Archive for AMA Waterways
Floating All-Inclusive
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser
En Route To Prague, The Czech Republic – Recapping events of our seven-day cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, Cordula Deeken, Hotel Manager on AMA Waterways’ Amadagio, proudly proclaimed that we were close to breaking an all-time record: 279 bottles of wine consumed, only 23 bottles shy of a record set last summer. The audience applauded during the cocktail reception on the final night of our cruise. We were sure to surpass the standing record, because dinner and a New Year’s Eve ‘practice’ party still were ahead of us, and on Amadagio corks go popping with great frequency thanks to the ship’s policy of ‘wine and beer included’ with dinner.
Our cruise started in Budapest on Christmas Eve, sailed along the Danube River to visit the Austrian cities of Vienna, Melk, Ybbs, Linz, called on Germany’s Passau and Regensburg, transited the manmade Main-Danube Canal and crossed the Continental Divide (a feat that required locks to lift our ship approximately 1,400 feet above sea level) before ending in Nuremberg.
In each port of call, AMA Waterways included well-organized city tours as well as nominally priced optional tours. At least one tour in each port is included, because the company strives to be as all-inclusive as possible. Also free of charge: the use of bicycles carried on board, bottled water in staterooms, ‘infotainment’ systems in every stateroom equipped with a monitor and keyboard for internet access (wireless internet is available in the Verandah Lounge), TV, movies (approximately $5 per rental, with at least one feature movie free of charge each day), music playlists and a satellite phone with rates of about $1.25 per minute to call home.
Built in 2006, the 150-passenger Amadagio is a sister ship to the Amalegro. Standard staterooms measure 170 square feet, and all but a few feature French balconies, with floor-to-ceiling glass spanning the entire exterior wall. Beds rival those of the finest hotels, with plush European-style down pillows and down duvets. Also in staterooms: terrycloth bathrobes. The ships also feature four Junior Suites, measuring 255 square feet, with bathrooms that feature a bathtub and shower.
Catering primarily to North Americans and Australians, Amadagio has a nonsmoking policy, except on the exterior Sun Deck; presentations and announcements are in English only. The ship’s open-seating dining arrangement has many tables for two. Though meals are tailored toward Americans, regional specialties (and regional wines) are also served.
With four interior public decks, Amadagio also features an elevator and one of the most attractive public rooms we’ve seen on a river cruiser, the Verandah Lounge, situated Aft, with glass doors all around and comfortable furniture for lounging as the banks of the river float past (during drydock, the lounge will be converted to a library). Additionally, Amadagio features a small spa, whirlpool, beauty salon and fitness facility.
Our near-full sailing took place around the Christmas holidays. AMA Waterways, and a few other river cruisers, operate so-called ‘Christmas Markets’ cruises from late November through December. These cruises visit the traditional Christmas Markets in Hungary, Austria and Germany.
Almost all cities and towns on the itineraries have some sort of Christmas activities as well as market stalls set up in a central area. Also available is traditional food (such as Lebkuchen — or Gingerbread) and drink (such as Gluehwein — or mulled warm red wine).
Nuremberg boasts the world’s largest Christmas market, with more than 100 red and white canvas-topped stalls offering an assortment of children’s toys, tinsel angels, dolls, Nutcrackers, dollhouses and more. Our cruise took place the week after Christmas, however, and some of the markets were closed.
One of the highlights of our cruise would take place not on the ship but during the included post-cruise program: two nights in Prague. We were looking forward to spending New Year’s Eve in the city that the German poet Goethe called ‘the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world.’ It seemed to be a perfect and appropriate way not only to end the year and begin a new one but also to conclude what had been a wonderful week floating past some of Europe’s grandest cities.
AMA Waterways’ ships will appeal to those who prefer familiar foods (but with opportunities to try regional wines and specialities), a familiar language and a near all-inclusive cruise experience.
