26 Sep
Windstar’s experience is that of sailing on a “private yacht”, and these tall ships are very popular with travelers who appreciate casual elegance, alternative dining venues, and varied shore excursions. Now the line has announced that it will undergo a major renovation of all three ships, the Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit as part of their “Full Sail Ahead” program.
Beginning this fall, the new owners of Windstar cruises, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, are launching an $18 million refurbishment of their three luxury sailing yachts. This 18-month revovation will incorporate new furniture, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings
Per Windstar, guests of the line can expect to see the following changes:
Staterooms and Suites:
• Staterooms on all three yachts will be transformed with new leather headboards, stately arm chairs, linen wall coverings, new lighting features, elegant window coverings, plush wool carpeting, art work, stylish bed cushions, and luxurious bed throws.
• Suites will additionally be outfitted with new furniture that is easily convertible to lounging, dining, or accommodating a third occupant.
Wind Surf Public Spaces:
• The Restaurant will be completed with a new seating layout, all new soft goods, and state-of-the art wine display and storage.
• Degrees Restaurant will be transformed into a Mediterranean bistro, anchored by a central wine bar for counter dining as well as an inviting area to relax before and after dinner. Wine tastings and cooking demonstrations will also be conducted here.
• The Compass Rose will be reconfigured to open up expansively to the adjoining outdoor deck, and its interior completely renovated to reflect the sophisticated elegance of a private club.
• The Veranda’s outdoor seating will be significantly expanded, creating an ideal mid-ship area for enjoying breakfast and lunch alfresco. The interior will include a new buffet, new lighting, and epicurean style display counters.
• In the Lounge, wall-to-wall carpeting will be replaced with hard flooring accented with inset rugs, a contemporary mix of furniture, lighter color palette and improved sound insulation around the casino.
• Corridors will be completely renovated from floor to ceiling with all new wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, lighting and art work.
• The Pool Bar will sport new awnings for additional shade, new deck furniture, and improved outdoor dining layout for Candles Grill.
Wind Spirit and Wind Star Public Spaces:
• The Restaurant will receive a complete makeover to create the excitement and drama of an exclusive destination restaurant with luxurious neutral tones and curved design elements.
• The Veranda will be renewed with new lighting, fresh “market-style” buffet arrangements and reconfigured indoor/outdoor seating.
• The Lounge will be contemporized with new furniture, soft goods, seating arrangements, window treatments and AV system, creating an ideal, welcoming space for evening entertainment.
• The Pool Bar will be redesigned to offer a more engaging and upscale social experience and to create additional alfresco seating for sunset dining at Candles Grill.
• The renovations to the Library space will create an intimate, luxurious cocoon for more contemplative pursuits.
• WindSpa will also receive an interior soft goods update, to reflect the sophistication and elegance of relaxing with spa treatments at sea.
17 Sep
I love a Christmas cruise, the lights, the festivities and the spirit aboard a ship during the holidays is just a delightful way to celebrate. AMAWaterways has just posted a great deal for guest who book one of their two special Christmas/New Years cruises: a complimentary stay in Amsterdam.
This free stay is offered on the following cruises:
If you’ve never booked one of these Christmas cruises, believe me, you won’t regret taking one’ Europe’s history looks all the more majestic when the towns are aglow with lights and decorations. Stops at the Christmas Markets allow you to pick up unique toys and ornaments, and, and the ship itself is alight with seasonal décor. You can also expect delicious holiday treats, a traditional Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve feast, along with fireworks and celebrations to mark the holidays.
If you’re thinking about it… book these cruises prior to October 21, 2011 to take advantage of AMA’s special.
6 Sep
Fall is a gorgeous time of year in Europe, and a wonderful time to cruise there; I especially love visiting the “Old World” vineyards on the Rhine during the autumn. AmaWaterways agrees: they have put together a wonderful set of “In Celebration of Wine Cruises” itineraries… they include the October 14 and November 13, 2011 “Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel”; the November 6, 2011 “Europe’s Rivers and Castles” cruise; the November 12, 2011 “Enchanting Rhine” itinerary and the November 14 and 21, 2011 departures of “The Romantic Danube.”
These voyages will visit the beautiful European wine country, but with a twist… guest also will sample wines from renowned “New World” California wineries, including Trinchero Napa Valley, Farrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma, Rodney Strong Vineyards and St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in Santa Rosa.
These complimentary wine tastings are a delightful addition to AmaWaterway’s onboard lectures from celebrity wine hosts, wine pairings, beer tastings and outstanding complimentary shore excursions. These “Old World” voyages will include special wine-themed shore excursions such as the Medieval Wine Fest in the Mosel town of Zell; a traditional “Heuriger” tasting of new wine in the villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna; a tour and tasting at the historic Bergweiler Winery in Bernkastel; an introduction to Alsatian wines at the “Wunsch et Mann” winery in Wettolsheim and an unforgettable candlelit evening and wine tasting at the Hofkeller, or cellar of the famous Residenz in Wurzburg.
