Posts Tagged ‘Cruise Review’

Silver Whisper

In October my friend Leah and I traveled to Manhattan, New York to board the Silver Whisper, one of many beautiful ships from the luxury cruise line, Silversea. Aboard this all-inclusive cruise ship we had many delightful experiences during our 10-days travelling from New York to Barbados. Upon checking in we were greeted with a very friendly and personal welcome from the Hotel Director, Norman Rafelson and the Cruise Director, Don Fluke.

Being sailors ourselves, we were looking forward to our 7-day cruise on the Star Clipper.  She is one

Star Clipper

of three ships in the Star Clippers fleet.  As soon as I laid eyes on her I fell in love… she was docked in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, just across on another pier was a large Carnival Cruise Lines ship which made the Star Clipper look quite small and made me feel quite special to be going aboard. A four masted sailing vessel, she stood out and stood proud.

My daughter & I boarded the luxurious, all-inclusive, Seabourn Sojourn in Ft. Lauderdale at the

Lisa and Guest (Seabourn Sojourn in the background)

Port Everglades cruise terminal (it’s not too far from the airport). We arrived around 2pm and embarkation was quick & easy. At the gangway we were met by smiling staff offering warm hand towels, Champagne & Bellini’s. As we boarded, we were met by a line of staff waiting to take our bags and lead us to our cabin. Nothing better than white glove service!

Debra Dickerson and I were lucky enough to be invited to sail Cunard’s beautiful Queen

Debra Dickerson

Victoria on a little 4 day West Coast getaway! The moment we stepped onboard, we were in awe…from the three-tier Grand Lobby, spectacular artwork throughout the ship, the Queens Room Ballroom with crystal chandeliers and richly decorated walls…it was all amazing!!!

ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Once a year Holland America Line brings together Senior Management and its top agency producers for an opportunity to interact, share thoughts and suggestions and to enjoy the onboard amenities that are available to all guests. So we packed our bags and headed to Ft. Lauderdale this November for 7-days sailing through the Caribbean aboard the all-new ms Nieuw Amsterdam.

Day one – At Sea

Atrium Chandelier

Seven Seas Voyager

This past June, I had the pleasure of travelling aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-suite, all-balcony luxurious Seven Seas Voyager. I have to say, the worst part about Regent is that you eventually have to get off the ship and go home. 

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.

Celebration aboard Sojourn

The fanfare all began with a wonderful cocktail reception where Pam Conover, the President of Seabourn introduced the Seabourn Sojourn’s godmother, Twiggy.  Twiggy then “pushed the button” to have the customary bottle of champagne break against the side of the ship, thus christening the ship.