Luxury Cruise News - Page 13 of 13

Cruise Lines That Offer Small Group Tours and Excursions

When adventuring on a cruise, it’s fun to take part in local experiences while you’re spending time at port. By doing this, you’ll get a good look at the area and learn a lot more about local life as you travel to new places. As you begin to consider which cruise to book for your next trip, it may be a better option to book with a cruise line that offers small group tours and excursions. This will provide a more personalized travel experience and allow you to fully absorb the information and experience. Keep reading to see which cruises provide tours like this:

Celebrity Cruises

When sailing with Celebrity Cruises, travelers have the opportunity to book Celebrity Discoveries, which are local, culturally focused tours and experiences. These excursions are made for smaller groups and offer more personalization. These tours are a great way to experience a destination from the eyes of a local.

Seadream Yacht Club

For those who prefer smaller ships and fewer crowds, taking a cruise with Seadream Yacht Club is a must. Their small luxury yachts sail with a small number of guests to keep all experiences more intimate and enjoyable. Their Yachting Land Adventures are planned for small groups to help travelers truly experience the local destination.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is yet another cruise line that likes to keep its excursion and tour groups small. Their Small Group Excursions are limited to 25 guests or fewer. They offer these tours in hopes to help travelers better connect with the destinations that they visit.

Holland America

Holland America also offers excursions and tours that are planned for smaller group sizes. When you begin to consider your activity and tour options, look out for the journeys that are specifically marked as a small group tour. In addition to providing these experiences, Holland America prides itself in giving back to the local communities that they visit.

Windstar Cruises

Cruising with Windstar Cruises is another excellent option if you prefer a more intimate travel experience. They set sail on small luxury cruise ships, and make sure to book only a limited amount of travelers for group excursions. Windstar Cruises also makes it a point to visit smaller ports, for a unique less-traveled experience.

These are some of the best cruise lines that offer intimate, smaller tour experiences. Now you know which cruise line to book with for your upcoming trip!

Gourmet Dining on Cruises in Africa

Whether you’re exploring the diverse landscapes and deserts or beautiful vineyards of Africa, you’ll find several cruise ships that have some unique dining experiences. Most of the cruises depart and return to Cape Town and some are as long as 14 days. This gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy onboard activities and amazing dining experiences during your voyage. Here are some of our best dining picks for cruises in Africa.

Oceania Nautica

The Nautica cruise ship is famous for its open dining concepts and you can enjoy 5-star experiences in some of the most beautiful dining rooms at sea. Enjoy a sumptuous meal in The Grand Dining Room where the tables are set with bone china and Riedel crystal glasses. This is also the place to enjoy healthy fare from Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine and nightly specials prepared by the chef. Head to The Bistro for family recipes and global flavors with the Taste of the World selections.

Regent Seven Seas Voyager

Another ship that boasts 5-star dining experiences is from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The Compass Rose and Chartreuse are the fine dining destinations on board, but you can also enjoy an intimate and glamorous dining experience at the Prime 7 steakhouse. Enjoy Pan-Asian dishes and a dramatic setting inside the Pacific Rim. Elegant breakfast and brunch offerings are available at La Veranda. Enjoy an Italian menu and specialty wine at Sette Mari at La Veranda, the perfect spot to enjoy views of the water while you dine.

Crystal Symphony

Whether you’re going on a 50-night adventure from Cape Town to Europe or another adventure around Africa, enjoy the VIP experience aboard the Crystal Symphony cruise ship. Waterside is the main dining room on the ship and offers fresh takes on classic dishes. You can enjoy a celebrity-chef prepared meal at Umi Uma, formerly the Silk Road restaurant. If it’s date night, be sure to settle in at Prego for the sophisticated ambiance and gourmet cuisine.

Norwegian Adds New Turkey Itineraries

Dreaming of sailing the Black Sea or visiting the only city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia? If you’re considering a cruise to Turkey, you’re in luck. After almost three years of pulling out of the region, Norwegian recently announced 12 sailings to the Eastern Mediterranean this year and an additional 20 in 2020.

The Norwegian Jade and the Norwegian Spirit will both be calling to Kusadasi, Turkey in November and December of this year respectively.

Thanks to a bevy of upgrades, Norwegian Jade’s modern décor, and design coupled with refurbished staterooms, makes for the perfect home base while exploring the Mediterranean. With 16 fabulous dining options onboard – from a 24-hour pub to Asian fusion options – epicureans can bask in a bevy of worldly cuisine. While at sea, the entertainment options are endless. An award-winning casino not only features your favorite gaming options but also hosts on board tournaments. Taking exclusivity to the next level, The Haven features the ships most luxurious accommodations. Located on the top of the ship, each suite boasts 24-hour butler service, concierge service and private sundecks. With options for every guest, The Haven’s 3-bedroom garden villa sleeps 8 and features a living room, dining room and a private garden with a hot tub, ensuring each guest has their own space. The 440 sq. ft Haven Courtyard Penthouse with balcony sleeps three and includes a luxury bath and shower, living area dining area and private balcony.

