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Viking Ocean Cruises Named #1 Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure Readers

Win by Newcomer Viking Ocean Cruises Ends Competitor’s 20-Year Winning Streak 

Viking Star's Atrium
Viking Star’s Atrium

In its first year of service, Viking Ocean Cruises has been named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2016 World’s Best Awards. Viking launched its first ocean ship, Viking Star®, in April 2015, and this win comes on the heels of the new cruise line launching its second ocean ship, Viking Sea®, in April 2016. Viking’s win of the #1 Ocean Cruise Line unseats luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises, which held the title in the category for 20 years in a row. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are based on results from an annual survey, where readers are asked to cast their votes for the very best in cruising with considerations in the following cruise features: cabins/facilities, restaurants/food, service, itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and value.  Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on shelves in July; the full results of the awards can be found at http://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.

“Viking is the world’s leading river cruise line, and we are pleased to now be the world’s best ocean cruise line,” said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises. “We launched Viking Ocean Cruises to reinvent the category. We have a unique approach to destination-focused ocean cruising that is built upon our success in river cruising, and awards like this demonstrate that our approach is working. Thank you to our guests and the readers of Travel + Leisure for this great honor.”

Viking Star's Pool
Viking Star’s Pool

Viking Ocean Cruises is quickly amassing industry awards. The company’s second ocean vessel, Viking Sea, was recently awarded a top rating of five stars by Cruise Critic, a distinction previously bestowed to Viking Star – which was also named “Best New Ocean Ship” of 2015 in Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Picks Awards. Additionally, the ship received three top awards in the 6th Annual Cruisers’ Choice Awards and was the highest rated ship in its category in the 2016 version of “cruising bible,” Berlitz’s Cruising and Cruise Ships guidebook.  Viking will welcome two additional ships in 2017, Viking Sky® and Viking Sun®, whose maiden voyage will be a 141-day world cruise spanning 5 continents, 35 countries and 66 ports. Two remaining, yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in 2018 and 2020.

The Viking Difference

Viking.Star.IstanbulDesigned for discerning travelers, Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that facilitate engagement with the cultures of the world. Ships are small allowing privileged access to smaller ports and getting guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights and fewer days at sea. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the mostal fresco dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

Viking Star's Aquavit
Viking Star’s Aquavit

In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—an included value of more than $200 per person, per day.

Booking Details

From now through July 31, 2016, Viking is offering U.S. residents a Special Savings Discount on 2017 and 2018 Ocean Cruises, with up to $1,000 off air per person. Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464).

Viking Announces Ten New Ocean Cruise Itineraries Starting In 2017

Viking Ocean Balcony Deals
Viking Star's Pool

30 New Ports of Call, Including Havana, Now Available on Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises has announced the addition of 10 new itineraries to its offerings for 2017 and 2018 sailings. Adding more than 30 ports of call to Viking’s portfolio, the new itineraries will explore destinations throughout Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, including Cuba.

“As we continue to grow our fleet, we have more opportunities to offer guests new and different options for experiencing the Viking way of destination-focused cruising, an approach that is completely unique in the industry,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “Our guests are experienced travelers who are curious about the great art, history and cultures of the world, which is why we design our ships and itineraries to help immerse them in the destinations they visit.”

New 2017-2018 Itineraries                                                  

Viking’s new ocean itineraries will bring guests to more iconic destinations around the world, providing rich cultural experiences with each port of call. With sailings from Bergen, London, New York, Puerto Rico, Venice and more, guests can choose itineraries ranging from eight-day to 22-day multi-country sailings. Full details on the new 2017 – 2018 offerings can be found on Viking’s website here; new ocean itineraries include:

  • The Chef's Table
    The Chef’s Table aboard Viking Star

    Trade Routes of the Middle Ages – (From Bergen to Barcelona; Sailing on Viking Star, September 2017; May 2018) – During this 15-day itinerary, guests will follow the trade routes of the Middle Ages. Setting sail from Bergen, Norway, guests will explore a total of seven different countries and 10 ports with storied naval histories including Amsterdam, Paris, and two ports each in England, Portugal and Spain. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,999 per person.           

