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.
10 Jun
For years, Windstar, with its unique masted sailing vessels, has visited ports of call inaccessible to large traditional cruise ships, seeing the regions visited in an up close, personal manner. The ships have a relaxed atmosphere with a limited number of scheduled activities, and are a perfect match for people who want to explore at a leisurely pace (typical travelers are in the 40-60 age range, and are repeat visitors on the line).
Want to experience the diversity of the Caribbean, Scandinavian culture, intimate Italian islands, or the hidden treasures of the Aegean? Windstar has a new journey to suit your world exploration desires- here’s their line up for 2012, 18 voyages, 9 of which are completely new.
The Windstar 2012 Voyage Collection is as follows:
ITALY
Islands of Italy – NEW!
7 Day
Rome to Rome
Classic Italy and the Dalmatian Coast
7 Days
Rome to Venice
Yachting the Riviera
7 Days
Nice to Rome
MEDITERRANEAN
Classic Mediterranean – NEW!
7 Days
Rome to Athens
Gems of the Adriatic
8 Days
Venice to Athens
Islands of the West Med
6 Days
Barcelona to Rome
Splendors of Southern Spain
8 Days
Lisbon to Barcelona
GREEK ISLES
Greek Isles & Turkish Delights
7 Days
Athens to Istanbul
Greek Isles & the Mysteries of Malta – NEW!
7 Days
Athens to Malta
CARIBBEAN
Yachtsman’s Caribbean
7 Days
St. Maarten to St. Maarten
Flavors of the Caribbean – NEW!
7 Days
St. Maarten to St. Maarten
Jewels of the Windward Islands
7 Days
Barbados to Barbados
COSTA RICA
Passage Through Panama – NEW!
7 Days
Puerto Caldera to Colon
Naturally Costa Rica
7 Days
Puerto Caldera/Puerto Caldera
BALTIC
Treasures of Northern Europe – NEW!
11 Days
Lisbon to Oslo
Capitals of Scandinavia – NEW!
7 Days
Oslo to Stockholm
Best of the Baltic – NEW!
8 Days
Stockholm to Stockholm
TRANSATLANTIC
Surf Crossing
14 Days
St. Maarten to Lisbon
Star Crossing – NEW!
21 Days
Colon to Bermuda to Lisbon
Spirit Crossing
14 Days
Barbados to Lisbon
Interested in finding out more about this unique line? Visit the AllThingsCruise Windstar Cruises page.
1 Jun
The natural beauty and rich culture of Hawaii is unmatched, and if you want to experience the Big Island from a different perspective than that of a high-end resort or a big cruise ship, there’s now a new option. American Safari will be offering itineraries in Hawaii for the first time this year aboard their 36-guest luxury yacht, the Safari Explorer, becoming the only small-group expedition yacht that offers overnight cruises in the Hawaiian Islands.
The ship will be sailing the Hawaiian Islands during the November 2011-April 2012 season, with weeklong or 10 night that visit Moloka’i, Lana’I and Molokini.
American’s Safari promotes active adventure travel, and their unstructured itinerary allows time for nature lovers to seek wildlife such as Manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales. Two knowledgeable expedition leaders will guide hiking and kayaking tours; there is an additional option of snorkeling tours. The yacht is also well equipped for water sports adventures, with gear like kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, wet suits, sailboats and inflatable skiffs for up-close excursions.
The Safari Explorer yacht’s many onboard amenities include an on-deck hot tub, sauna, exercise equipment, a wine library and two large-screen TVs in the main salon. There is a complimentary bar that offers premium spirits, fine wines and microbrews, and the spa includes a complimentary massage and yoga classes. All staterooms offer Tempur-pedic mattresses, flat screen TV/DVD players and iPod docks. and upper category staterooms feature Jacuzzi tubs and suites have private step-out balconies.
Booking is available now, and the line is offering guests a $150 per person, or $300 per couple, travel credit for reservations made from June through July 29, 2011.
23 May
My father Alexander was born in Scotland, so, for many years, I wanted to experience a river cruise through Scotland, and have just not yet had the opportunity. Luckily, however, my son Will recently got the chance to go on European Waterways‘ Scottish Highlander- and took it! How lovely! A luxury hotel barge to see the beauty of Scotland.
I wondered whether this would be the cruise for him…he’s in his 20′s, a young professional, and avid adventure traveler. Would he enjoy what I imagined would be a leisurely float on a luxury barge- traveling with his father?
My fears were soon put to rest- “Mom, this trip was awesome! I loved it!”
He’s blogged about the trip here…click here and read about everything he experienced on a river cruise with European Waterways.
23 May
A six star rating? What does that mean? Quite simply, it means you are the best in the world! For the fourth time in a row, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa is the only cruise ship in the world to be awarded the Six Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.
This highly prestigious honor awards outstanding excellence in the global travel and luxury services sector- and this cruise ship certainly has it in spades. Europa staterooms (accommodation for the maximum of 408 guests) are comprised solely of suites, and are all at least 290 square feet with 80 percent having verandas. These lovely staterooms each have separate living and sleeping areas and a walk-in wardrobe.
The Europa Restaurant (with large panoramic windows), features a single seating and à la carte ordering. The small, intimate “Restaurant Dieter Müller” showcases Asian and Mediterranean nuances to create a unique blend, and The Venezia offers first-class Italian cuisine.
For health and wellness, guest can enjoy a golf area (with golf simulator and the latest in golf video analysis- PGA golf professionals are there to help you to improve your technique 365 days a year), the OCEAN SPA, the fitness room and a pool.
The Europa offers international cruises in German and English. Want the ultimate luxury cruise? Find out more about this exclusive ship!