Content provided by the Avid Cruiser
River Cruising 2012: Bigger & Better Ships, New Destinations
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser
Few industries have experienced the kind of growth that has characterized river cruising. There’s good reason: River cruising is a great way to see interior Europe.
Companies like AmaWaterways and Uniworld are moving along with their newbuilds.
Part of the reason for the success of river cruising lies in its ability to transport guests to areas that would be inaccessible to ordinary deep-ocean cruise ships. And unlike land-based tours, which often involve multiple motorcoach rides and hotel changes, river cruising allows passengers to unpack once, yet enjoy a multitude of fascinating ports. Every night, you return to the same ship, mingle with the same friends, and sleep in the same bed. River cruising is like a land tour coupled with the convenience of a traditional cruise.
European river cruises are by far the most popular. The rich mix of culture and history resonates strongly with passengers, who find themselves returning to “The Old World” year after year.
For those unsure about where to begin, theme cruises help to highlight some of the most fascinating times and places to visit, from spring Tulip Time cruises that explore the natural beauty of the Netherlands to the popular Christmas Markets voyages.
For many, a Europe under snow is a breathtaking way to spend the holidays with friends and family. A European river cruise also offers an astonishing array of river cruise ships.
Operating the line’s Imperial Jewels of China, Roof of the World and China’s Cultural Delights itineraries, these 12-to-17-day cruisetours offer guests the best of both worlds: a six-day river cruise along the famed Yangtze coupled with a land-based tour of Asia. Days are filled with the exploration of some of China’s most impressive sights, including a visit to the legendary Terra Cotta Army; a stop at a local night market in Xian; a fully guided monastery tour in Lhasa; a trip to Shanghai’s famous Bund, and of course, visits to the Great Wall of China and Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Guests will also be able to visit the school in Jingzhou, China that was set up expressly by Viking as a way to give back to the community. Enjoy a performance by the schoolchildren before returning to your ship and continuing your Yangtze adventure.
River cruising is also quickly gaining popularity in Russia, where ships ply the legendary Volga River. A true departure from the ordinary, these itineraries sail to places like Moscow, Uglich, Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg and offer passengers a tantalizing glimpse behind the former Iron Curtain into modern-day Russia. River cruises through Egypt have remained popular despite that country’s recent political unrest, with passengers drawn by the continuing allure of the Valley of the Kings. River cruising is also taking hold in Portugal, where smaller ships are uniquely suited to exploring the country’s Douro River, which winds through the legendary port wine-producing region known as the Douro River Valley.
With an unprecedented amount of ships, destinations and itineraries to choose from, travellers should ask themselves not why they should take a river cruise, but why they have waited so long to do so.
Content provided by the Avid Cruiser
On The Mekong
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser
Wednesday, April 7, 5:30 p.m. Cruising into Tan Chau, Vietnam — The early-evening sun appears as a bright orange orb descending into the Mekong. La Marguerite slows its pace, sailing into Tan Chau, the last Vietnamese outpost before the vessel crosses into Cambodia tomorrow. On board, passengers are enjoying a variety of activities. Some are cooling off in the pool, some are sipping cocktails, some are attempting to get the perfect snapshot of the sunset. All appear happy to be exploring a region relatively new to tourism and river cruising.
On this day and on prior days, we have stepped ashore for tours included in our cruise fare. The tours are well-organized and visually stimulating. Nearly any direction that a camera can be pointed frames a photograph worthy of keeping. Today, nearly midway through our eight-day cruise, and already we have a shoebox full of memories and experiences. “I’ve taken at least 500 photos,” says a man from Helsinki. With each destination, it seems that it cannot get any better, and yet somehow it does.
Today in Sa Dec was no exception. The impression for me and for other passengers I spoke with is that we are touring destinations still unspoiled by mass tourism. Indeed, we see few other Westerners as we walk through the markets and streets of the villages along the Mekong.
People wave to us, happy when we wave back. Some smile, some laugh, some cover their mouths in embarrassment. “People are eager to talk and communicate with foreigners,” says our articulate and affable guide Thoai.