  • Venice, the Adriatic and Greece – (From Venice to Athens; Sailing onViking Sun and Viking Spirit, October 2017; July – August 2018) – Guests will walk the cobbled streets of four countries and seven cities along the Adriatic Sea coast, as they cruise from Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece. The eight-day itinerary, starts with two days in Venice, where guests can stroll the alleyways and learn about the city’s glassmaking tradition before calling on Croatia, Montenegro and the many ancient sites of Greece to follow. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,499 per person.
  • South America and the Caribbean – (From San Juan to San Juan; Sailing on Viking Sea and Viking Sky, October – December 2017; January – March 2018)Experience the Caribbean’s most southerly ports during this 11-day itinerary, taking in the rich cultures and bright colors of six countries and seven ports. As guests cruise the Caribbean, they’ll take in the lively ports of San Juan, Puerto Rico and historic Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, while also visiting the turquoise blue waters of Aruba and Curacao. This itinerary will also call on ports in South America including Cartagena and Santa Maria, Columbia and Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,199 per person.
  • Viking Star's Explorer's Suite
    Viking Star’s Explorer’s Suite

    New York, Bermuda and the Western Indies – (From New York to San Juan; Sailing on Viking Sea and Viking Sky, October 2017; September 2018) – Guests will set sail from New York and continue down to the Caribbean during this 15-day cruise, which visits a total of nine countries and ports. Starting in “The City That Never Sleeps,” guests will soon be exploring the vibrant tropical destinations of Bermuda, Guadeloupe, St. Kitt’s, St. Martin, St. Thomas and more. Adding to the scenic views, guests can explore these port of call’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,599 per person.

  • Iconic Cities of the Western Mediterranean – (From Barcelona to Rome; Sailing on Viking Sun and Viking Spirit, November – December 2017; January – February, April, July and September 2018) – The French Riviera and Italy’s renaissance treasures take center stage as guests embark on this eight-day Mediterranean itinerary. Guests will explore iconic ports including Barcelona, the resort town of St. Tropez, the glamour of Monte Carlo and cities throughout the rolling hills of Tuscany, before saying farewell in Rome. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $1,999 per person.
  • Central American Shores and Cuba – (From Miami to Miami; Sailing onViking Sun, December 2017) – Guests will experience the diversity of the Western Caribbean during this eight-day itinerary through four countries and five ports. Spending two days in Havana, guests will stroll the colonial streets and engage in authentic Cuban experiences. Followed by ports of call in Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City, Belize for crystal-clear snorkeling opportunities or mysterious Mayan ruins. Finally, take in all the offerings of carefree Key West with its historical US landmarks before returning to Miami. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,499 per person.
  • Viking Star - Winter GardenFrom the Caribbean to the Amazon – (From San Juan to San Juan; Sailing on Viking Sea, December 2017) – A truly unique itinerary, guests on this 22-day cruise experience a rich variety of ports throughout the Caribbean and South America, including sailing into the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil. From the jungle along the Amazon River, guests will call on ports where they will enjoy the blue waters and Caribbean island culture including Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and more. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,999 per person.
  • Southern Mediterranean Discovery – (From Rome to Barcelona; Sailing on Viking Star, December 2017; January – March 2018) – An eight-day cultural sojourn throughout the southern Mediterranean, guests will enjoy an enriching experience as they visit timeless Rome, sample local produce in Sicily or marvel at the medieval structures in Sardinia. Guests will also get a taste of modern-day Tunis and the Casbah of Algiers, before ending their cruise in the vibrant cities of Valencia and Barcelona, Spain. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $1,999 per person.
  • Viking Star's Library
    Viking Star’s Library

    British Isles Explorer – (From Bergen to London; Sailing on Viking Sun, May and August 2018) Exploring the British Isles from north to south, guests will be immersed in the rich cultures and cosmopolitan treasures during this 15-day cruise as they visit ports including: remote Viking outposts of Shetland and Orkney Islands, the legendary Scottish Highlands, uniquely beautiful Wales, and the vibrant cities of Dublin, London, Bergen and more. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,999 per person.

  • Italian Sojourn – (From Rome to Venice; Sailing on Viking Sun andViking Spirit, April and July-August 2018) Stopping at a total of seven ports between Italy and Croatia, guests will take an Italian journey to some of the most culturally significant cities. Starting in the Eternal City of Rome and continuing onto Naples, where guests will enjoy its world famous culinary delights, Sicily to take in views of Mt. Etna and the Mediterranean, and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bari, Italy and Sibenik, Croatia. This eight-day itinerary culminates in the picturesque Venice port. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,599 per person.
The Explorers Lounge
Viking Star’s Explorer’s Lounge

Viking’s fourth ship, Viking Sun, will set sail on its maiden voyage in December 2017 for the company’s first-ever world cruise, spanning 141-days and visiting five continents, 35 countries and 66 ports. Sailing from Miami to London, this epic Viking journey will explore the world’s legendary cities, ports and will allow guests to immerse themselves in the rich cultures around the world.

