The Cruise Report With Cruise Specialists Cruise Reporter Ralph Grizzle

The museum is a must for chocolate-lovers. And AMAWATERWAYS’ Amalyra is docked only steps away.

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A stunning day-after-Christmas sailing as AMAWaterways’ Amalyra makes its way along Germany’s Rhine River. Tomorrow, we turn to transit the beautiful Moselle River.

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With the introduction of Silver Spirit, Silversea shows became a bit more exciting.

One of Avid Cruiser’s regular readers asked if I could characterize “the vibe” on Silversea Cruises’ newest vessel. My initial characterization is that the vibe is energetic, and not in a tiring sort of way, as in the activity list being so full that you become exhausted just looking at it. Rather, Silver Spirit exudes energy from its well-done public rooms and new production shows.

The rooms, in particular, exert a pull on guests, enticing them across the threshold and into a lively atmosphere. Take Stars Supper Club, for example. You’d have to be passing on a gurney to resist being pulled into this nightclub-style venue.  Read more... (641 words, 5 images, estimated 2:34 mins reading time)

Shown here in Monte Carlo, Silver Spirit welcomed travel agents and journalists who were on board either overnight (the ship sailed Monday) or for two nights as Silver Spirit makes its way to Barcelona.

Initial reactions have been positive. For starters, Silver Spirit appears completely finished, and all aspects of Silversea’s newest vessel appear to be functioning well.  Read more... (250 words, 1 image, estimated 1:00 mins reading time)

In suite 933, my favorite feature so far: flat-panel televisions hidden behind the mirrors. There is one in the bedroom, and another in the sitting area. Unobtrusive and conveniently operated by one remote control.

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I have seen Silver Spirit, as we flew over Monte Carlo, with the stunning snow-capped Maritime Alps in the background, to Nice. It is a beautiful, but chilly, day here in Nice, where I will transfer to the ship in just a few moments. I will try to talk the driver into stopping the Jardin Exotique, overlooking the harbor, where I can get a good photo of Silver Spirit. For more on Nice, Villefranche and Monte Carlo, see Two Perfect Days: Nice, Villefranche & Monaco.

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Sitting in Copenhagen's lovely international airport awaiting the departure of Norwegian flight 3640 for Nice, France. It's a quick trip down to the south of France, only a little more than two hours.Â

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After two days of more than sufficient wine samplings, I returned to Chile’s capital to check in at the Grand Hyatt Santiago, with rooms that look out on the Andes.

Near the hotel is Cerro San Cristóbal and the adjoining Parque Metropolitano, Chile’s largest urban park. I walked to the park and hopped on a cable car to the top of San Cristobal Hill for sweeping city views. On a crisp spring or winter morning, the sight must be even more stunning, with the majestic, snowcapped Andes towering over the basin where Santiago sits.  Read more... (332 words, 1 image, estimated 1:20 mins reading time)

Crystal Cruises isn’t shy about doling out incentives and families looking for a high-end cruise experience in Europe this summer will be pleased with a recently announced promotion. Crystal invites kids 17 and under to cruise for free on these two Crystal Symphony Europe cruises this summer, when sailing in a third berth with two full-fare adults (families of four with two children would have to book two cabins – the ship has 10 connecting staterooms and 89 staterooms with a third berth).  Read more... (388 words, estimated 1:33 mins reading time)

Can a cruise line with no newbuilds in sight compete with ones taking on dazzling new ships every year? Can a luxury line compete on service alone when its rivals are taking part in a wave of new construction?

The lines on the non-newbuild side of the equation say yes, and in fact, they contend that they offer their guests an advantage: Instead of investing in newbuilds, they spend resources keeping their current fleets fresh.  Read more... (449 words, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)