We see no drunks, no beggars, not a single palm extended for a handout. No one is hassling us to buy anything. On the contrary, they joke with us, taunting us with good humor. A Dutch couple has brought their two young children on the cruise. At the market, the kids, ages 5 and 7, giggle when a grinning old woman shoves a live catfish toward them.
River cruising only recently started here in the Mekong, and in the towns and villages along the Mekong, it is as if the locals have never seen people of our race. “It’s almost like we are the attractions,” says Rudi Schreiner, president of AmaWaterways. The Southern California-based company began operations on the Mekong in the fall of last year and has plans to build a small fleet of river cruise vessels, operating on the same model that made its European river cruises so successful.
Being here with a complement of passengers from Europe, Australia and only a small group of us from the United States, it is clear that we are all participating in the pioneering of something new. Pandaw Cruises has operated on the Mekong since 2004, but AmaWaterways is bringing a new luxury standard to the river, operating not only the first luxury vessel on the Mekong but also the first river-cruise vessel built by Vietnamese.
What Mekong River cruising offers is an authenticity of experience not easily found in a world increasingly overrun by mass tourism. Surely, the Mekong will be exposed to mass tourism in the not-too-distant future, but for now, the Mekong is unspoiled. If the region is on your bucket list, do it soon if you want an authentic experience.
And the experience truly is remarkable. Passengers I talked with express amazement with the destination and high satisfaction with the ship. They rave about the staterooms, food, staff and service. All are better than expected, passengers say.
La Marguerite’s staterooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and feature flat-panel televisions and large bathrooms. Meals are a mix of Asian and Western. Soft drinks, beer, wine and local spirits are served up free of charge. Excursions are included in the cruise fare. Wireless internet, while slow, is free to use. There’s a selection of DVDs and books. Other diversions: spa treatments, sauna, pool and sun deck. Should you be so inclined, there are exercise bikes and treadmills, lectures and even a big-screen, projector-style movie offered on two nights during our cruise.
Last night, we watched the steamy movie, The Lovers, based on a semi-autobiographical novel by the French writer Marguerite Duras (also the ship’s namesake). This morning, we toured the home in Sa Dec where Duras lived between 1928 and 1932, the time period during which the movie was based. Vietnam seems to have changed relatively little from that time period until now. The villages along the Mekong appear to be suspended in time. Some say that Vietnam is like Thailand used to be three or four decades ago. Change comes slowly to the villages along the Mekong.
Tomorrow afternoon, we cross the border into Cambodia. Schreiner says Cambodia represents the more spiritual part of the cruise, with its ubiquitous monks, temples and, of course, Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious relic. As good as it’s been, perhaps the best is yet to come.
Content provided by the Avid Cruiser
La Marguerite Ship Review
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser
Built in 2009, La Marguerite is 235 feet long and carries just 92 passengers along Southeast Asia’s beautiful Mekong River. Designed to honour the region in which she sails, her passenger accommodation and public areas are decorated with local artifacts and regional Mekong elements. Because of this, she boasts a style all her own; one that boasts the charm of the old world with all the modern amenities today’s river cruisers have come to expect of AmaWaterways.
La Marguerite Staterooms
All staterooms aboard La Marguerite are outside and ninety percent of these feature private balconies. All staterooms have a sitting area, writing desk, shower with bathrobe and slippers, a hairdryer, mini-bar, and an in-stateroom television.
There are five stateroom categories aboard La Marguerite:
- Category C staterooms are located on Mekong Deck and measure 226 square feet. They feature a porthole window and include all the amenities listed above.
- Category A & B staterooms are located on Saigon and Tonle decks. Like Category C staterooms, they are also 226 square feet but feature a balcony and large fixed window – perfect for viewing the magnificent Mekong. They include all of the amenities listed above.
