Category: Cruise Lines

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Cruise Lines

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Princess Cruise Lines 2024 forever!

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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.

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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.

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“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).  

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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.

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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

 

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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. 

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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

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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!

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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.

Credit: Seabourn

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. 

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Authentic River Cruises in Africa

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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
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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

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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

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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. 

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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.

LE CHAMPLAIN Credit: PONANT

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.

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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          

Credit: PONANT

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.

Credit: PONANT

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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Azamara Reveals 2024-2025 Winter Itineraries

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Azamara announced 44 new voyages onboard its fleet of four ships for the winter 2024-2025 season.The itineraries will span the four corners of the world, with the Azamara Quest sailing to South Africa, the Azamara South America, the Azamara Pursuit visiting Asia and Australia, and the Azamara Onward embarking on the 2025 World Voyage. “Travelers can fully immerse themselves in each destination with 171 late stays and overnights in port, allowing for ample time to connect with local culture and uncover hidden gems across the globe,” the company highlighted.

The Azamara Pursuit will navigate Asia with two of Azamara’s Japan Country Intensive sailings, which, according to Azamara, give guests the opportunity to delve deeper into the destination with a range of immersive excursions showcasing the local culture of each region. The vessel will also visit Australia and New Zealand, with itineraries offering the chance to experience both country’s cultures, climates, and landscapes. The Azamara Onward will be sailing its 2025 World Voyage departing from San Diego, California. Open for booking as of today, the global voyage will visit 37 countries before concluding in Southampton, UK. The itinerary includes 15 overnights and 31 late stays in port, in addition to 13 complimentary exclusive events and over $25,000 in amenities. Maiden calls include:
  • -Pago Pago, American Samoa
  • -Apia, Samoa
  • Nuku ‘Alofa, Tonga
  • Lautoka, Fiji
  • Suva, Fiji
  • Puerto Princesa, Philippines
  • Sihanoukville, Cambodia
  • Saint Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.

According to Azamara, guests can currently take advantage of the company’s Early Booking Benefit with the 2024 and 2025 sailings.In North America, the offer includes 20% off select 2024 and 2025 voyages, a $300 Onboard Credit, unlimited Wi-Fi for one device, and a Premium Beverage Package for two

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