More euros for your dollar?
Things aren’t going well for the euro, which has lost 3 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar in the past couple of days. This morning, the common currency of 17 European nations hit an 11-month low of $1.29. Some analysts suggest the beleagured euro could hit $1.25 — possibly lower — in the coming months.
Fifty Cruise Specialists guests with a thirst for new adventures, good wine, and giving back recently set sail on the 2011 California Winemasters Association cruise which helped raise $10,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (the association’s official charity). Cruise Specialists donated a portion of each guest’s reservation to the worthy cause. This year’s cruise is hosted by Justin Baldwin of JUSTIN Vineyards and is sailing on the new Celebrity Eclipse to the Eastern Caribbean. Guests are enjoying private wine tasting events, exclusive winemaker luncheons and much more.
We recently sailed from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens on the Azamara Quest (30,000 tons with 694 guests and 407 crewmembers) in a Club Continent Suite. We enjoyed the service provided by our excellent Butler and Stateroom Attendant. I was asked what the butler does for you onboard – the welcome letter in our suite gave us some ideas: assistance with unpacking/packing, daily news delivery, in-suite breakfast, lunch and dinner service, evening hors d’oeuvres daily, afternoon tea service, shoe shine service, assistance with reservations for specialty dining, shore excursions, and spa appointments, etc. Our butler, Eyup, also assisted us when we encountered rough seas tendering in Sorrento and our clothes were soaked – off they went to be returned clean and dry the next day!
Chris Parker, vice president of sister company All Aboard Travel recently returned from an Avalon river cruise on the Seine River (Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches itinerary). Here is his personal account:
I recently experienced an Avalon Waterways river cruise on the Avalon Creativity cruising the Seine River. It was amazing to experience France’s beautiful countrysides, meet fascinating people, enjoy fantastic cuisine and excellent service and take in all the great history this itinerary provided.
Venice, Italy –
Venice, Italy
Before my voyage began I stayed for three nights at the Hotel Flora. Venice equals romantic – quaint – canals – gondoliers – carnival – palaces – glass – art – fashion – people! Venice is as wonderful today as it was 20 years ago, but it takes a little more work and a little more patience as the crowds today are significant. A pre or post cruise stay allows time to enjoy the city and such sights as an evening concert in St Mark’s Square without all the tumult present during the day. Venice is a city for pedestrians, it’s a city made for wandering – it’s hard to get lost and each turn exposes a charming balcony, a small plaza, a narrow canal.
A busy day in the port of Venice, like most days during the summer months.
We spent a couple of days in Venice, Italy, filming for the new Avid Cruiser travel show.
Venice ranks right up there with Barcelona with regard to the number of ships and cruise passengers it handles. This city of 118 islands, 150 canals and 450 bridges surely woos cruise passengers who set out in search of its charms before or after their cruises. Venice is a living museum.
Norway was the dream, Regent made the dream come true. For over fifteen years I have wanted to return to Norway. Having been completely enchanted on prior visits by the midnight sun and the stunning beauty of Norway’s mountains, valleys, lakes, fjords waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, I always hoped that I would return one day.
As sometimes happens, if we keep wishing and begin taking a few steps, our visions become reality.
Rebuilt following severe bombing in World War II, Le Havre, France is a modern-day marvel. © Ralph Grizzle
I spent last week in and around Le Havre, France, and I must say I was impressed with the variety of shore excursions offered in this region in Normandy. During four exceptionally full days, we visited:
This past June I sailed from Lisbon to Barcelona aboard Silversea’s beautiful all-new Silver
Teresa in Lisbon
Spirit. We chose to fly in a day early for our Silversea cruise in order to have a little time to see Lisbon. The Hotel Marquês de Pombal on the Avenida da Liberdade provided great 4-star service with clean, comfortable and quiet accommodations and a full breakfast. It was easy walking distance to all the major points of interest and only a short ride from the pier.
Exotic Hong Kong is on our list of favorites.
So many spectacular places to visit, so little time. Here are six of our favorites.
We’re not suggesting by the title of this article that it’s time to begin disembarking from that great journey known as life. Far from it. Cast your eye farther down the page, and you’ll see what we consider to be life’s greatest cruise itineraries.