Viking’s ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, boast 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. Viking will welcome Viking Sky and Viking Sun, the company’s third and fourth ship, in early and late 2017, respectively. Viking Spirit will be delivered in 2018; the yet-to-be-named sixth ship will be delivered in 2020. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean fleet features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design.

The Viking Difference

Viking Star's Atrium
Viking Star’s Atrium

Designed for discerning travelers, Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that bring them closer to the cultures of the world. Ships are small allowing privileged access to smaller ports and getting guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights and fewer days at sea.  Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the most al fresco dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

Viking Star's Aquavit Infinity Pool
Viking Star’s Aquavit Infinity Pool

Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—a value of more than $1,200 per person for an average cruise.

How To Book

Prices for the new itineraries start at $1,999 per person. From now through June 30, 2016, Viking is offering U.S. residents an Early Booking Discount on 2017 and 2018 departures: 2-for-1 cruise fares, plus take up to $1,000 off air per person. Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464).

Trek Travel & Scenic Cruises To Offer Bike Cruises In 2017

SCENIC_D90_leanne020Trek Travel, an active vacation company specializing in cycling vacations, has teamed up with luxury river cruise company, Scenic , to offer two new bike and river cruise trips in 2017.

New itineraries feature a bicycling and river cruise on the Danube with stops in Nuremberg, Germany and Budapest, Hungary and a bike and cruise itinerary from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands on the Rhine River.

“Scenic is known for their all-inclusive luxury service standards and custom designed ‘Space-Ships,’” said Trek Travel President Tania Burke.  “We are thrilled to be working with this outstanding company to offer the best river cruise cycling vacations in the industry, trips that highlight the famous cultural sites, countryside and epicurean delights that can be found along these iconic rivers.”

Scenic Jasper
Scenic Jasper

Guests on a Trek Travel River Cruise can enjoy an all-inclusive experience that features spectacular on board amenities as well as personal butler service, laundry concierge, unlimited beverages and in-suite mini bar, sun deck with vitality pool, 24-hour room service, deluxe cruise accommodation in Diamond Deck staterooms featuring balcony suites, plus the use of a Trek Domaine 5.9 carbon road bike or Trek FX Hybrid, daily route support, certified Trek Travel bicycling guides and additional shore excursions provided by Scenic and Trek Travel in every port.

Danube River Cruise, 8-days, 7-nights

Discover the Danube on this seven-night luxury cruise that 17Scenic-DiamondDeck-BalconySuitemeanders through enchanting landscapes around the shores of this mighty, historic river.  Beginning in Nuremberg or Budapest, daily rides meander through the timbered hamlets of Furth and Erlangen, sampling local beers from the area which boats the highest density of breweries in the world, cycling through the vineyards of the Wachau Region, discovering Vienna’s most loved cycling routes including the heavily forested range of hills known as the Vienna Woods, and to Budapest to explore the Buda hills, taking in the rich architecture on the historical west side.  Other optional tours offered by Scenic, which Trek Travel guests can enjoy, include a walking tour oSCENIC_D90_leanne013f Cesky Krumlov or Salzburg, a Budapest city tour or thermal baths and spa experience and a Scenic-exclusive concert in the Liechtenstein Palace.

Priced from $6,499 per person, this all-inclusive eight-day, seven-night trip is offered May 10 – 17, May 22 – 29, May 31 – June 7, June 26 – July 3, and July 26 – August 3, 2017.  Daily rides between 15 and 60 miles a day with up to 2,600 feet of climbing.  Guests will cruise on the Scenic Amber or Jade.

Rhine River Cruise, 8 Days, 7-Nights

The epicurean and cultural delights of the Rhine River on this 7-night adventure which begins in Basel, Switzerland and ends in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Visiting four countries, this trip stops at the major cities of SCE0037_Sun_Deck_D3X0613_V02 2Strasbourg, France, Koblenz and Cologne, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands.  Highlights for bicyclists include cycling the Alsace wine route tasting Rieslings and Pinot Gris along the way, pedaling the beautiful Rhine Gorge with its castle and vineyard dotted landscape, discovering the bike trails of Cologne and a cheese tasting tour through Amsterdam’s countryside. Other optional tours offered by Scenic, which Trek Travel guests can enjoy, include a Scenic-exclusive private tour and classical concert at the Baroque period Mannheim Palace, a “Sweet Tastes” tour of Heidelberg and a trip to the fairy tale town of Cochem.

