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Ponant’s Holiday Savings!

Ponant’s Holiday Offer Includes 10% Savings

Ponant is offering 10 percent additional savings on top of Ponant Bonus rates on select 2023, 2024, and 2025 sailings. The holiday offering was announced by the company in a press release.

Travelers can take advantage of the discounts to explore the fjords of Norway, the subtropical islands of Japan, the snow-covered mountains of Alaska, among other destinations, Ponant said.

While certain restrictions apply, the offer is valid for all new deposited bookings from November 30, 2023, through January 2, 2024.

Several new itineraries are included in the holiday incentive, including expeditions to Japan, Ponant said.

One such adventure will see Ponant teaming up with The Explorers Club, a not-for-profit organization made up of explorers devoted to scientific expeditions of all disciplines, on a seven-night journey to the islands of southern Japan, with stops in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iriomotejima as well as a remote area home to the largest concentration of blue coral in the world.

Also new is a weeklong “Kyushu’s Secret Islands and Ancestral Heritage” itinerary, which combines the wildlife-rich islands of Jeju and Yaushima, historic coastal villages, and five new ports of call including the island region of Amakusa.

The offer is also applicable to bucket-list itineraries to the polar regions, including a 23-day adventure through the Northwest Passage, a springtime voyage along the East coast of Greenland aboard Le Commandant Charcot, and a weeklong expedition to discover Svalbard.

The complete list of eligible sailings can be found on Ponant’s website. Starting rates range from $4,450 per person, based on double occupancy, exclusive of the ten percent discount. To unlock the savings at time of booking, guests must use discount count XMAS10.

According to Ponant, the offering is subject to availability and may be change

Dressing Up (or Down) on a Cruise

If you’re new to cruising, you’ll want to make sure that you pack all the essentials that you need for a great trip. You may be wondering what to pack in terms of clothes. Don’t worry — we’ll help to make sure that you’re all ready to go. Each cruise line has a dress code in place, but we can help you understand the differences so you can get packing. Keep reading to learn more about the dress code for your upcoming cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line

If you’re taking a Carnival Cruise Line cruise, you’ll get the chance to wear a lot of casual attire. Most evenings the dress code is “cruise casual,” so you’ll be fine wearing khakis, collared sports shirts, pants, jeans, and blouses. “Cruise elegant” attire is suggested for a few special evenings. Think dress shirts, cocktail dresses, pantsuits, and sports coats. You won’t need to pull out the tuxedos and evening gowns, but you can if you want.

Holland America

You’ll also find that the Holland America dress code is also quite casual. Most evenings are “resort casual,” and clothing like slacks, collared shirts, skirts, slacks, and blouses are acceptable. For the evenings that have a formal option, the dress code is referred to as “Gala Night” wear. For these gala evenings, you can plan to wear suits, tuxedos, jackets, cocktail dresses, and gowns.

MSC Cruises

If you’re taking an MSC Cruises journey, we have you covered! Most of the time, you can get away with “casual wear” on your cruise. “Gala Dinners” on the other hand, require travelers to wear more formal attire. Suits, jackets, ties, and cocktail dresses are acceptable for these evening events.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises has an easy to follow dress code to make things stress-free. Plan to wear country club and resort-style attire like button-down shirts and slacks and dresses and skirts and tops. For evening events, plan to dress more elegant. This cruise line keeps things pretty casual, which is excellent if you don’t feel like pulling out your gowns!

Princess Cruises

Another favorite cruise line is Princess Cruises. This cruise line has both formal and smart-casual evenings. When it’s formal attire night, plan to wear tuxedos, dark suits, evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and elegant pantsuits. For smart-casual attire, plan to bring pants, slacks, sweaters, and blouses.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

When you cruise with Regent Seven Seas, “casual” wear is perfect for daytime, and resort-style attire is best. In the evenings, plan to dress “elegant casual,” which means items like collared shirts, skirts, slacks, blouses, and sweaters. Some longer cruises have formal or semi-formal nights, which require gowns, cocktail dresses, and tuxedos.

For all cruise lines, you can’t wear swimwear in the dining areas. Some cruise lines also have special theme nights, where you’re encouraged to dress up to match the theme!

8 Essentials for Cruise Excursions

A well-packed excursion bag is essential for any cruise. Whether you plan on snorkeling in the crystal waters or strolling through city streets, a few must-have items equal stress-free adventures! Here are a few items that belong in your day bag!

Waterproof iPhone Case

The highly-rated JOTO Universal Waterproof Smartphone Case will be your best friend while on the beach, fishing, snorkeling, and boating. The clear window lets you take pictures and check messages, and the lock access protects your phone from water, snow, dust sand, and dirt.

Medications

Be prepared for any unexpected aches and pains. Bring along pain reliever, motion sickness tabs, and anti-diarrhea or stomach medications, Benedryl, bandaids, and any prescription medications you take during the day. We recommend only taking the pills you need for the day, leave your bottle in the cabin in case something happens to your day bag.

Selfie Stick & Tripod All in One

The Selfie Stick & Tripod Fugetek all in one selfie stick & tripod quickly flips and locks so you can take insta worthy pics in a flash. Collapsed, the built-in tripod folds to 19 inches; extend it reaches up to 51 inches. The selfie stick and tripod are surprisingly lightweight, only one pound, and is bluetooth compatible.