Norwegian Spirit will be sailing its 13-Day Italy, Greece and Israel: Mediterranean Wonders from Rome itinerary on December 2 and will be calling to Kusadasi on December 6, 2019. She will return to the port on February 13, 2020, as part of her 21-day Arabian Odyssey: Greece, Israel, Egypt and Abu Dhabi from Rome leaving on February 10.

If you choose The Norwegian Spirit and are looking for prime accommodations, the Aft-Facing Owner’s suite with a large balcony employs 605 sq. ft of space. Great for two guests, the suite includes a living room, dining room, walk-in closet and of course incredible ocean views and butler service. Aside from the dining options, guests can sit back and relax enjoying the sights of the sea and sky at the Galaxy of the Stars Observation lounge, join in the ship’s signature soiree – the White-Hot Party – and sing along with the performers at the Stardust Theater. Enjoy pampering at the ships Mandara spa or relax by the Tivoli pool, soaking in hot Norwegian spirit, as you sail to far off places.

Our Favorite Cruise Ships to Alaska

Discover the wilderness and untouched natural territory around the glaciers of Alaska with a cruise. Several major cruise lines have renovated their biggest ships to provide an unparalleled experience cruising around the Inside Passage, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point.

Here are three of the best cruise ships to Alaska:

Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas

Royal Caribbean offers cruises to dozens of destinations around the globe but the Ovation of the Seas will be the largest ship ever to make its way to Alaska. The ship feature an indoor activities complex that includes a roller skating rink and bumper cars. The ship is designed with its own gondola that that takes you 300 feet above sea level to take in views of the mountains and water. A digitally enhanced entertainment complex, oversized common areas, and plenty of gourmet dining provide a resort-like experience. The Alaska adventure will give you a chance to explore the wilderness and forest around Denali National Park, bike along the Anchorage Coastal Trail, and go on a whale watching tour around Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward.

Celebrity Millennium

It’s been part of a grand revitalization of Celebrity cruise ships and the Celebrity Millennium is finally ready to set sail. This summer, guests traveling to Alaska can enjoy upgraded cabins with eXhale bedding, renovated bathrooms, an updating dining experience in the main dining room, Oceanview Cafe, and Sunset Bar, and suites with private Retreat Decks and lounge areas. The Celebrity Millennium cruise ship will be taking travelers along Northern and Southern Glacier routes.

Norwegian Joy

Another ship that’s been refurbished and updated will set sail to Alaska later this spring. This is one of two Breakaway-Plus class ships from Norwegian and offers deluxe amenities along with an interactive digital playground where guests can experience virtual reality gaming. The ship has a dedicated Observation Lounge that offers incredible views of the North Pacific Ocean. You can look forward to luxury amenities and the VIP treatment with Concierge accommodations. The Alaska trip takes you from Seattle, Washington, all the way up to Icy Strait Point and then back down through Victoria, British Columbia before returning to Washington.

Silversea Announces Summer 2022 & Winter 2022 Itineraries

Silversea Cruises has opened bookings for 191 new voyages, which will set sail between summer 2020 and winter 2021. With…

Silversea Cruises has opened bookings for 191 new voyages, which will set sail between summer 2020 and winter 2021. With unprecedented variety and incorporating the launch of Silver Moon, the new collection of itineraries will take guests to 572 destinations in 84 countries and promises to unlock an innumerable range of deep travel experiences in all seven continents. While the pre-sale for Silversea’s Venetian Society members enabled past guests to make reservations before all others, bookings for the new itineraries will open to the general public on October 1, 2018.

A highlight of the new itinerary collection, Silversea’s Silver Moon will set sail on her inaugural voyage on August 6, 2020: the ship will depart Trieste, Italy, for Civitavecchia on an 11-day cruise. The sister ship of Silversea’s flagship, Silver Muse, Silver Moon will benefit from a number of onboard enhancements. One of five Silversea ships in the region in the summer of 2020, she will cruise in the Mediterranean for her maiden season, until November, when she will cross the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale.

From the ships in each region to the choice of itineraries on offer, Silversea’s guests will enjoy a more diverse range of options than ever before. As well as five ships and 54 voyages in the Mediterranean – including a 37-day, 28-port grand voyage – guests will be able to choose from four ships and 29 voyages in Northern Europe; three ships and 21 voyages in Alaska and the Russian Far East; and two ships and 10 voyages in the Arctic, among voyages in many other regions.

The new collection of itineraries will incorporate a polar program, comprising 10 itineraries and 83 destinations in the Arctic and 11 itineraries and 26 destinations in Antarctica, including East Antarctica and the Ross Sea. Unprecedented voyages to New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands and Australia’s Macquarie Island (all UNESCO World Heritage Sites) will enable guests to view vast colonies of penguins and thousands of seals; visits to Churchill and Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada, will take guests to the ‘polar bear capital of the world’ and the home of world’s largest beluga whale population, respectively; and concurrent crossings of both the Northwest and Northeast Passages on Silver Cloud and Silver Explorer, respectively, will unlock unique, life-defining experiences with true expedition cruising.