2 Aug
I was forwarded this by a fellow traveler and writer… sounds like an eventful experience, and thought I would share it with you. Heidi
By Edward Garrett
The Thimbleberry Inn, Bayfield Wisconsin. As a travel writer with over 40 years experience in the Hotel & Tourism industry, I have often confidently said that I had Been-There-Done-That. At least I thought so until I recently visited the Thimbleberry Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin.
To be fair, the large guest rooms and Lake Superior lakefront grounds of the Inn are lovely. The private decks and wooden loveseats overlooking the Apostle Islands are romantic and peaceful; exactly what we expected.
Then there is the owner of the property, and where the similarity with the infamous “Bates Motel” comes in.
Following our first night at the Inn we took a short drive into the charming lakeside village of Bayfield for lunch, returning mid-afternoon to accept our hostess’s offer to make a dinner reservation for us at a local restaurant. Upon knocking on her door, however, I noticed that she approached in a somewhat crab-like sidewise gate, glaring over her raised shoulder at us. As the door opened she launched into a disturbingly shrill eye-rolling rant about our unpardonable lack of adherence to her (unspoken until now) guest policies. We must leave at once!
Among our sins were that I had fondled our shower head to increase water pressure, we had not made our beds, I had slept in and not come to breakfast, and that we had not socialized enough with the other guests. We were also not married, an offense that had resulted in her throwing out another couple once before.
In addition, we strongly suspect that my companion had not bowed her head deeply enough under the proprietor’s watchful eyes at the hand-holding prayer breakfast of canned peaches over waffles earlier that morning. This was especially distressing as it was fresh peach season.
Her alarming tirade lasted an incessant 10 minutes recounting our transgressions numerous times, insisting that the increased water flow from our shower head had nearly torn down her home, that her husband had now left her because of it, and she would now be forced to sell off the property.
Just for a moment I considered reminding her of the legal and customer service obligations of Inn ownership, but her shrill fanatical rant, and how it was related to a shower, gave me an uneasy Alfred Hitchcock flashback, so it seemed safer to leave without dispute.
Upon relating our experience at the front desk of a substitute accommodation in town we were greeted with wide grins and knowing looks; “Did she make you pray?” they laughed. Mrs. Bates, it turns out, is a legend in her own time.
Been-There-Done-That so you don’t have to.
29 Jul
My friend, Richard Joseph, a foreign correspondent and overall great guy sent me some notes from his recent trip to Europe………..sounds like a lovely way to spend a summer day. I thought I would share this day with you- and if you’re interested in making this day trip, you can find a similar tour here…
Heidi
A day on a KD riverboat and Castle Hunting in Germany
Hope you will enjoy my diary of a day’s excursions on the river. A little about our transportation: Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) and other riverboat cruise lines operate day trips on the Rhine River in the UNESCO-listed Loreley Valley between Rüdesheim, St Goar, and Koblenz. Several riverboat companies offer day cruises on the Rhine River (Rhein). Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) has the largest number of sailing but many other lines cruise through the romantic Loreley Valley.
Boats differ in size in and between cruise lines but it is often sensible to simply take the next boat to depart. Most boats have restaurants on board but consuming own food and drink is acceptable on the open decks.
The first ship we enjoyed was the MS Boppard which had covered and uncovered on-deck seating on the upper level rear. On the lower level it had a restaurant with booths with large windows for viewing. There was no VIP seating. It was perfect for a day trip. The cost of the round trip was only about $30 US. Food was typical German fare. For example, I dined on sausages and potato salad. Wine of course.
The trip back to Rudesheim was on the MS Stolzenfels which was pretty much the same except that I was able to sit at the front of the boat outside. The food on this boat consisted (sadly) of a Subway restaurant.
The KD line also features a “nostalgia” ship the MS Goethe which I did not take, but did see. Here is a description I found (not my words): Built in 1913 the Goethe brings back the good old days of steam transport. The elegant atmosphere of the Golden Twenties and the roomy and comfortable saloons, decorated and furnished in original art deco style, form a perfect backdrop for celebrations with a touch of romance.
On to the Castle Hunting in Germany
While the U.S. might be lacking in castles, there is certainly no shortage of them in the Rhine Gorge: 40 fortresses in a 36 mile stretch. What better way to see them than floating by on the river. KD Line Mainz-Koblenz Germany
11:15am Boarded the ship at Rudesheim, a village of imbered buildings with music drifting from the Drosselgasse, a narrow lane that’s almost too cute.