Priced from $6,599 per person, based on double occupancy, the eight-day, seven-night trip is offered June 12 – 19 and August 16 – 23, 2017. Daily rides from 20 to 50 miles with up to 3000 feet of climbing. Guests will cruise on the Scenic Jewel or Opal.

Learn More About SCENIC River Cruises:

 

Experience Luxury Amazon Cruises in Peru with Aqua Expeditions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3LVHX1TCvM

Aqua ExpeditionsIn just nine years, Aqua Expeditions has become a recognized leader in small ship cruising on the world’s greatest rivers. The realization of founder Francesco Galli Zugaro’s dream, the architect-designed, custom-built 12-suite Aqua Amazon and 16-suite Aria Amazon brought luxury cruising to the Amazon River in Peru, offering travelers professionally guided nature-based adventures combined with sophisticated 5-star boutique hotel accommodations and gourmet cuisine.
For more information, please visit www.aquaexpeditions.com.

 

Princess Cruises Begins Sailing To Trinidad & Tobago’s In 2017-2018

Nylon Pool Tobago
Nylon Pool Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago’s popularity as a port of call continues to grow as Princess Cruises announces its Maracas_Trinidad - Trinidad & Tobago Tourism Development Company2017-2018 Americas cruise calendar that includes sailings to the dual-island nation.

Princess Cruises will offer several Caribbean vacation packages in 2017-2018 and will launch a new 14-day Circle Caribbean itinerary out of Fort Lauderdale that includes stops in Trinidad and other Caribbean islands in addition to a stop at the cruise line’s private beach resort, Princess Cays. Princess Cruises will also be returning its seven-day Caribbean routes with visits to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean regions on Regal Princess, while Crown Princess will alternate eight-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries and five-day getaways to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Pacific Princess will also launch a 14-day “Caribbean Connoisseur” voyage with stopovers in Tobago, St Croix, Nevis, Guadeloupe and Virgin Gorda.

“As the amount of visiting ships grow in number, so too are the variety of on-shore activities and tours available for cruise passengers on both islands.” explains Keith Chin, Chief Executive Officer at the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad & Tobago. “Cruise ship passengers disembarking on our unique islands can enjoy live local entertainment, a variety of island and community tour options and free Wi-Fi, all in a safe and secure environment.”

Some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships added Trinidad and Tobago to their itineraries for the 2015-2016 cruise season, including the MSC Cruises, MSC Orchestra with a capacity of over 2,000 passengers and the World Odyssey which functions as both a travelling university and residential home to over 700 undergraduate students. The Saga Sapphire and Seven Ocean Princess also made a return to Trinidad & Tobago’s waters during the 2015-2016 season.

Adventure of the Seas Scheduled To Recieve A $61M Revitalization

Adventure of the Seas
Adventure of the Seas

Guests Can Embark on a Reinvented Adventure from San Juan, Puerto Rico Beginning November 2016

Get ready Royal Caribbean International will debut a robust array of all-new thrills and enhancements onboard Adventure of the Seas this November, including new dual racer waterslides, Cyclone and Typhoon, the popular FlowRider surf simulator, and a children’s aquapark, Splashaway Bay. In addition, guests will enjoy a new lineup of culinary and entertainment venues with Izumi Japanese Cuisine, the brand’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille and Boleros Latin Lounge. The ship also will receive more than 100 new staterooms, a refresh of all existing staterooms and a brand new Suites Lounge for the luxury traveler.

The reinvented Adventure is Royal Caribbean’s fifth ship to undergo revitalization, and at $61 million this will be the brand’s largest investment yet. The massive project will introduce some of the trademark innovations the cruise line is known for, bringing the best of Royal Caribbean onboard.

“We are thrilled to debut an array of new enhancements to one of our guest’s most beloved ships,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The name Adventure says it all; this ship is packed with action, featuring a mix of signature features and innovations, including thrilling new waterslides and VOOM, the fastest internet at sea.”