- Located on Sadec Deck are the six Junior Suites. At 290 square feet, these rooms have a balcony and large fixed window in addition to a king-sized bed and a bathroom featuring a separate tub and shower.
- Two Suites located all the way forward on Sadec Deck provide 452 square feet of living space that features a king-sized bed, a bathroom complete with whirlpool tub and separate shower, and a private balcony with two lounge chairs and a table.
As with many ships, these suites can sell out quickly, so it can pay to book well in advance.
La Marguerite Public Areas
To ensure your cruise along the Mekong is as relaxing as it is enjoyable, La Marguerite features a host of public rooms in which to pass the time. A full fitness centre compliments the sun deck and swimming pool high atop Sadec Deck, and a comfortable lounge and bar area are located just one deck below. A forward facing lounge and library can also be found on this deck.
Finally, a reception area and gift shop give way to the beautifully decorated Mekong Restaurant.
River Cruisers Should Know!
- There is no passenger elevator aboard La Marguerite, which has four public decks.
Content provided by the Avid Cruiser
AmaWaterways Review
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser
Company Overview
AmaWaterways’ Austrian founder Rudi Schreiner was involved with several of the other major river cruise companies before launching his own line in 2002 along with cruise industry executive Kristin Karst and Brendan Worldwide Vacations owner Jimmy Murphy. Formerly known as Amadeus Waterways, AmaWaterways has grown exponentially in the intervening nine years to become one of the major players in the European river cruise market.
The company now boasts a fleet of twelve modern river cruise ships: Amadagio (2006), Amalegro (2007), Amacello (2008), Amadante (2008), Amalyra (2009), Amadolce (2009), and Amabella ( 2010). The line is scheduled to take delivery of its newest vessel, Amaverde, this year, and Amacerto in April, 2012.
Additionally, the completely refurbished Amakatarina (212 passengers) will be deployed in Russia on cruises between Moscow and St. Petersburg (replacing the older Tolstoy).
AmaWaterways ships, most of which are among the newest river cruisers operating today, were designed exclusively for the English-speaking market and have staterooms equipped with flat-screen TVs and Internet access; French balconies on the top two decks, an elevator, a whirlpool, and bicycles for exploration ashore.
AmaWaterways operates a wide range of itineraries in Europe on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Mosel rivers, and in Russia on the Volga, Svir and Neva rivers. The Swiss Pearl operates cruises on the rivers of France. The company also offers Christmas-market cruises from late November through December.
AmaWaterways also operates two of its own luxury cruise vessels in Vietnam & Cambodia: La Marguerite and the brand-new Amalotus.
Inside The Ships
After the launch of the MS Amadagio in 2006, AmaWaterways redefined the concept of luxury river travel. From gorgeous contemporary artwork in the lobbies, to the inviting hallways, the style and substance of onboard amenities are comparable to any 5-star hotel.
Each ship offers state-of-the-art public areas and elegantly appointed staterooms equipped with flat-screen TV, internet access and French balconies on the top upper decks. The ships also have an elevator, sun deck with walking track, whirlpool and bicycles.
In addition to the unlimited quality red and white wines from Europe’s great wine regions, enjoy a cappuccino or espresso with meals and a daily complimentary bottle of water in your stateroom.
Innovative Extras that make up the AmaWaterways Difference:
- Luxurious cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom – 82% of the staterooms with large French balconies
- Hotel accommodation including daily buffet breakfast
- Terry bathrobes & white-on-white plush bedding
- Infotainment System, including TV and complimentary Internet, in every stateroom
- Gourmet dining with free-flowing wine, beer, and soda with every dinner; complimentary espresso and cappuccino with every meal
- Bottled water in every stateroom
- Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner
- All-inclusive Daily excursions
- Nightly onboard entertainment
- Complimentary bicycles for exploring charming towns
AmaWaterways’ Key Points
The Newest Fleet
With two new vessels in 2008, 2009 and 2010, AmaWaterways assures passengers the most modern, state-of-the-art river cruise experience in Europe.