11:20am Right away there’s the first castle, Burg Klopp presiding over the town of Bingen. Built in 1100 and later restored. It looks as a castle should be, complete with a chilling tale, Emperor Henry IV was imprisoned here by his son.
11:40am This is amazing, on the left bank one castle after another appears. With names like Burg Rheinstein, Reichenstein and Sooneck.
12:15pm Bacharach-If there is one village not to miss, this is it. It’s a walk into the past through streets filled with flower-covered buildings. A stroll along the city wall overlooks ancient towers, churches and the Rhine.
2:30pm Oberwesel- It’s just five minutes away from Bacharach. To save time I took a train to reach this village with a dark anti-Semitic history, but well-preserved sites. A walk along the town’s walls takes you through medieval towers for a view of Castle Schonburg, now a luxury hotel.
3:45pm Loreley Rock-The narrowest point of the Rhine between Switzerland and the North Sea. More than just a 300 foot high rock, it too has a story. In 1800 a ballad was written about an enchanting woman who bewitched men causing their deaths. Of course this song is played on the boat as we pass by.
3:55pm St. Goar-another beautiful village on the left bank with Burg Rheinfels looming above it. The castle was built in 1287 and, like so many others, is now a combination of ruins, a hotel, and museum.
5:20pm Braubach-this time on the right bank. It’s the best preserved of the Rhine Gorge fortresses, perfect for exploration. Built in 1117, it has never been destroyed.
8:15pm Rudeshem-the trip back by boat takes a lot longer due to the opposite current. The Rhine flows northward from Switzerland through Germany. This gorge is part of a UN World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Sitting on a ship’s deck sipping a glass of Riesling while passing the vineyards where they were grown is an experience you might find to be even sweeter than wine.
18 Jul
One of my favorite things to do on vacation? Nothing. I love to simply relax, and there’s no better way, in my opinion, than to settle down in a private cabana with a book in one hand and a cool drink in the other.
Now I don’t have to go to the beach for the experience. That’s thanks to Celebrity Silhouette’s new “the Alcoves”, luxurious cabanas with a view of the sea. The Alcoves (there are eight) are set just off the ship’s Lawn Club and provide a private setting for up to 4 people. A day’s rental includes complimentary amenities (fresh fruit, chilled towels, bottled water and use of an iPad), and fee-based options (picnic baskets, wine and cheese, and special spa services, to name a few) so you can unwind to your heart’s content.
Want to book “The Alcoves” for your next voyage on the Celebrity Sillhouette? Talk to your travel agent; the cabanas are available on a day rental from 9 am to 9 pm… or they can be booked for the entire voyage. Rates are $99 per Alcove per day on days in port, and $149 per day on days at sea. (Special rates may apply for guests who book The Alcoves for several days or for the entire cruise.)
12 Jul
In 1988 Royal Caribbean introduced a new era of cruising with its ship Sovereign of the Seas, which is considered the industry’s very first mega-ship. Since then, they have built themselves into the second largest cruise line with the addition of numerous ships that cruise both the Caribbean and beyond.
This successful line has kept their ships in the water for many years, and has decided it’s time for a major overhaul on many of the older ships. This year, they are spending an estimated 70 million on the renovation of two ships, Radiance of the Seas (completed in May), and Splendour of the Seas (scheduled for transformation in November).
And yesterday, Royal Caribbean announced has a renovation in store for many more of its older ships over the next three years, including updates to the onboard electronic technology, cabins (including those designed specifically for families) and dining options.
These enhancements will come at a cost of approximately Royal Caribbean $300 million and will take place during month-long dry dock overhauls. The changes, termed “Royal Advantage Revitalizations” will bring older ships up to date with the newer, adding features that have been guest favorites and enhancing the Royal Caribbean cruising experience.
The renovation schedule is as follows.
2012:
2013 and 2014:
During this time, Royal Caribbean also plans more minor enhancements for three additional ships: Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas.
RCI’s ships Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas saw improvements earlier this year, including the addition of new elements their latest ship, the seven-month-old Allure of the Seas.
28 Jun
Without a doubt, one of Silversea’s strongest selling points is their fine wines and cuisine; they are absolutely superb. The diversity and excellence of their dining options is due in large part to their relationship with the prestigious Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux, who not only influence their culinary offerings but also work with them to present the very popular L’École des Chefs cooking school.
In response to the demand for their L’École des Chefs cooking school, Silversea has included it in four additional voyages this year. The program, hosted by Silverseas culinary trainer and French cooking expert David Bilsland, incorporates hands-on instruction and entertaining events.
