and discuss the needs of each individual. While there is no pleasing everyone, addressing issues such as shore excursions, budget, habits, or pet peeves ahead of time allows each person to share their thoughts. And if only a few members want to go snorkeling, that’s ok. The group doesn’t need to take part in every activity together. Knowing this ahead of time avoids hurt feelings and gives everyone a chance to find who shares their interests. There’s nothing better than getting together at the end of the day and recapping your adventures over dinner and drinks.

Discuss Budgets At your Pre-Cruise Meeting

Cruising is undoubtedly the best trip you can take with friends. It takes out the uncomfortable scenarios such as splitting bills, individual budgets, and embarrassing situations. Thankfully, cruises incorporate most costs upfront, minimizing potentially awkward circumstances that may arise during group vacations. Decide ahead of time if you would like to prepay for alcohol packages, tips, or specialty dining, that way the only out of pocket group cost that may pop up will be minimal. For instance, transportation costs or shore excursions. Helpful tip: Link everyone’s credit card to their room key even if you are sharing cabins.

Manage Your Expectations

Know before you hop on board that traveling with a group requires some level of flexibility. If a majority of the group wants to dine at the Italian specialty restaurant, but you were hoping for a casual dinner, you may have to take one for the team. Try to see the silver lining and find the positive in the situation. Wouldn’t you love to try the tiramasu at the Italian venue? Remember the idea of cruising with friends is about creating memories. Keep your expectations manageable and be willing to compromise. Believe us, a little effort goes a long way.

Be a Good Roommate

Be mindful when sharing a cabin, a little bit of manners goes a long way. Observe quiet evenings and early mornings, keep your cabin tidy, and respect privacy. For more tips on sharing cabins, check out “Cruise Courtesy for Sharing Cabins.”

A cruise with friends is a great way to escape everyday life and reconnect with those you love. Just follow these tips for smooth sailing!

Five Reasons to Sail the New Emerald Harmony Along the Mekong River

Adventure, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Mekong River, River Cruise, Southeast Asia, The Orient

If you’ve bucket listed the Mekong River, now is the time to make your dreams a reality. Emerald Waterways’ recently launched their brand new Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony and the groundbreaking vessel is sailing the Mekong River. If you need a little nudge, we are giving you five reasons to check off this bucket list destination on the Emerald Harmony.

Sail All The Way to Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike most ships plying the Mekong, the sleek and modern Emerald Harmony has been custom designed to cruise into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering unique river access to this vibrant and historically significant Vietnamese city. The newly released time-lapse video of the Harmony build highlights the ship’s unique design and beautiful lines.

An Intimate Cruise Experience

A classic combination of authentic Asian style and modern amenities, Emerald Harmony accommodates just 84 guests in 42 cabins for an intimate cruise experience. With 40 crew members—and an excellent guest-to-crew ratio of almost 2:1—guests can expect personalized service and a warm environment onboard.

Two Countries, Endless Opportunities

The Emerald Harmony will sail the mighty Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia, allowing guests to take in some of the continent’s most revered sights. From the vast Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia to the French Colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, this sailing offers a glimpse at life from a local perspective and an in-depth look at traditional ways of living the people of the Mekong have enjoyed for over a thousand years.

Four Itineraries to Choose From

Options abound for travelers looking to experience the magic of the Mekong River. Those on a shorter timeline can book an eight-day sailing between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with daily excursions aimed at revealing the local culture and history. Those looking for a more in-depth experience can explore the 13-, 17- and 21-day cruise and land tours, which offer time in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City as well as adding stops in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An, Vietnam.

Book Now and Save

The inaugural season is almost sold out, but guests who move fast can secure a stateroom. To celebrate the launch, Emerald Waterways is offering a free extension to Sapa or Luang Prabang on all 13-night itineraries, or two flights for the price of one on 17-21 night itineraries. Offer valid on any new Mekong sailings booked between August 9 and October 31, 2019.

In addition to the five reasons above, Emerald Waterways’ boasts an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. Cruise fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi on board the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities.

Best Cruises to Take if You Like Arts and Crafts

Adventure, Compagnie du Ponant, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Destinations, Luxury Cruising, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, Scenic Cruises, SeaDream Small Yacht Club

Cruises have plenty of activities onboard to keep passengers entertained as they make their way to the next destination. While you may be familiar with cruise ships having pools, spas, gyms, and bars—you may not know that some cruise lines offer special classes and experiences onboard. Some companies even cater their programs to those who love arts and crafts. Do you want to cruise with a company that has art classes? Here are the best cruises to take if you’re into arts and crafts:

Visit the Artist Loft When Cruising with Oceania Cruises

When you set sail with Oceania Cruises, you’ll have access to the Artist Loft. Here, artists-in-residence teach art classes and offer step-by-step instruction. Whether you wish to sketch, paint, or create another kind of masterpiece–the experts are ready to help guide you. This is available when you sail on the Marina or Riviera ships, or when you book an Insignia World Cruise.