More French Balconies
Passengers on AmaWaterways enjoy the largest number of French Balconies on the rivers of Europe. In fact 82 percent of the cabins are French Baclony cabins.
Exclusive Infotainment
AmaWaterways offers a multi-million dollar Infotainment System that provides complimentary Internet access in each stateroom, along with English-language satellite television and movies selected to match the cruise itinerary. All can be enjoyed on a flat panel TV.
Generous Beverage Policy
AmaWaterways serves free-flowing, specially selected local wines with every dinner, on a complimentary basis. You can also enjoy complimentary beer and soft drinks with dinner if you prefer. AmaWaterways also offers specialty coffees that are always available in the Panoramic Lounge, and are also free of charge.
Luxurious Stateroom Surroundings
AmaWaterways spacious 170-square-foot standard staterooms feature hotel-style beds, luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, down duvets, marble-appointed baths, sleek Eurojet showerheads, plush terry cloth robes and slippers, and complimentary bottled water replenished daily. The 255-square-foot Junior Suites offer an added living area and other extras.
Bicycles
An onboard fleet of bicycles (complimentary, of course) gives passengers the freedom to explore quaint towns and villages on their own.
Europe’s Finest Cruise Directors
AmaWaterways has searched the globe for the world’s best Cruise Directors, and hired the most talented, knowledgeable and professional team in the business. And there is passenger feedback to prove it. Customer service, attention to detail and passenger satisfaction are AmaWaterways’ hallmarks.
The Special AmaWaterways philosophy
If there’s a secret to AmaWaterways success, it’s the company’s distinct business style. It is an efficiently-run, hands-on company, with short lines of communication to owners and executives. You’ll always get a live person answering the phone during business hours, never a recording. AmaWaterways believes in quickly resolving problems, and maintaining a warm, family-type atmosphere in the company, no matter how much the company is growing.
Content provided by the Avid Cruiser
River Cruises
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser
When you’re planning a river cruise in Europe, you have a fair amount of choices. To better understand what those choices are, review our list of the major river cruise companies that we regularly cover and recommend. At the bottom of this page, you’ll find a link to all river cruise companies.
Content provided by the Avid Cruiser
Family Cruises
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser
Family vacations can take one of two tacks: Either they are full-on disasters, or they go down as one of the “best vacations ever.” Cruise vacations are “best vacation ever” opportunities in the making.
Quite simply, my kids (and yes, your kids too) love to cruise. And why not? After all, where families are concerned, a cruise ship is little more than a floating, self-contained family resort, with all the features and activities that adults and kids could ever wish for.
I’ve put together a roundup of the best cruise lines and ships for families. Ranking is based on my experience of traveling with my children and experiencing the ships first-hand. I also considered input from others, advice from travel agents, and of course, the final word from the experts: kids.
You won’t go wrong choosing any of these cruises:
Cruising is the best vacation choice for families. Modern cruise ships offer wonderful accommodations, multiple dining options, and award-winning children’s programs. The key to planning a successful vacation is matching the right product to the needs of your family.
Happy family cruising!
Content provided by the Avid Cruiser
10 Reasons To Cruise Over The Winter Holidays
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser
- Cruise lines offer holiday cruises of all lengths on all types of ships, including the world’s newest and largest, in all parts of the world, from Africa to the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to Antarctica.
- When quality family time counts the most, a holiday cruise offers flexibility and choice in recreational activities, entertainment, relaxed dining and fun for travelers of all ages.
- With special pricing, an abundance of diverse activities and plenty of entertainment, cruising for the holidays is the ideal choice for multigenerational groups or groups of families and friends.
- Holiday cruisers do not need to worry about planning and preparing menus, doing the dishes or cleaning the house. On a cruise, you can leave holiday chores behind and concentrate on enjoying time spent with loved ones.
- In times of stress, the chance to totally escape is just what the doctor ordered. Vacationing has been proven to be healthy and good for one’s well-being.