The curriculum is composed of basic kitchen skills (like knife handling and culinary terminology) as well as instruction in sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions, tasting opportunities and “Take It Home” recipes for entertaining at home.
Itinerary permitting, the line will also offer a “Market to the Plate” option that includes an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a “Culinary Outing.” (Guests participate in an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue to experience a unique culinary exploration.)
The new L’École des Chefs voyages for 2011 are:
NORTHERN EUROPE
Voyage 4122: Silver Whisper departs Stockholm July 23 on a 7-day sailing to Copenhagen with calls in Tallinn, St. Petersburg (3-day/2-night stopover) and Helsinki.
Voyage 1121: Silver Cloud departs Copenhagen July 30 on a 17-day roundtrip sailing with calls in Alesund, Geiranger, Helleysilt, Lofoten, Tromso, Honningsvag (North Cape), Murmansk, Archangel (overnight visit), Hammerfest and Kristiansund.
FAR EAST
Voyage 3126: Silver Shadow departs Incheon (Seoul) September 23 on a 12-day sailing to Hong Kong with calls in Qingdao, Shanghai, Jiangyin, Nanjing and Xiamen. Highlights include cruising the Yangtze River and overnight stays in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Voyage 3127: Silver Shadow departs Hong Kong October 5 on a 12-day sailing to Singapore with calls in Chan May, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Ko Samui, and Kuantan. Highlights include overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.
28 Jun
As wonderful as all these entertainment options are, adults traveling with children often have issues attending the evening soirees. After all, who watches the children when you’re cruising at sea?
Unless you’ve brought along a helpful babysitter or grandparent, the responsibility for childcare rests squarely on the parent… until recently, when Carnival Cruises introduced Camp Carnival Night Owls to all 23 of their ships.
The premise, which is a children’s program that features parties and late night activities for children ages 11 and under, allows parents to enjoy a “night out” while the children are safely in the care of Carnival’s youth staff. The Night Owls parties, which take place in the children’s playrooms, are divided into 3 age groups and are held at least once each voyage. They carry a fee ranging from $13 to $33 per child.
The Night Owls Camps run from10:00 pm to 3:00am, and for those parents who would rather have their children safely tucked away at bedtime, in-room babysitting services are also offered on all ships at a cost of $6.75 per child per hour.
17 Jun
I just received information from Hapag Lloyd on the 2012/2013 Expedition Cruises, and have the latest on what itineraries the MS Hanseatic and MS Bremen will be sailing. The Hanseatic, the world’s only 5-star expedition ship (184 passengers), and the Bremen, a 4-star expedition ship (164 passengers), will be offering 12 international (English/German) itineraries next season, including travel in Antarctica, the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Spitsbergen, Norway, the Amazon, the South Seas and New Zealand.
There will also be new ports of call in Madagascar and Mozambique, and a maiden voyage through the Sea of Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East.
The line promotes their cruises as an educational experience; consequently, they have a team of onboard experts that include scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings and offer guests the rare opportunity to observe plant and animal life up close.
Here’s what Hapag-Lloyd has to say about these new itineraries:
Expedition Highlights 2012 – 2013 on the HANSEATIC and BREMEN:
SEA OF OKHOTSK – PREMIER EXPEDITIONS:
For the first time, the HANSEATIC sets out to circumnavigate the Sea of Okhotsk, in Russia’s Far East, taking guests to volcanoes, geysers and glaciers. Zodiac stops on the Sea of Okhotsk include: Iony, a tiny island populated by sea lions and Shantar Islands and Malminskie Islands, natural sanctuaries for songbirds, birds of prey, seals and sea otters.
ISLANDS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN – MAIDEN CALLS:
Guests will experience lemurs in pristine nature, animals in the wild, and wonderful beaches on romantic coasts on the HANSEATIC through Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique and South Africa. This tropic 16-day adventure will make stops at six new ports along the route, which include stops in the following ports in Madagascar: Maroantsetra, Nosy Hara, Morondava, Nosy Ve, and Toliara and a first time stop in Mozambique, at the picturesque city of Ilha dos Portugueses.
THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE:
In 2012, the popular Northwest Passage will be offered onboard the HANSEATIC. It starts in Nome/Alaska amidst impressive testimonies of the Inuit culture before the HANSEATIC sails through the Canadian Arctic, the heart of the Northwest Passage and ends in Reykjavik/Iceland.
ANTARCTICA:
Glaciers, icebergs, deep fjords and bays offer the setting for an unforgettable Antarctica expedition. In addition to observing bird colonies, guests will also have the opportunity to explore the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, bath in the hot springs on Deception Island and observe whales in the Antarctic Sound. All departs include round-trip airfare from Buenos Aires/Argentina to Ushuaia/Argentina.