Today Carnival Corporation & plc announced that the corporation’s philanthropic arm, Carnival Foundation, and its nine global cruise line brands together with the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation have pledged to donate $2 million in funding and in-kind support for relief efforts in The Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.
Carnival Foundation and the company’s nine cruise line brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) – are pledging a total of $1 million in monetary and in-kind donations in support of immediate relief and recovery efforts in The Bahamas. Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine are matching the corporation’s commitment with a $1 million donation from the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation.
“We are fully committed to supporting the critical relief and recovery efforts already underway for The Bahamas, and we are working closely with officials and affected communities to identify the needs for support and assistance,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “Our company has always been closely tied to The Bahamas with a rich history spanning many years, so it’s heartbreaking to see the impact of Hurricane Dorian, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of The Bahamas. We have long admired the unyielding spirit of the Bahamian people and have no doubt they will overcome, rebuild and recover, and we look forward to supporting their efforts.”
A portion of the combined pledge will immediately go to support efforts being managed by Direct Relief, an international humanitarian organization that provides critical medications and supplies during emergency situations. Direct Relief is currently assembling and delivering requested medical aid and additional emergency medical caches with first-aid supplies to the affected areas in The Bahamas.
In addition, Carnival Corporation and its brands are working together with local officials, community leaders and key relief and recovery organizations to identify the most timely and urgent relief needs and immediate allocations for additional funds and support.
Separately, the company today announced an effort to collect and deliver food and supplies donated in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties for the people of The Bahamas, through a partnership with Tropical Shipping and The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The effort, funded by Carnival Corporation and Tropical Shipping, will work in partnership with NEMA to provide immediate assistance to the people of the Bahamas where it is most needed.
245-Day Roundtrip Journey Embarks Today in London is the Longest-Ever Continuous Passenger Cruise
Today Viking® guests will embark on the new Ultimate World Cruise itinerary, a 245-day journey spanning six continents, 51 countries, and 111 ports. Sailing from London on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest Viking Sun®, the longest-ever continuous cruise will fully circumnavigate the globe bringing guests to some of the world’s most legendary cities, iconic landmarks and far-flung destinations, before returning to London in May 2020. In beginning this journey, Viking will attempt to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the “longest continuous passenger cruise;” upon the return of Viking Sun to London next year, an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Adjudicator will confirm the successful attempt with a certificate presentation.
Viking’s Ultimate World Cruise offers an eight-month journey, allowing guests to explore Scandinavia, the Caribbean and destinations throughout South America before calling on the remote tropical islands of the South Pacific. Viking Sun will then continue its journey along the coast of Australia and through Asia before returning to the Mediterranean and Europe.
Viking Ultimate World Cruise Map 2019-2020 roundtrip from London in 245 days. The itinerary features six continents and visits 111 of the world’s greatest cities and charming smaller ports. Immerse yourself in local culture with 23 overnight stays.
Like all Viking itineraries, Ultimate World Cruise guests will enjoy an included excursion in each port of call and free unlimited Wi-Fi; they also receive Business Class airfare and all gratuities and service fees, along with an extensive list of added-value inclusions in their cruise fare. The Viking Way of exploration offers additional, optional excursions that provide insight into Local Life, Working World and offer Privileged Access® visits to cultural institutions. Overnight stays in 23 cities allow guests to delve deeper into destinations; and Viking’s Culture Curriculum® offers additional enrichment on board with regional entertainment and lectures, as well as learning opportunities as part of the Viking Resident Historian® program. Full details on the Ultimate World Cruise can be found on Viking’s website here; highlights include:
Greenwich: London at Your Door – Dock in the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, which allows guests easy access to the regal capital’s iconic sights, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Peak of Brazilian Culture – One of the 23 overnight stays on this itinerary occurs in the historic city of Rio de Janeiro, where guests can witness the larger-than-life Christ the Redeemer statue or relax on the scenic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches of this coastal metropolis.
Ushuaia, Argentina: “End of the World” – Commonly referred to as the “End of the World,” guests will visit Ushuaia, a city perched on a steep hill on the southernmost tip of South America, and explore its lush scenery through excursions to the nearby Escondido and Fagnano Lakes or the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which was first inhabited by humans 10,000 years ago.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Vibrant Saigon – This eclectic city, home to a mix of modern skyscrapers, French colonial buildings, and ornate palaces, offers a variety of experiences for guests, including the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Reunification Palace.