- With a caring ship’s staff doing all the work, including the entertaining, a holiday cruise means more time to celebrate and enjoy the festivities.
- With so many different cruises and cruise ships to choose from, there is a holiday cruise for every budget.
- Featuring inclusive pricing, incomparable comfort and convenience, and travel to some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, no holiday celebration offers more value for money spent than a cruise.
- What better or more-appreciated gift could there be than the lifetime memories of a holiday cruise with family or friends?
- It’s not too late; many cruise lines are waiting to welcome last-minute cruise shoppers for the holidays.
For a sampling of what cruise lines are offering this year during the holidays, read on.
- AMAWATERWAYS. The festive, traditional Christmas Markets of Vienna, Regensburg, Cologne, Prague and Paris are among the highlights of AMAWATERWAYS’ winter holiday voyages on the great rivers of Europe. Strolling through bustling village squares decorated with lights and Christmas trees, passengers can shop for everything from home-made gingerbread to hand-carved wooden toys, returning at the end of the day to a ship festooned with a holiday décor. In addition to such special touches as a formal Christmas Dinner and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, the company is offering “wonderful winter savings” with “Companion Cruises Free!” pricing. Passengers traveling in single accommodations may elect to waive the single supplement charge.
- CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES. Throughout the Carnival fleet, the winter holidays are celebrated with Christmas trees, wreaths and mistletoe, seasonal music, holiday entertainment, Christmas-themed movies and more. Santa Claus always makes an appearance toting a bag of gifts and an elaborate production show enables children to participate onstage, showcasing decorations they have made in Camp Carnival. Holiday menus feature such traditional favorites as oven-roasted turkey and pecan pie. On New Year’s Eve, guests are provided with party favors, noise makers and Champagne.
- COSTA CRUISES. With Costa Fortuna and Costa Atlantica sailing the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Costa offers a warm and festive Italian style winter holiday experience. The ships are completely decorated with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and beautiful ornaments and, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Santa Claus makes special visits with keepsake gifts. Special holiday dinner and lunch menus offer a mix of the Italian cuisine and traditional favorites. A special New Year’s Eve “gala” night provides the opportunity to dress up for the holidays.
- CRYSTAL CRUISES. This Christmas and New Year, Crystal Symphony will be cruising Antarctica and South America, allowing guests to experience both the South American spring and a white Christmas in Antarctica and Cape Horn. For a warm-weather Christmas, Crystal Serenity will be in the Caribbean for the holidays, sailing roundtrip from Miami. Ports include Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Barts, Turks & Caicos, Bonaire and Miami. All Crystal Holiday voyages feature more than $100,000 in seasonal décor, handcrafted decorations, lavish feasts and parties and a black tie New Year’s Eve gala. They also offer the Crystal Family Memories program, with special savings, shipboard credits, free fares for children and more for groups.
- CUNARD LINE. Imagine the winter holidays in picture-perfect Copenhagen and other Scandinavian capitals filled with antiquity and charm. Roundtrip from Southampton, this Scandinavian itinerary includes overnight stays in Hamburg, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 will hold Hanukkah services and will have kosher culinary offerings available to guests. The ships will also be festooned with greenery, including trees and wreaths, ornaments, nutcrackers, gingerbread cottages and twinkling lights for Christmas, and kids will be delighted to find Father Christmas handing out gifts.
- DISNEY CRUISE LINE. The spirit of the season surrounds guests of Disney Cruise Line during the winter holidays. Starting with Disney characters in their finest holiday attire welcoming guests at the decorated cruise terminal in Port Canaveral, the festivities include: “King Triton’s Tree Lighting” ceremony; family crafts such as stocking decorating and building gingerbread houses; holiday storytellers sharing tales of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwaanza; traditional holiday feasts in three themed dining rooms and “Til We Meet Again,” a special holiday edition of the line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of the voyage. Disney Magic sails on seven-night eastern and western Caribbean holiday cruises; Disney Wonder offers three- and four-night Bahamian holiday cruises.