Uniworld Cruises Offers Floating Art Workshops

Uniworld, a boutique river cruising company, also caters to those who enjoy arts and crafts. Currently, they’re offering Floating Art Workshops. Here, travelers can learn from an expert artist as they make their way to the next destination. Artist Larry Aarons shows passengers how to create art in different ways in small, personalized classes. This is an excellent excuse to try your hand at a new skill or to improve your art skills.

Take a Painting Class with Avalon Waterways

Taking a cruise with Avalon Waterways is another option. This cruise line offers its Active and Discovery journeys, where it focuses on providing a mix of activities and experiences to travelers. This is the perfect chance to explore personal interests. On their Active and Discovery 8 Day River Cruise from Amsterdam to Mainz, passengers can attend a painting class.

Set Sail with Princess Cruises and Explore Their Art Classes

When you take a Princess Cruises cruise, you’ll also be able to dabble in art. Their Scholarship@Sea program aims to give passengers the chance to take home new skills and hobbies. The educational classes and programs are available on a mix of topics. Examples of art-focused classes include travel photography, pottery and ceramics, and water coloring.

If you love arts and crafts or enjoy exploring new hobbies and interests, you’re going to love the art classes and programs available on cruise ships. You may find yourself making m

Europe’s Best Shopping Ports

Cruise Tips, Cruise Types

If you think shopping in ports means overcrowded markets with kitschy merchandise, you may be surprised to discover some of the best shopping meccas lie in these European cities. From authentic hand made leather goods to the latest designer handbags, here’s your go-to guide to Europe’s best shopping ports.

River Cruises:

Milan, Italy

One of the most recognized fashion meccas in the world undoubtedly has the latest designer trends. Milan also boasts the oldest shopping mall in the world, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Here, high-end couture shops reign; Versace, Chanel, Louis Vuitton. Quadrilatero d’Oro or the “golden rectangle” is the pulse of the fashion-centric city, exploding with just about every designer you can imagine. Don’t miss Piazza del Duomo, the 10 floors retail wonderland featuring everything from home goods to clothing.

Best For: Fashionistas with unlimited budgets

Shopping Streets: Via Montenapoleone, Corso Buenos Aires

Geneva, Switzerland

Watch enthusiasts take heed. Geneva is the city known for luxury timepieces. Gleaming with renowned Swiss watches, you will want to head to Rue du Rhone and Rue de la Confédération. Be sure to stop by the famous flower clock in the Jardin Anglais, a true symbol of Geneva. Brimming with charm, the city flourishes with magnificent markets. An epicures haven, Les Halles de Rives, is known as one of the most famous food markets in Europe. If your looking for designer boutiques and department stores, explore the block around Place du Molard.

Best For: Watch enthusiasts and high-end fashion

Shopping Streets: Rue du Rhône, Rue du Mont-Blanc

Porto, Portugal

The best part about shopping in Portugal lies within the boutique shops passed from generation to generation. If you prefer unique stores rather than big-name retailers, you will love Porto. Our favorites include; for reasonable and unique finds from local craftsman, La Vida Portuguesa for everything from hand-printed stationery to ceramics, and the Feeting Room for authentic Portugues brands.

Best For: Local handmade goods and charming boutiques

Shopping Streets: Rua Santa Catarina, Rua Formosa

Ocean Cruises:

Nice, France

Overflowing with glamour, if you can pull yourself away from Nice’s sun-drenched beaches, you’ll find a high octane shopping experience with over 7000 stores awaiting. The streets of the French Riviera offer something for everyone, from local boutiques to the best names in fashion. Gourmands will revel in Alziari, a family run business which has been growing olives since the mid-1800s and selling the delightful results in a charming boutique. gLOVEme is a must for handcrafted leather items at amazing prices. And of course, there’s Chanel, Hermes, Bémon Gérald and any other haute couture brand on your radar.

Best For: A variety of local goods and couture brands

Shopping Streets: Carré d’Or, Rue Paradis, Cours Saleya, Avenue Jean Medecin

Civitavecchia, Italy

Steps away from the port lies a world of shopping pleasures. Via Garibaldi will likely be the first street you stumble upon. A great place to grab a bite and begin your shopping extravaganza. Civitavecchia’s main shopping area is not far beyond Via Garibaldi. Corso Centocelle’s pedestrian-filled streets feature many of the towns best shops. For a wide range of designer stores at great prices, head to Castel Romano. While, Civitavecchia is about 50 miles away from Rome, if you have the time and transportation, be sure to venture to Via del Corso and Via Dei Condotti.

Best For: Quaint markets in a seaside town

Shopping Streets: Via Garibaldi, Corso Centocelle

Whether you fancy designer duds or handcrafted goods, Europe boast some of the best shopping around. The next time you sail into one of these European ports, get your dose of retail therapy. You never know what you may find!

Archives for September 2023