With the Caribbean, I had
There will be more to come about my cruise on Silver Explorer, which ended Friday morning in Panama. For now, however, I am posting this brief “Summing Up” to answer questions that readers asked during my voyage and to give you a few of my impressions.
First, my impressions.
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.
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:
Earlier this month Cruise Specialists staff attended a conference aboard the beautiful Crystal Symphony. We sailed from a sunny San Francisco, up the coast to Victoria and concluded our trip in Vancouver, BC. Trips such as these allow us to remain familiar with the cruise lines and experts in our field.
When a cruise traveler wants to explore the other 30% of the world, Cruise Specialists can help them plan an exotic and memorable land vacation. The award-winning cruise agency recently announced they have created a new division called “Elite Journeys” focused on offering luxury land vacations to their clients.
Cruise shore excursions can be more difficult for people who have disabilities, especially for those with mobility issues. However, even if getting on and off the ship is a challenge for you, you may still be able to enjoy some time on shore. While there are no official regulations that govern cruise ship or shore excursion accommodations for passengers with disabilities, some cruise lines have taken steps to make things easier for people with mobility challenges. For example, some ships now have special gangway equipment that makes it easier for people who use wheelchairs to get on and off the ship.
Cruise Specialists Cares shore tour program is an opportunity to give back to those in need during your next cruise voyage. In this video Cruise Specialists guests aboard Holland America World cruise visited the SOS Children’s Village from the port of Durban, South Africa. Donations included everything from toys to the shirts off our client’s backs. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed meeting these smiling wonderful children. Cruise Specialists Cares is part of Cruise Specialists exclusive Shore Tour Program, for more information visit our Custom Shore Excursions page.
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.
Bora Bora
Buddy and I were very lucky to recently get to take part in an exclusive Cruise Specialists Bora Bora shore tour. Cruise Specialists designed a series of unique and exclusive tours for our January 2010 Rotterdam 63-day Polynesian Paradise & Incan Empires cruise.
Pareos dry in the island breeze
Buddy Flies Over The Jungle Canopy
Aerial Tram Ride Up
passengers set out on a truly marvelous day Zip Lining through the rain forests of Costa Rica.