Mumbai, India: The Front Door to India – The bustling city of Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. While in port, guests can learn about the iconic activist Gandhi at the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum and visit the Hanging Gardens, one of the prized few parks found in the busy metropolis.
Luxor, Egypt: Temples and Tombs – The site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, Luxor is dense with historical monuments for guests to explore, including the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings & Valley of the Queens, which house the tombs of the Pharaohs and their wives.
The Explorers Lounge
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music, and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. Local Life excursions shine a light on everyday activities and include experiences such as Viking Chef-hosted trips to local farmers markets, tea at home with local residents and visits with local schoolchildren. Working World excursions feature behind-the-scenes “making of” experiences, illuminating destinations through their most famous exports, such as factory and farm visits. Privileged Access excursions include experiences such as a behind-the-scenes tours at Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey;” visiting St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum “behind closed doors;” a private cooking class in a Tuscan castle; an intimate organ concert in the Berlin Cathedral; and an exclusive dinner in the Churchill War Rooms in London.
From September 1, 2019, through September 30, 2019, U.S. residents can take advantage of Viking’s Anniversary Sale, offering special cruise fares on the select 2020-2021 ocean and river itineraries. For more information visit VikingCruises.com or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent.
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Were excited to bring these amazing travel deals this week. You can enjoy 5 free offers such as open bar, free wi-fi and more with Norwegian Cruise Line. You can also take a European river cruise with Avalon Waterways starting at only $2,348. Take advantage of these and many more deals below. Start packing!
Caribbean cruises offer a chance to get away to sandy beaches and exotic places to enjoy time in the sunshine, playing and relaxing.
Several of the large cruise lines operate their own private Caribbean beach destinations that put all you want right in one place, so you can simply step off your ship and right into the fun.
Where: Castaway Cay is located in the Abaco Islands chain in the northern Bahamas.
What’s There: Disney ships dock at a pier instead of tendering passengers ashore, and a shuttle service helps passengers get from the pier and around the island. Castaway Cay features beaches, lagoons for swimming and snorkeling, water play areas, scenic walking trails, open-air barbecue spots, and shops. Plus, families will enjoy the Disney character greetings and the dance party with Lilo and Stitch. Not interested in the characters and kids? You can relax on the island’s adults-only areas, as well.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Amber Cove
Where: Amber Cove is located in the very northern part of the Dominican Republic, in Puerto Plata.
What’s There: Up to two ships can dock at the pier at Amber Cove, which is a full-service port area. Passengers can go off on tours and activities away from Amber Cove or choose to spend their time enjoying the facilities. The port area is decked out with hillside and overwater bungalows for rent, a large swimming pool with swim-up bar and a lazy river, splash areas, zip lines, waterslides, and water sports rentals. Amber Cove also features shops, restaurants, and bars.
Cool Tips: The pool has plenty of loungers available, and you get excellent food and drink service there, so you can just relax and swim all day. Or head up the hill to the SkyBar for absolutely stunning 360-degree views of the port, sea and surrounding hills.
Where:Half Moon Cay is a small island located in the eastern Bahamas, about 100 miles southeast of Nassau.
What’s There: You can rent private cabanas for your beach day. Cruisers tender ashore. The island features a horse farm and stables. This offers the chance for a fun excursion during which you ride on trails, along the beach and even splash through the water on horseback. Other activities include a stingray encounter, kayaking, bike rentals, basketball court, and playground. A barbecue lunch is offered at a pavilion on the island.
Cool Tips: Bring your own snorkel gear or rent a set on the island and walk down the beach away from the crowds all the way to the point for some excellent snorkeling. If the waters are calm enough, you can get out to a small wreck and spot all kinds of tropical fish.
Where: Ocean Cay is the biggest private cruise resort, located just 65 miles from Miami on an island in the Bahamas.
What’s There: The 95-acre resort with a ship pier was made by rehabilitating a former sand-mining facility. It has more than four miles of beaches, as well as pristine lagoons, a food court, cabanas, shops, and a spa. Activities include shipwreck snorkeling, sunset cruises, and kayak tours.
