We arrived in Amsterdam July 29th to board the brand-new ms Avalon Luminary for my very first River Cruise. This was a great experience and a wonderful way to cruise along the Rhine River - with so much history and countryside to see. Most of the towns and villages we toured were hundreds or thousands of years old.
In July I had the pleasure of sailing aboard the all-new Seabourn Sojourn. Wow is all I can say - the ship is absolutely wonderful! It is amazing to me that this was only the third sailing for the Sojourn as the crew worked together like a well-oiled machine. The entire staff called you by name and they would bend over backwards to get you anything you needed. The wait staff easily remembered your preferences, for example if you ordered a drink while out by the pool; later in the lounges they would ask if you would like the same. Everyone had smiles on their faces at all times and looked to really enjoy what they were doing.
Diana & the Stateroom Window
My wife Diana and I recently travelled through Europe on an Avalon Waterways river cruise along the Danube River and the Black Sea. We had a most enjoyable time sailing from Vienna to Bucharest.
Prior to the cruise we stayed in a hotel in Vienna. Our initial transfer from our pre-cruise hotel to the ship was a little chaotic, but was amusing for us to watch at least. Between over enthusiastic guests, luggage and guides there was a little mass confusion. Eventually someone figured it all out and we were on our way. We arrived at Avalon Waterways Artistry in about 45 minutes and went directly on board.
It has been 15 years since I first cruised aboard Crystal Cruises and I love it. It has been nearly ten years since I’ve been on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and I loved that even more. Last month I sailed with seven family members aboard Oceania Cruises Insignia and I think I’m in love all over again! Our itinerary was “Yacht Haven” and it featured the French and Italian Rivera’s. This itinerary is very port intensive, visiting ten ports in ten days – but very well worth it.
Aghios Nikolaos
I joined the Crystal Serenity on May 11, 2010 for the Seaways of Antiquity cruise sailing from Rome to Athens via Sorrento, Taormina, Aghios Nikolaos, Kusadasi, and Mykonos! My friend and I were able to board early in Civitavecchia (port for Rome) and leave our carry-on bags with an attendant while we enjoyed lunch in the dining room with welcome glasses of champagne. Off to a good start!
Windstar Wind Surf Report from the Med: October, 2009
Barcelona to Lisbon
Wind Surf
Our first time aboard Wind Surf. We had been told that people either prefer the smaller ships, Wind Spirit or Wind Star (148 guests) or the larger Surf (309) – but we confess to being equally pleased by both. We sailed from Barcelona on a balmy Mediterranean evening and before dinner had met several couples who became our sea buddies for the rest of the trip. That seems to happen aboard the intimate Windstar with its casual atmosphere. The next day found us in Ibiza – a quaint, walled Mediterranean city by day and a fairy tale setting at night with outside dining, romantic lights and candles, street performers and a laid back party atmosphere. Palma de Mallorca was next – more elegant – equally enticing.
The rivers and seas of Europe have always been essential to life and trade. But, until the mid-1800s, European boats and ships were only concerned with moving cargo or hauling in the day’s catch – not with passengers or their comfort.
In 1835, Arthur Anderson, a sailor from the Shetland Isles, wrote about his vision of providing passenger service from Scotland to Iceland in the summer months, and from Scotland to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) in winter. Two years later, he co-founded the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), which became a major operator of passenger liners.
Right now we are at home, packing for our next voyage of the Fall Colors in New England and Canada. We just came back from our Viking Cruise on the Maasdam.
This cruise is always very successful. Lots of beautiful ports to visit. The ports are very versatile. Also lots of different sceneries, with ice-bergs, glaciers, fjords. We also visited lots of European countries. It is always great when you see repeat Cruise Specialists families. A lot of guests have cruised this particular cruise many times over and over again, due to the beautiful scenic cruise days and ports.
Wendy Dell & Teresa Tennant at Sail Away
My friend, Wendy, and I recently sailed as the Virtuoso group hosts onboard the Wind Surf from Venice to Venice. Hotel Manager Geert de Meyer personally greeted guests as we checked in and he requested a steward to take our large bags to the ship. Another steward escorted us to our stateroom and explained where things were, that we could check out DVDs at Reception, and even borrow an iPod pre-loaded with music for the stereo system.
With short notice, I was given the opportunity to experience a Tauck River Cruise during Tulip time. I had never travelled Tauck, had never been to Holland or Belgium and only had one previous river boat experience. With wonderful support of Marie and Bridgett to take care of my clients and all the staff behind me on this adventure, I was ready start packing.