Adventure of the Seas offers vacationers a chance to explore the Caribbean even deeper with itineraries, sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the most sought-after spots in the Southern Caribbean, including Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Johns, Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Other features offered on the Voyager-class ship include the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, three pools including the adults-only Solarium, a rock climbing wall, basketball court, Windjammer Café, Johnny Rockets and the three-story Main Dining Room. Adventure also delivers exhilarating entertainment options, with complimentary Broadway-style entertainment in the main theater, ice-skating shows in Studio B, and the lively Royal Promenade with its parties, parades, dance and shopping outlets.

Holland America Line Collaborates with Top Sushi Chef, Andy Matsuda

Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda
Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda Koningsdam - Holland America Line

 

Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda
Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda
Koningsdam – Holland America Line

Holland America Line’s shipboard chefs are learning from the best in a collaboration with renowned Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda. Not only will Matsuda share his knowledge and train the shipboard chefs to ensure that the cruise line’s staff is at the forefront of sushi trends and techniques, but four of his signature rolls will be featured on the dinner menu at Tamarind, the award winning Asian-fusion restaurant on board several Holland America Line ships.

The Japanese-born chef brings more than 35 years of sushi-making experience and 15 years of teaching to the premium cruise line, and he began his collaboration and training aboard the line’s newest ship, ms Koningsdam. At Matsuda’s Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles, California, he teaches aspiring chefs and professionals from all over the world about sushi and Japanese cuisine. More than 1,300 graduates of the institute have gone on to careers in sushi restaurants or have become restaurateurs themselves.

“Sushi is extremely popular with our guests, and creating it is an art form that requires specific skills, techniques and in-depth training,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “We are excited to collaborate with an expert of Chef Matsuda’s caliber to ensure that our chefs are creating the most exceptional sushi at sea. Anyone who enjoys sushi is going to be very impressed by the presentation and flavors in his creations.”

Guests can enjoy Matsuda’s four signature rolls on Tamarind’s dinner menu. They are a Tempura Lobster Roll with lobster tail, unagi sauce, avocado and asparagus; Nigiri Seared Salmon with green olives and capers; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce, avocado and asparagus; and Nigiri Tuna Zuke with yuzu-flavored tuna and guacamole sauce. Tamarind is on boHolland America Line logo. ard ms Koningsdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Eurodam.

The Asian-fusion Tamarind restaurant also serves sushi selections on the full dinner menu. Selections feature Spider Roll with soft shell crab tempura, California Roll, Tsutsumi Roll with snapper and avocado, Spicy Tuna Roll, Veggie Rainbow Roll, Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis, and Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp. Tamarind on ms Koningsdam also features a sushi counter with eight seats where guests can enjoy watching the chefs prepare the fresh sushi.

Matsuda learned the joy of cooking at his family’s Japanese restaurant when he was a child, and he went on to have an apprenticeship at Genpachi, one of the most famous restaurants in Osaka, Japan, before bringing his sushi skills to Los Angeles. Following a battle with cancer he sought a deeper understanding of the relationship between food, health, people and the environment, which he then parlayed into becoming one of the world’s foremost sushi experts.

Matsuda joins Holland America Line’s elite list of food and beverage collaborators who are the leading authorities in their fields. The line recently announced a partnership with Master Mixologist Dale “King Cocktail” DeGroff, and their esteemed Culinary Council is led by Holland America Line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, who is joined by renowned international chefs Mark Best, Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner and Jacques Torres.

For more information call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

6 Photo Tips That Have Nothing To Do With Photos

One obvious use for just about any brand of smartphone is taking pictures. Remembering to use this device to your advantage, though, is another matter. That will require integrating your smartphone into what you do and how you approach travel. For example, here are six photo tips that are must-do photo opportunities.