Cool Tips: Your onboard internet package also works on Ocean Cay. MSC also offers drinks packages for your day in Ocean Cay, and you save 15 percent if you book online ahead of your cruise.
Where: Coco Cay is an island in the Bahamas, located about 55 miles north of Nassau.
What’s There: The resort is essentially an amusement park for cruisers. The sprawling facility was given a makeover in 2019 and features a waterpark, “Up, Up and Away” balloon ride, the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas, a wave pool, the tallest waterslide in North America and ziplines. You can book overwater cabanas and eat at five complimentary dining venues. Ships dock at a pier.
Cool Tips: Your internet and drinks packages also work when you are on the island. Use the tram services that run every 15 minutes and stops at five destinations around Coco Cay.
Where: Harvest Caye is an island located in southern Belize, a beautiful Central American country in the Western Caribbean.
What’s There: Norwegian Cruise Line’s facility offers private cabanas to rent, a large pool area with swim-up bar, The Flighthouse zipline adventure course, a saltwater lagoon for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, shops and restaurants.
Cool Tips: Ships dock at Harvest Caye, instead of tendering, and there is no included buffet lunch on the island. Some cruisers like to head back onto the ship to take advantage of the complimentary dining onboard. The port also offers a chance for a variety of shore excursions that take you to explore on the mainland of Belize.
Where: Labadee is located on the northern coast of Haiti.
What’s There: The private beach destination has a pier for the ship to dock. Attractions include numerous beach areas, private cabanas, the Dragon’s Tail coaster ride and the longest overwater zip line, the Dragon’s Breath. Labadee also features three venues offering included barbecue lunches, bars (drinks packages work at the resort) and the Arawak Aqua Park with the Dragon Splash waterslide.
Cool Tips: Wade or swim over to the small Adrenaline Floating Bar set up in the lagoon area that the ziplines fly over. It’s a great spot to enjoy the water and views back to the shoreline. Check out the Artisan Market and Artisan Village shopping areas for hand-made souvenirs from local vendors. Bring cash if you want to buy something.
What’s There: Passengers are taken ashore by tender at this destination, which offers an included beach barbecue-style lunch, colorful cabanas for rent and an observation tower. Activities include snorkeling, stingray encounters, coastal cruises, and kayak tours. You also will find a spacious beach with loungers, craft markets and the opportunities for other water activities like banana boat rides, floats, seaboards, and aqua chairs.
Cool Tips: Get off your ship early to get ashore to choose your preferred lounger (shade or sun). Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet, as the entry into the water from the shore can be a bit rocky.
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Emerald Waterways offers yoga classes as part of its EmeraldACTIVE program.
River cruises are known for offering a romantic vibe as you sail through Europe and other exotic destinations while eating plenty of fine food and savoring free-flowing wines. The chances for historical and cultural exploration also makes these voyages enriching experiences.
River cruises are growing in popularity, too. And as cruise lines seek to entice a broader variety of travelers, they have begun offering new fitness options and other activities.
An Activity Manager leads the way for Emerald Waterways’ EmeraldACTIVE program. This position serves as a kind of co-cruise director. The Activity Manager is a versatile performer who runs an entertainment and wellness-focused activities throughout your cruise. Emerald Waterways ditched the traditional piano player in the lounge in favor of a staffer who can offer a broader range of entertainment options. The line’s Activity Managers, for example, all are singers and dancers who give cabaret performances a couple of times during each cruise.
AmaWaterways’ Wellness Program features Wellness Hosts who design the fitness activities on and off the ship. The Wellness Hosts are professional trainers who lead classes, outings, and sessions for cruisers looking to keep up with their workouts or for those looking to try something new.
The fitness-focused river cruise programs offer a range of exercise classes during each sailing.
The Fitness Stuff
Emerald Waterways’ EmeraldACTIVE program offers a selection of exercise classes throughout the cruise. You might get a morning stretch or yoga class. In the afternoon, you could see a Pilates or aqua aerobics class on the schedule. Also, depending on the itinerary, the Activity Manager might organize an interesting short hike or post-lunch walk in a port stop that offers a good opportunity for these activities.
AmaWaterways’ Wellness Program has a much wider range of workout options and more frequent classes. The Wellness Host offers five to seven activities each day that you can join, including spin classes (on AmaMagna), resistance training, yoga, Pilates, morning stretch, post-lunch walks on deck and jogging opportunities in port.