- HOLLAND AMERICA LINE. Holland America offers 20 holiday cruises. The Caribbean beckons with 11 holiday sailings from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa that range from seven to 14 days over one or two holidays. In a new offering, ms Maasdam will sail a 10-day Western Caribbean itinerary and an 11-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Most sailings feature a visit to Half Moon Cay, the line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. Holland America also offers roundtrip seven-day holiday cruises from San Diego to Mexico, three Panama Canal transits between Fort Lauderdale and California, a 15-day Circle Hawaii itinerary and longer cruises in Australia, New Zealand, South America and Antarctica.
- MSC CRUISES. MSC celebrates the winter holidays with an international flair, with festivities and traditions practiced around the world. In the Caribbean, MSC Poesia will offer a seven-night “Happy Holidays, Caribbean-Style” Eastern Caribbean voyage from Fort Lauderdale, and a seven-night “Caribbean & Confetti New Year’s” Western Caribbean. In the Mediterranean, from Genoa to Egypt, guests can celebrate on MSC’s two newest ships, the MSC Splendida and the MSC Fantasia, on Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean holiday itineraries. Children 17 and under sail free with MSC when sharing a stateroom with two adults paying full fare.
- NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE. Norwegian makes Christmas at sea an unforgettable experience. All ships are festively decorated, crew members stage an interactive holiday show in the ship’s theater, cruise directors and staff sing carols and Santa takes time out of his busy schedule to hand out gifts on Christmas Day. Holiday-themed menus feature dishes such as honey-glazed black forest ham with sweet potato mash, roasted turkey with apple and apricot stuffing, pumpkin soufflé and a pear and chestnut torte. Hanukkah is celebrated with kosher menus and the lighting of a menorah each day to commemorate the eight-day celebration. While kids enjoy Norwegian’s youth program, parents enjoy the high-energy, festive White Hot New Year’s Eve party.
- PRINCESS CRUISES. Princess’ 17-ship fleet offer a wide range of sailings in the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South America, Hawaii and South Pacific for Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s. Whatever the destination, guests will find Yuletide carolers, waiters wearing Santa hats, festive décor, live seasonal music and films, and special holiday feasts featuring all the traditional favorites. Popular with families, the holiday voyages offer young travelers parties, sing-a-longs, arts and crafts, and the chance to help decorate the ship’s Christmas tree. They also may participate in a holiday theatrical production and, on Christmas Day, Santa Claus makes a surprise appearance, bringing gifts and joy for all.
- REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES. The ships of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, beautifully decorated over the holidays with trees, garlands, bunting and ginger bread houses, will be in the Caribbean, French Polynesia and transiting the Panama Canal over the winter holidays this year. A 10-night voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale features many of the Caribbean “Saints”: St. Thomas, St. Barts, St. Kitts, and Saint Maarten as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Panama Canal is the featured attraction of sailings between Fort Lauderdale and California and Papeete is the departure point for sailings in Polynesia. The voyages also offer an ecumenical religious service over the holidays for those guests wishing to attend, and a special Christmas dinner menu in the main dining room.
- ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL. Families will have the opportunity to sail the newest, biggest ship in the world this holiday season when the 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas departs from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean. In addition to seasonal decorations, the entire RCI fleet will offer such holiday favorites as classic movie screenings, caroling, cookie decorating, festive music and readings of classic Christmas stories. The sailing of Independence of the Seas, also from Fort Lauderdale, will combine the Jewish Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, with an eight-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. RCI offers holiday sailings from 10 domestic ports, including Bayonne, Baltimore, Port Canaveral, Miami, Port Everglades, Tampa, Galveston, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- SEABOURN CRUISE LINE. Seabourn Legend welcomes guests to a warm, sparkling Caribbean Holiday voyage this winter. Holiday revelers can choose from a seven-day “Legendary Christmas” voyage departing Fort Lauderdale and ending at Barbados, or a “Legendary New Year’s” cruise from Barbados ending at Fort Lauderdale. Or, they may combine the two voyages and sail on a 14-day round trip voyage to enjoy both the holidays’ festivities and fun.