Silversea will bolster its already strong reputation as a destination-driven travel brand by enhancing its offering in a number of incredible destinations. In Iceland, for example, the cruise line will offer more immersive experiences on both classic and expedition voyages, with spectacular new itineraries. Departing June 29 from Reykjavik, Silver Wind will circumnavigate the island on a nine-day voyage. Other sample itineraries in Iceland include London to Reykjavik via Ireland and Reykjavik to London via Norway. As in 2019, the cruise line’s flagship, Silver Muse, will spend a full summer deployed in Alaska in 2020. Silversea will return to the Canary Islands on two voyages departing April 16 and September 25, 2020, and Istanbul on two different itineraries, departing May 30 and August 2, 2020. Moreover, the cruise line will make maiden calls in El Hierro, Spain; Fishguard, Wales; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Siglufjörður, Iceland; Durres, Albania; Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; and Patreksfjordur, Iceland.

For the first time, Silversea guests will enjoy free economy-class air and transfers included as standard on all newly released voyages, simplifying the travel experience and enabling guests to discover the world with ease. Exceptions and market-specific conditions may apply.

“We are extremely happy to open pre-sale exclusively to our valued Venetian Society members for our pioneering new itineraries,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The variety of experiences on offer is unprecedented and unmatched; we are pushing the boundaries of ultra-luxury cruising for the benefit of our guests, enabling them to enjoy rare and authentic moments in the most fascinating corners of the world. With the launch of Silver Moon, our guests will experience the very best of Silversea’s industry-leading hospitality.”

Silversea Cruises, www.silversea.com

Scenic Kicks Offers Early-Bird Fares 2024 – Scenic Eclipse

Scenic is kicking off the 2024 Wave Season with multiple offers. Guests wanting to be one of the first to experience the world’s first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse (pictured below), enjoy early-bird fares – up to 10% off regular fares – on 13 different itineraries between September 2024 and July 2024. Including the Scenic Eclipse “Panama & Columbia Discovery” itinerary, just named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world’s best cruises for 2024. They also receive deposit protection at no charge, an early payment discount of up to $1,000 per couple, and free airport transfers to and from their homes on itineraries longer than 10 days. Free round-trip air is being offered on the 15-day “South America to Canary Islands” transatlantic sailing. Scenic Eclipse offers are on new bookings made by February 28, 2024 and space available.

Those wishing to explore Europe’s rivers in 2024 on one of Scenic’s luxury Space-Ships can “Choose Your Savings” – a new program that offers a choice of either free round-trip airfare, up to $1,500 per person fare savings, or a two-category balcony suite upgrade on any of many European river itineraries. Bookings on “Choose Your Savings” must be made by Feb. 15, 2024.

The Scenic Eclipse, is a “6-star” ultra-luxury mega yacht, carrying just 228 guests, (200 in the polar regions of Arctic and Antarctica). By marrying luxury, discovery and safety with world-class innovation, Scenic guests can explore above and beyond what was previously possible from a cruise ship. The itineraries in the Wave Season offer cover much of the world. From an incredible 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands adventure to a relaxing away-from-the-world 14-day Transatlantic crossing to 11-day discover your roots in the British Isles to a five-day Argentina & Brazil exploration.

The ship has 10 dining options, a 5,900ft² Spa Sanctuary, staterooms that range in size from the generous 345ft² Verandah Suites to the 2,660ft² two-bedroom Penthouse Suite, eight spacious bars and lounges offering unlimited complimentary beverages, butler service, and numerous pools. A six-passenger helicopter and six-passenger submarine take guests far beyond the environs of a normal cruise.

Guests interested in seeing Europe from its many rivers get to choose both their savings offer and their itinerary: eight-day Rhine Highlights or Gems of Danube itineraries; 15-day Jewels of Europe, sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube; 11-day Unforgettable Douro (Portugal); 11-day Normandy & Gems of the Seine, sailing from Paris to Honfleur; and 14-day Spectacular South of France Paris to Nice exploration. Each itinerary offers its own slew of included tours and Scenic Enrich events – from a concert at Palais Lichtenstein in Vienna to a French extravaganza in Lyon, that includes the can-can and other great performances – all exclusive to Scenic.

The 5-star Scenic sips offer all-inclusive luxury experiences – from private butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including mini-bar re-stocked daily, to full-size private balcony staterooms – all making use of Scenic’s unique Sun Lounge technology – where the walkout open-air balcony can convert to an all-weather lounge with a push of a button, expanding the living area of the stateroom.

As with all Scenic river cruises, guests will never have to reach for the wallet or purse as everything (except a haircut or massage) is included: tips and gratuities, all meals in any of the multiple dining options, all drinks, expert local guides, transfers, all Scenic Freechoice activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, wwww.scenicusa.com