The AmaWaterways Wellness Hosts are also available for personal training sessions.
Both cruise lines carry a fleet of bicycles for use during your voyage.
Facilities and Equipment
Emerald Waterways’ ships have small gyms. These small rooms have a set of light dumbbells, a recumbent bike, and a rowing machine. The Activity Manager doesn’t hold classes in there. Instead, you do morning stretch, yoga and aqua aerobics at the indoor pool area. This is a wonderfully large space.
Other wellness-focused activities like golf putting, soft petanque and Pilates are held on the Sun Deck.
AmaWaterways has treadmills on its ships, and space is a little bit larger, so some classes like abs and core-focused sessions can be held in the fitness centers. The line’s AmaMagnaship that sails on the Danube River has a big gym as part of its Zen Wellness Studio. This facility has a studio space for classes, and spin classes are held on the deck space just outside.
Both Emerald Waterways and AmaWaterways carry bikes onboard. Passengers can join guided biking excursions or sign them out for personal use.
The EmeraldACTIVE program offers fun games like soft petanque and golf putting competitions, as well as dance classes and lounge entertainment.
Number of Ways to Play
Emerald Waterways’ EmeraldACTIVE program takes it beyond fitness for a full-fledged lineup of fun stuff to keep cruisers busy and entertained throughout each day of their cruise. It’s about offering variety.
Aside from the fitness classes, the Activity Manager leads games, contests, and entertainment. Soft petanque and golf putting contests take place on the Sun Deck. In the lounge, you can join afternoon dance classes or trivia sessions. Evenings bring the cabaret shows featuring popular music of the Rat Pack or Neil Diamond, for examples, or karaoke or disco nights with DJ music.
Nighttime also comes alive in a different way with this program, as passengers get to play together and know each other in a more energetic way as led by the Activity Manager. The workouts are fairly gentle and accessible to all ages and abilities.
The program also is a great entryway for the workout-curious to have access to the needed guidance and expertise that can jump-start their new lifestyle. The dining program also incorporates fresh healthy choices marked on the menus for all meals.
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There’s nothing like a few days out at sea. You can enjoy the smell and sound of the ocean, the sun, and a large range of activities that will give your mind a break from day-to-day life. As a senior, cruises are the perfect vacation for you to do as much or as little relaxing as you want. You can play games, watch performances, and socialize throughout each day — and when you get tired of that, you can simply lay out and enjoy the sun.
Cruises are popular among seniors, who often have more time to relax but are less willing to deal with the stress that comes with traveling. However, like any other traveling experience, it helps to know a few tips and tricks. By planning and preparing carefully for your time out at sea, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip fully, ready to take on anything the cruise throws your way.
Choose Your Cruise Line Wisely
Not all cruises are made equal. Some cruises provide an experience that targets young adults who are looking to party and have a good time, and others are meant for families with young children. As a senior, you’re probably more likely to enjoy the cruises that are cultivated for a more sophisticated crowd. These often include finer dining options, classical performances, and offer a better chance for you to socialize with people who have similar interests to yours.
As you select your cruise, you should also keep your destination close in mind. Some cruises go to Europe, while others hit exotic areas of South America. Upon reaching port, some cruise lines offer excursions to other nearby cities. While this can provide exciting opportunities to hit the fun towns you’ve been eager to visit, you should always be careful and follow the buddy system. Most cruises take guests to safe areas, but if you roam too far, you might get lost.
Some cities are actually safer overall than they get credit for. While various cities, especially in Central and South America, have been dangerous in the past, this is often a product of temporary social or political turmoil. Cities like Cancun, Mexico, have been popular drug cartel areas in the past, using tourists looking for drugs as a source of revenue. However, Cancun is now far less dangerous than several cities in the U.S. where murder rates are high.
Avoid the Crowds
Cruise ships carry hundreds to thousands of passengers on board, which means it can get a little crowded at certain points during the cruise. At the beginning of the cruise, passengers will usually do one of two things: They either flock to the dining room to get a taste of the menu, or they’ll begin touring the ship. As a senior, you probably don’t want to be surrounded by tons of people eagerly jostling one way or the other. Therefore, it’s best to avoid these busy times.