- SEADREAM YACHT CLUB. SeaDream I and SeaDream II, the company’s twin luxury mega-yacht cruisers, will make four Caribbean holiday sailings this year. Offered as a roundtrip voyage from San Juan or one-way between St. Thomas and San Juan, the five-, seven- and nine-day voyages all feature an overnight stay at St. Barts in the French West Indies. Late evening stays in several other Caribbean ports of call allow for holiday shoreside festivities. Ports of call include islands in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, the French West Indies, the Grenadines, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, depending on the cruise chosen. SeaDream fares include all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar with selected premium brands, plus use of “water toys” from the vessel’s Marina, and gratuities.
- SILVERSEA CRUISES. The six globe-trotting Silversea ships, including the brand new Silver Spirit, celebrate the holidays from Antarctica to Zanzibar on itineraries ranging from eight to 17 days. Silver Spirit will holiday in the Mediterranean and North Africa, offering an 11-day maiden voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon. Silver Wind will spend 14 days in Africa and the Seychelle Islands, departing from Mahe. Prince Albert II departs Ushauaia on a 17-day expedition to Antarctica. Silver Shadow departs from Barbados on a nine-day Caribbean itinerary, and on a 15-day roundtrip voyage from Fort Lauderdale through the Caribbean. Other voyages over the holidays feature South America and the South Pacific.
- UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the magical rivers during this festive time of the year. Cruises include: elegantly appointed riverview staterooms, meals with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks, celebratory events and entertainment, fully escorted shore excursions, and all transfers on arrival and departure days.
- WINDSTAR CRUISES. Windstar Cruises offers special rates on holiday and New Year’s cruises in the Caribbean and Costa Rica. Wind Spirit’s holiday sailings feature a new seven-day St. Martin itinerary that includes the British Virgin Islands, St. Barts and Jost Van Dyke. Wind Star offers an in-depth discovery of Costa Rica, and Wind Surf sails roundtrip from Barbados, calling on such islands as St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Iles Des Saintes, St. Kitts, Bequia and St. Barts. The ships are decorated with beautiful holiday decorations and feature a special holiday menu prepared by the executive chef. New Year’s cruises include a festive New Year’s Eve party including party favors, live music, an official countdown by the captain and a Champagne toast.
Content provided by the Avid Cruiser
Choose Your Cruise: River Cruises Worldwide
Posted by: | CommentsBy the Avid Cruiser:
If you really want to see a region and get to know what makes it tick, a river cruise may be perfect for you.
River cruise ships are smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, typically holding a few dozen passengers or a few hundred, although there are exceptions at either extreme. Due to their smaller size and low draft, river cruise ships can go where ocean cruise ships cannot, and sometimes to where no other transport is practical: Rivers are an excellent way to reach some attractions in Egypt, Russia or China, for example, although river cruises in Europe are the most popular.
During river cruises, which are usually extended itineraries lasting one week and longer, the countryside is almost always in view, which is comforting to some travelers. While some of these ships are simple, almost Spartan, you can find river ships outfitted with the amenities of a resort, with sun decks, dining rooms, lounges, fitness facilities, and other features.
Accommodations, meals onboard, entertainment and some special activities are usually included in the cruise price while bar expenses, sauna, massage, laundry and cleaning, and phone calls are not. Most cruises have a variety of onboard and offboard activities, with easy and informal access to cities and countryside.
The latter include guided tours to historic and cultural sites, and other points of interest. Guides often will provide a running commentary while sailing past noted attractions.
Popular river cruises include trips along the Nile, the Willamette, the Mississippi, the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Volga. There are several dozen river cruise companies with fleets of one to 20 ships.
Article content provided by the Avid Cruiser