  1. Cruise CompeteTake a photo of your hotel—Before going on a walk or cab ride, take a photo of your hotel, including any signage that indicates where it is and its name. Truly, a ‘picture is worth a thousand words’ in any language. Bringing along the telephone number of your hotel is also a good idea.
  2. Take a photo of where you parked- This one is really good for at home too. If just a level of the parking lot or slot number of where you parked does not trigger instant recall of where the car is, shoot photos of other landmarks on the way like elevator buttons pushed to get inside the terminal so you can reverse steps later.
  3. Photograph your checked luggage- Make it part of packing to follow this plan: Pack, then unpack and photograph everything in your luggage. Repack then photograph the outside of bag. Do this on every piece of checked luggage in addition to tagging it inside and outside with your contact information both at home and at your destination. Best bet on outside tagging: Covered tags that do not easily show your contact information to casual observers (criminals) who may like to know that you are flying somewhere for a while.
  4. Take a photo of your room or cabin number- This is the first photo we take when checking in on a cruise ship or at a hotel.  After a cruise vacation, this is also a helpful way to remember where your accommodations were on the ship, if you liked the location and would like to be in a similar cabin on future sailings.
  5. Make a movie of directionsThis is good for finding your way back in unfamiliar surroundings. If getting to and from that room to the hotel/cruise ship lobby takes more than three or four directions, you might consider making a movie of the walk with audio directions. This is one you might never use, but if you were in a situation where you needed it, you would be a hero for thinking of it.
  6. Take a photo of yourself and your phone (aka “a selfie”). Look in a mirror or through the viewfinder in your smartphone and take a photo. You have now documented what your phone looks like and that you were in possession of it recently. This is handy when filing an insurance claim. It also works for real cameras.

Another useful travel tip is to clean up photos taken quickly on your trip by removing unwanted backgrounds, which can enhance the focus on your subject. This can be achieved using online tools designed for photo editing without needing advanced expertise.

Use your phone as a weaponIt’s not really a photo opportunity, but if all else fails and you find yourself being chased by thugs, throw your smartphone at them. You might also throw the wad of money you were flashing in the city marketplace. Currency floating in the air seems to slow down criminals.


This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts easily.

Ten Great Features Of Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises

Cruise CompeteThe twin ships of Azamara Club Cruises are tiny when compared to most other ocean cruise ships sailing today.   Carrying just 694 passengers, the 402 crew members on board have a good chance of making a positive impact on the travel experience of the intellectually curious global citizens on board.  But whether big ships or small ships, it’s usually the little details that we remember and tell others about…unless we forget.  Like I did.  About a number of little things Azamara did to make me love travel.  It’s these little things about Azamara Club Cruises that I will remember for quite some time.

Istanbul - 001

They Sent Me Text Messages

I appreciate instant information. It’s why I use the TripIt app for iPhone to organize my travel plans.  Also commonly seen on my home screen, apps for airlines I will fly with, airports I will be navigating, electronic boarding passes for flights, a World Clock app that tells me the time at all the places I will visit, a number of photo, weather, financial and other apps that help me along the way.

Unexpected: this text message I received upon landing in Istanbul to begin our Croatia and Greek islands sailing earlier this year.  I had transfers through the cruise line but appreciated having the information right at hand should I have needed to make my own  way to the port.  Better yet, me replying “YES” that I received the message told them I had landed in Istanbul and was ready to be picked up.

Chris Travel Credit Cards -all backs-0001Handy Pocket Itinerary

I can’t imagine why every cruise line would not do this.  In addition to where we would be and how long we would be there, this handy pocket itinerary listed the different currency that would be accepted and used at each port of call.  That’s great information to know when it changes from place to place.

Also nice to know; when time changes would occur and we would be setting our clocks forward and back as we traveled as well as when the included Azamazing Evening was scheduled. That’s helpful when planning time ashore.  In Venice, I chose a self-guided tour with the help of a local expert brought onboard for the morning, knowing the night would bring a late stay and a wonderful opera concert.

Istanbul - 265They Park Really Close To The Good Stuff

When they dock or when they tender, Azamara Club ships can get closer to the action.  It sort of reminds me of the way river cruise ships commonly park close to the city center of towns in Europe. This photo was taken from a coffee bar/hookah den on the shore in Istanbul as I sampled Turkish coffee, about a 10 minute walk away.

Tendering, they go to anchor closer to shore than bigger ships too, making the process an easy one.  That’s super important because Azamara ships visit lesser-known smaller ports that might not have docking facilities at all.

Istanbul - 365

Small Ships Make It Easy To See Everything

Another great part of smaller ships, it takes little time to go from one side to the other, if that is even necessary.  Unobstructed views of the places we stopped to see, on both sides of the ship, were a matter of turning your head rather than trekking from one side to another.

That the walking/jogging track is used a lot speaks to the clientele on board who seemed quite active and engaged with the destinations we visited.  On Azamara Journey, the ship itself enabled up close connections with the destinations without even getting off.  But you want to.  The places we visited were just beautiful and begged us to come ashore.  Most passengers did too.