If you want to tour the ship as soon as you get in, you might want to start at the top and work your way down since most people do the opposite. Similarly, it may be best to avoid the dining room right as you board and give it a minute to clear out before seeing what tasty meals are on the menu.
While much of this socializing is amiable and easygoing, some seniors may be looking for romance on these trips. With the help of modern dating apps like Tinder, Grindr, and Bumble, meeting people is now easier than it’s ever been. However, sudden sexual encounters with people you’re unfamiliar with can pose health issues if you’re not being safe. These apps are a factor for the increase in STDs today. Therefore, it’s important to take precautionary measures to avoid contracting an STD during your cruise.
Further, risky behavior with strangers always leaves individuals vulnerable to potential sexual assault and injury — sometimes with fatal consequences. If an individual dies on a cruise, their family members may be left with some legal questions, and it may be difficult to recoup their loss in regards to pain and suffering.
If this frightens you away from the concept of taking a cruise vacation, remember that cruise providers are generally absolutely invested in protecting their customers. Because cruise lines may be held liable for the sexual assault carried out by a passenger, they typically implement security measures to prevent it from occurring. Nevertheless, it still happens, and it’s unwise to let your guard down even while on vacation.
We had beautiful sunsets every night during our Hawaii cruise with UnCruise Adventures.
Hawaii is a picture of paradise, and a cruise voyage offers a special way to see the islands.
For travelers who are also nature-lovers and like to stay active, UnCruise Adventures features water-intensive expedition cruises that sail from Molokai on the 36-passenger Safari Explorer. These cruises offer something quite different than the traditional sailings from major cruise lines that visit the Hawaiian Islands.
We were able to watch fresh poi being prepared before giving it a taste while visiting Halawa Valley on Molokai.
Time on Molokai
UnCruise is the lone cruise line to visit this pristine island of just more than 7,000 residents. Molokai is the fifth–largest island in the chain and has one hotel, Hotel Molokai, which serves as the hospitality center for UnCruise. Voyages sail roundtrip from the harbor on Molokai, and passengers get to experience time hiking in the Halawa Valley and visiting with residents living off the grid there in what is the oldest continuously settled region of the entire island chain. This is where the Polynesians first came to the islands and settled around 650 AD.
Daily activities take you to remote locations to enjoy wild Hawaii. We spotted these green sea turtles in a quiet lagoon.The gorgeous coastline of the Big Island.
These views are available just steps from your bed.Safari Explorer caries just 36 passengers.
Small-Ship Intimacy
The cruises typically sail with 20 to 30 passengers, so you don’t deal with crowds. The ship also is free of any frills, and the entertainment is simply good conversation with like-minded travelers or views of blue skies, gorgeous sunsets or the frequent bow-riding dolphin pod. Days are filled with activities, and meals include lively conversation discussing all that you do or see. Your cruise fare includes drinks, so the bar and lounge area also are popular gathering spots at the end of the night for enrichment talks and as a way to wind down with new friends.
Hotel manager Jose and bar tender Jessica kept passengers smiling all week with friendly service.Every day delivered us a special adventure in this tropical paradise among new friends.
Sailing with Family
Passengers and crew get to know each other quickly and form great bonds. You are out and about each day with your expedition leaders, fellow passengers and other crew who also get to participate in the daily activities. UnCruise has a crew of about 15 people onboard, and the person who serves your meal might also clean your cabin and be out kayaking or snorkeling with you, too. It’s a brilliant time among friendly people who love the outdoors and really care about nature.
We’re all suited up and ready for our night snorkel session.
Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays
One of the truly one-of-a-kind experiences is the chance to go out for a night-time snorkel to see manta rays. The excursion has you get into a wet suit and drop in at a noted feeding place where these gentle giants come to feed on plankton. They estimate a 50-50 chance that you’ll get to see them (we didn’t), but you do get to witness feeding schools of fish, and we even enjoyed a rare glimpse of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal during our session. Guides lead the way as you simply hang on to a modified surfboard outfitted with lights to draw the plankton. We hovered at the surface as hundreds of fish swirled around us, and the ethereal scene was made complete by dozens of scuba divers below releasing clouds of bubbles to the surface.
It’s all about the water sports on the summer itinerary in Hawaii.Safari Explorer features a marina on the back of the ship that serves as a launching area for daily excursions.
