Kevin in the Panam Canal
Our Voyage Ambassadors, Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins are currently circling South America on a 72-night journey aboard the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas. Their cruise began just two and a half weeks ago and they have already had so many incredible adventures. This week they passed through the man-made Panama Canal.
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!
We spent a fascinating day in Agadir, Morocco, which I photographed from the kasbah, the citadel overlooking Agadir.
Today just so happens to be my birthday. To celebrate, I ordered room service and spent a relaxing morning sailing along the African coast. Sipping a cup of coffee from my balcony, I gazed out at fishing boats against the the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, undulating along the distant horizon. Africa beckoned from afar. I was a “traveler in romance,” a phrase coined by one of my favorite authors during my youth, W. Somerset Maugham.
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.
Silver Shadow docked at Shanghai
I am smitten with Shanghai. It wasn’t expected.
Of course, I had heard all of the great things about this great city, but the reality of being here was much better than I had imagined.
Fortunately, Silver Shadow overnighted in Shanghai (and was small enough to dock in the city center), allowing us to fill our days with the city sights and our nights with the city lights — all within convenient reach of our vessel, only a 15-minute walk from the famous Shanghai stretch known as the Bund. Silver Shadow offered complimentary shuttle service for those who preferred the comfort of a ride.
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.
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.
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.
On my recent trip to Europe to attend the Christening festivities for Avalon Waterways
Panorama
brand-new Avalon Panorama I had the opportunity to visit some distinct and interesting cities. The Rhine River is most famous for its legendary Lorelei rock and the imposing medieval castles that line its banks. Aboard Avalon Waterways you sail through cities like Amsterdam, Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Basel. Today I want to share with you two other cities that I enjoyed.