Collapsible Water Bottles

It is crucial to stay hydrated while on your excursion. The lightweight Calacone collapsible water bottle easily rolls up when empty. It’s safe, made of 100% FDA approved food grade silicone and free from harmful chemicals. Even better, it’s leak-proof, has a full mouth design for ice, and keeps liquids hot or cold for hours. Tough enough to withstand drops and vigorous activity makes the Calacone water bottle perfect for excursions.

Passport

Bring your passport with you on your excursion, but always keep a photocopy of your documents in your cabin in the event that something happens to your original.

Portable Charger

Your iPhone is not helpful if the battery dies, so be sure to bring a portable charger. With leading technology, this high-speed charger comes with a travel pouch and charges your iPhone up to seven times, galaxy up to 5 times and iPad mini two times.

Disposable Rain Poncho

You never know when you’ll be caught in the rain. These disposable rain ponchos are small and individually packed to fit in your day bag for those unexpected downpours. Although they are thin, the Lingito rain ponchos are 100% waterproof. Just toss after use.

Quick Dry Towel

Youphoria super absorbent and fast-drying towels can hold up to five times their weight in water and dry ten times faster than regular towels. Each towel comes with a carry bag, are odor-free, mildew resistant, and repel sand and debris.

Of course, if you’re heading to the beach, be sure to pack the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, towels, etc. These ten overlooked essentials will make your excursion stress free. If you are searching for a day bag, check out one of our favorites here!

Aqua Expeditions

Rooftop seating overlooking the beach at Xela

Plying the Papuan seas Matu Jitu waterfall on Moyo Island, Indonesia © Aqua Expeditions When he launched his expedition yacht Aqua Blu in Eastern Indonesia in 2019, Francesco Galli Zugaro challenged the received wisdom that the way to do live-aboard life, whether in Komodo, Raja Ampat or the Banda islands, was on a traditional phinisi sailing ship. His 15-cabin, expedition-class, recently refurbished beauty has all the comforts you’d imagine, from sleek contemporary cabin design to outrageously good food. Plus its own PADI-certified dive masters, stabilisation technology for smooth open-ocean sailing (won’t find that on a phinisi), and ultra-fast, ultra-shallow tenders.

A selection of dishes served at Raffles Bali

In November 2025 Aqua Blu will relocate temporarily to West Papua, as pristine a part of south-east Asia as you’ll find. A visit to a spice market in Indonesia © Aqua Expeditions Snorkelling off the Aqua Blu © Aqua Expeditions Two itineraries both departing from the tiny town of Kaimana will stop variously at Triton Bay, Kiti-Kiti (the protected waterfall that pours directly into the sea) and – most compellingly – Asmat, still the least-developed region in Indonesia, and home to the legendary tribe of the same name. Guests will visit communal houses and observe artisans; the Asmat are renowned for wood-carving and shell work. Galli Zugaro has built a sterling reputation for finding both unalloyed cultural experiences and untrammelled nature for his guests, from the Peruvian Amazon to the Mekong; we’re expecting no less here. aquaexpeditions.com, from $12,290 for seven nights

Best Cruises for Foodies

If you’re a foodie, choosing to take a cruise is an excellent idea. You’ll get to visit incredible destinations with fantastic food, and you’ll also be able to enjoy delicious eats while on your cruise ship, too. Did you know many cruises offer cooking classes and other unique culinary experiences? These special programs can make for an amazing vacation experience. Here are our favorite cruises for foodies:

Holland America

When you cruise with Holland America, you’re in for a culinary treat. Their America’s Test Kitchen offers passengers the chance to take part in hands-on cooking experiences as well as watch live food demos. If you prefer, you can also take private cooking classes on board with the chef!

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is also a great cruise line for foodies. The Riviera and Marina ships have The Culinary Center available to guests onboard. The cooking classes feature recipes and ingredients from around the globe—with programs like “Discover Patagonia,” Mediterranean Journey,” and “Austin Renaissance: A Tex-Mex Fiesta.” Travelers have a personal workstation to do their prepping and cooking.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Sailing with Viking Ocean Cruises offers a great way to learn all about food. The Kitchen Table is an onboard kitchen and cooking school where travelers can learn how to cook dishes from a select destination on the cruise. When at port, travelers can shop at a local market for ingredients and then prep them on the ship along with the chef. After creating a multi-course meal, passengers get to dine and enjoy accompanied wines. This whole experience offers a unique chance to shop, cook, and eat with culinary pros.

Regent Seven Seas

When you board the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, you can join in the cooking fun at their Culinary Arts Kitchen. In this kitchen, inspired by French cooking schools, passengers can enjoy interactive lessons as they cook alongside the chef. Sample programs include Epicurian Safari, Fresh Healthy Comfort Kitchen, Northern Lights, and A Taste of Spain.

Seabourn

Seabourn is another great choice for foodies. Chef Thomas Keller leads the culinary offerings and special programs available with this cruise line. Cooking classes are available on select cruises. Seabourn also runs a Culinary Conversations program where guest speakers in the culinary industry share their knowledge and experience.

And there you have it—these are some of our favorite cruises for foodies. Of course, the fun doesn’t stop on board the cruise ships. When you book your next cruise, be sure to look into what kind of cooking classes and culinary excursions are offered at port. This is a great way to taste the local flavors of the destinations you visit.

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

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.