True Expedition
Activities include near-daily snorkeling sessions, frequent kayaking, skiff tours, wooden canoe paddling in Kona, hiking outings and cultural tours and free time in the towns and villages. Sailing can be rough as you cross the Maui channel back and forth between Maui and the Island of Hawaii. Cabins are small and austere. The in-room TV has a documentary running on a loop and a DVD player (the ship has a large library of movies).
Meals are prepared made to order every day.Cookies and other tasty pastries were available every afternoon in the lounge.
Authentic Cuisine
Food is the third prong of the experience that makes the UnCruise journey so incredible. You have the activities, the people and the meals, which are made from scratch daily using locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. I regularly heard from passengers how they have never had better food any of their previous trips, and many of us regularly ordered a “half and half” meal, choosing half sizes of two menu options because they both sounded so good. The chef and crew also were great in accommodating diets and special requests. Breads and pastries are made fresh onboard by a pastry chef and serve as a highlight. (Don’t skip the afternoon cookie hour.)
The cuisine also touches on true Hawaiian meals, with a chance to eat freshly made poi on the Halawa Valley tour and an end-of-cruise pa’ina (traditional Hawaiian feast) on Molokai.
We were visited almost daily by pods of dolphins.Passengers can try their hands at paddling a traditional wooden canoe in Kona.You can jump right in for a swim from the ship’s B Deck, some 20 feet above the water.You never get tired of being out in the sunshine and on the blue waters of Hawaii.
A Weeklong Excursion
While large cruise ships offer a large range of excursions to pick from as you visit larger cities in Hawaii, an UnCruise Adventures sailing is essentially a weeklong excursion itself. The ship has a swim step that you can jump off to splash around in the blue waters at the back of the ship. Many passengers also had a blast jumping from the second deck, plunging themselves into the waters from more than 20 feet up.
Light Packing
I mean really light. I thought I had nailed it by coming with my swim trunks, couple pair of shorts, swim shirt, a few athletic shirts and short-sleeve shirts. I also had two pair of shoes and my socks and underwear. That still was probably too much. Barefoot is the standard footwear choice onboard, even at dinner, so I had too many socks and an extra pair of shoes that I didn’t really need. Also, toiletries and reef–safe sunscreen are provided. So, this really is a low-key and hassle-free vacation.
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Porto, Portugal old town skyline from across the Douro River.
Porto is a coastal city of Portugal, and the mercantile city with business and trade is a World Heritage site. The historic city is famed for its stately bridges and port wines as well as the narrow-cobbled streets lined with charming houses and cafes.
Are you planning a trip to Porto? Well, if you really want to experience an authentic vacation and enjoy the rich and varied heritage of the city, then take a tour with locals from Withlocals. With a well-planned and guided trip under an experienced and knowledgeable guide, you can sure make the most out of your Porto trip and see so much of the city in just a few days.
Spend some time along the Porto’s riverside
Get ready for picturesque sights and great fun as you head for the piazza. This is where the tourists and locals mingle and enjoy the riverside walk. The boat ride will offer a perfect shot of the iconic Luís I Bridge. You will find bars and restaurants around every corner.
Visit the Port houses
Port is famous for its Port wine, and if you are a wine lover, you will find no shortage of Port houses along the banks of the river. Some of the famous names include Ramos Pintos, Vasconcello’s, Quinta do Noval, Calem, Kopke, Sandeman, and more.
A great day at Serralves Museum & Villa
Take a tour of Serralves Museum & Villa that was built in the early 20th century. The elegant villa is considered to be an Art Deco property, and its luxurious interiors are done by the famous designers like Charles Siclis. The museum & villa look perfect with well-planned terraced grounds and regimented lawns and pergolas.
Enjoy traditional Portuguese music
Fado, the Portuguese style of music is immensely popular among the locals as well as the tourists. This is your chance to blend with the local culture and enjoy the traditional music at popular shows or local restaurants and bars.
Walk over the Luís I Bridge
The Luís I Bridge is an iconic and industrial symbol for Porto. The twin-level metal bridge was made by the German engineer Théophile Seyrig, and it was in 1886 that the arched bridge was open to public. Cross the rocky banks of the Douro and get a bird’s eye view of the Cais da Ribeira from the bridge.
A trip to Douro Valley
Ask your local tour guide to plan a trip to the Douro Valley. The region is famous for grape farms and harvesting. Spend a whole day here to enjoy the beautiful valley and do not miss the chance to savor the authentic and rustic Portuguese cuisine. One of the must do if you are visiting Portugal.
Spend some time at Church of São Francisco
The Church of São Francisco was completed in 1425 and is major tourist attractions. It is the last Gothic monument in Porto. The interiors which were redone in 1500s to the 1700s carry the most lavish gilded woodwork. The ornate portal located in the main façade boasts of a lovely rose window. There is intricate decoration and carving on the old Gothic vaults, walls, and pillars.
Take a Douro River Cruise
The two-hour boat ride down the Douro river is a popular activity among the tourists. Catch the boat from the waterfront in Pinhao and take a tour of the valley from a different perspective. Enjoy the sights of Port production facilities as well as the terraced hillside covered with vineyards.
A realign time at Praça da Liberdade
Head for Santo Ildefonso to spend some quality time at Praça da Liberdade. You will love the grand open spaces of this square that belongs to the 18th century but carries a new urban layout. The equestrian statue of Pedro I of Brazil stands there to remind of a truly democratic reformer. The square is lined with designer boutiques, great cafes, and civic buildings.
Enjoy a Francesinha Sandwich
Francesinha Sandwich is named after a French emigrant and originated in the 60s here. Made with bread, the sandwich is stuffed with fresh sausage, ham, and steak and then covered with melted cheese. A tomato- and beer-based gravy is poured on top, and the sandwich is then served with French fries and a local beer. You must taste the Francesinha Sandwich at Cafe Santiago before your leave Porto.
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While we all love the idea of a slightly seedy basement poker game being played by crusty old men chomping on cigars, drinking beers and chewing the fat, the games that really capture the imagination are the ones with the glitz and the glamour – the sort of game where you wouldn’t be surprised to see Daniel Craig rock up in a tux.
In the popular imagination it’s the high-end casinos that play home to these glamorous games, but while they do host some of the greats at venues like The Bellagio in Las Vegas or The Venetian in Macau, one sometimes overlooked place to play a hand or two of Texas Hold ‘Em is on a boat – both the luxury yachts and palatial cruise ships.
Photo by Clifford Photos
One very obvious advantage to these games is that if you live (or are holidaying in) a country or state that doesn’t allow gambling or poker, all a boat has to do is sail a few miles off shore and voila, the game becomes legal. It’s fairly common, in fact, for US states where gambling isn’t legal to have day cruises that exist specifically for their passengers to gamble in international waters, free of on-land legislation. Hop on, wait an hour or so for the boat to get away from the coast and you’re off to the races.
Arguably the best games, however, are against the more luxurious backdrop of holiday cruise ships that breeze about on the open ocean, occasionally calling into port for an hour or two on a beautiful island or stretch of coast. Many of the big ships have casinos and poker is growing in popularity there. They range from big money expert games (big name players like Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer have been found on some of them) to much more easygoing games that would be great for a beginner (if that’s you, get a handle on your poker slang before you set sail). So, whichever end of the spectrum you fall on, here are some of the best games going on the high seas.
Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Cruise Line
A popular line that includes entertainment ranging from mega star tribute acts to spectacular circus performances and, of course, its own onboard casino. It’s a Vegas-themed affair, with slots, blackjack, roulette and craps alongside the poker. It also has a Sea Players Club that gets you perks like free drinks while you play and once a year there’s the annual Poker Challenge for the best players to try their hands at.
This year they’re hosting their sixth annual Norwegian Poker Challenge aboard the Norwegian Getaway. It’s a seven-day cruise with a $400,000 main event and five additional tournaments, as well as daily cash events. 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event champion and 2018 Main Event Final player Joe Cada will be there, as will Loni Harwood.
This 13 ft. high replica of the Statue of Liberty at the heart of the casino and a newly designed expansive retail and entertainment area, aptly named Times Square.
Card Player Cruises
As the name suggests, this is a cruise service that has one goal in mind – draw in poker enthusiasts. In 2017 they celebrated 25 years in the business. In that time, they’d hosted upwards of 175 poker cruises with more than 50,000 players on board. They say that’s more poker cruises than all the other poker cruise companies combined, though we haven’t had time to count!
The Best Poker on the High Seas: Your Guide to Cruise Ship Poker 63
World Poker Showdown
This one’s for the slightly more serious player, but still a fun and relaxed time whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the tables or not. These are the cruises where famous players like Greg Raymer and Chris Moneymaker have played a few hands. Tournaments range from manageable $100 buy-ins to $2,500 if you think you’re up to playing in the cruise’s championship event.
This year’s event sails on September 1st and runs to the 9th, taking in the Mediterranean. There will be a full complement of cash games including the likes of No-Limit Hold ‘Em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo 8-Or-Better and more and games at limits from $1-$2 to $2-$5, depending on the demand.
Celebrity Cruises is one of the brands that’s a bit more forward-looking on their technology. Most of their ships have a Fortune casino on board, but they also have tables covering almost every type of poker game. The icing on the cake, however, is that they even have an app that you can download to play casino games anywhere on board while you’re out in international waters.
Pool Deck
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines is popular for any number of reasons right now, but among them is its poker offering. It offers everything from three card tables to high tech Texas Hold ‘Em, with a mixture of nice and low minimum bets and tables for the high rollers out there that offer juicy high stakes, as well as onboard tournaments for those wanting to make a big experience of their time at the table.
They also boast other table games including roulette, craps, blackjack and more, with slot machines for anyone fancying a nice laid-back experience. If you’re going to be spending a fair bit of time at the tables, they also offer membership to the Carnival Player’s Club which gives you points that can be traded for bonuses like free drinks while you play.
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The internet and its widespread use have changed the way we receive news, the way we communicate, and the least but not least the way we entertain ourselves. Nowadays there are many ways to get entertained online and many of these activities can be done on a mobile devices, as well as on a desktop computer, so it doesn’t really matter where you are located, as long as you have a stable connection on your device.
Whether you like playing games, watching movies and videos, listening to music, the list is almost endless. For instance, there’s a variety of different online bingo games you can play, watch the latest movie trailers on YouTube, or read some interesting articles on your favourite online magazine.
What Are Virtual Cruises
They say that the internet is our window to the world. You can discover various parts of the world, you can study ancient civilisations and their ways without leaving your room. All of that has little or no applicability to cruises, you might think. After all, you can’t cruise the world on the internet. Interestingly, this is both true and false. Yes, you can cruise the world online and no, that’s not actually cruising the world. Don’t worry, we’ll expand on that and give you a bit of clarity on the matter.
There are few cruise companies that offer virtual cruises to their potential customers. These virtual cruises are actually recordings of the places that are included in the actual cruises in the order in which they are visited on the actual cruise. Of course, if the real cruise lasts two weeks, the virtual cruise wouldn’t last that long.
You will not get seasick when watching the video, but it will give you a clearer perspective of what you can expect. And even if the cruise you’re thinking of booking doesn’t feature a virtual video version, you can create your own virtual cruise.
You may wonder how, but it is actually very simple. Check all the locations that are included in the cruise map and then look for videos of those locations taken from sea/the riverside, or better yet, use Google Maps and discover the locations directly. This will give you a much better perspective of the sites and locations that you will have a chance to visit if you choose that particular cruise.
We explained how a virtual cruise can help you choose, now let’s have a look at the criteria that you should take in consideration when choosing a cruise. It is a topic that is frequently discussed by cruise aficionados, but it is always good to bear these things in mind when choosing a cruise.
If you have a clear picture how much you’re willing to spend, you will be able to narrow down your options and that makes things a lot easier.
Next, you’ll need to decide on a location, and the options are limitless here. Some people prefer to choose a continent or a region first and then go through the possible options, whereas others prefer to pick the type of cruise they’d like to go on and then choose the location based on that.
Your age will play a role too, some cruises are more suitable for the elderly, whereas others are aimed at younger individuals. Your marital status, i.e. whether you’re going with a partner or alone and whether you’re taking kids with you is another issue that will affect your options.
But regardless how many boxes you tick, there will always be plenty of options, so perhaps the best advice is – once you set your criteria and know your range, simply follow your heart and choose the location that looks most appealing to you and you’re travel companions if you’re going with company.
Brought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts
Brought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from