Istanbul - 438Glorious Sunsets Without A Crowd

Even if everyone is on deck, which is possible on these ships, it does not seem crowded.  During the time we sailed, there were glorious sunsets every day that demanded our attention.  There was always a nice place to sit or stand and watch them.

All of the sudden the published sunrise and sunset times, otherwise glanced at like the weather, became major events and rightfully so.  These were lovely colors and our ship glided through the Adriatic with little movement felt onboard.

AZ Culinary - 01The Mosaic Cafe

To look at this tiny space one would not think it would be all that popular of an area.  That would be wrong.  From a space smaller than the average Starbucks, this place pumps out coffee drinks and a rotating menu of snacks all day long and into the night.  (See below) While we could just walk up to the counter and walk away with our favorite beverage, the crew members who work in this space really did want us to sit down, relax and enjoy the moment.

It was my first and last stop on Azamara Journey and will probably be the same on Azamara Quest coming up in August.  After two times stopping by, they knew exactly what I wanted (triple espresso to go) and if they saw me coming, had it ready when I arrived.  I miss this place terribly now.

AZ Culinary - 86Tiny Little Snacks

Also a feature at the Mosaic Cafe, tiny snacks that change throughout the day.  It’s like eternal tea time, sea day or not. Bonus points here for always-available cookies too.

Its a little thing but little things add up like a tiny biscotti with my espresso served in an attractive cup in a pleasant little area of the ship.  Tiny is good.   These little prosciutto flowers are just one of a number of items that change throughout the day.  It seemed like every time I went by there was something different.

AZ Culinary - 11Something Made To Order On The Buffet At Every Meal

I walked into the buffet area at lunch time on the first day and was talked into trying a made to order sandwich.  Asked what I would like on it, I said “Whatever you think is best, whatever you would make for yourself if you could pick anything”. What came of that was one of the most unusual but best sandwiches I have ever had the pleasure of eating.

Continuing that process at every possible meal throughout the voyage, I never made it to the main dining room.

AZ Staterooms - 17Little Stateroom Extras On Azamara Club Cruises Make For A Happy Stay

Lots of places to plug things in are nice as is fresh fruit replenished as consumed.  This little image captured upon arrival in my stateroom on Azamara Journey features some of my favorite parts of the layout including a sofa and coffee table, a nice desk that can actually be used for something and a nightstand with included clock…that my cabin steward took care of setting ahead when needed and then back at the appropriate time too.  Details make a difference.

This looks to be getting even better when the ship is overhauled at the end of the year.  See Reimagine Azamara: If You Can Imagine That for more.

White Night - 047

Happy Little Faces

Do I really need to say more?  This is not a ship full of scowling crew members who fake a smile if they must.  Pass people in the hallway and they smile naturally.  I like that.


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Free Cruise Apps To Load Before Boarding

Frequent travelers by air and land know to customize their home screen with apps that are appropriate for any given trip.  The specific app for the airline they are booked on as well as other service providers they might use along the way.  The Hotel, airport, car rental company; apps like that.  When it comes to cruise travel, there is no shortage of apps to choose from.  Here are my favorite free cruise apps to load before boarding.

Free cruise apps

 

Cruise CompeteWindSpeed- Believe it or not, there are a number of free cruise apps that will check windspeed.  It’s something I think is just fun to do while on a cruise, either in miles or knots per hour.

My Radar or any other radar program is a must for those who might be prone to motion discomfort.  If clouds loom in the direction the ship is headed, you’ll know what’s in store before you get there.  I like My Radar because it comes from NOAA, the U.S. government’s weather forecasting arm and has the fastest refresh rate of those I tested.

TripItis one that frequent travelers know is a must have.  It did not make our list in the past because it lacked the ability to import cruise line itineraries.  Now it does.  TripIt provides a great platform to launch planning and share trips with friends.

DarkSky is actually one that has a permanent place on my smartphone home screen, providing accurate information any where I might be around the world. Featured: the forecast for the next few hours, which lets me know if it really is going to continue raining when I am ashore or not.  As free cruise apps go, this one is worth paying for.

GoogleMaps. If you have not allowed Google to have their way with you, sharing with them your location at any given time, now is the time to do that. Google maps works anywhere on the planet and provides an offline breadcrumb trail back to the ship.  Recently updated, we can now easily share directions with your friends who might also be lost.

SpeedTest is a good one on land to see if the speed promised is actually delivered by your Internet service provider.  At sea, speeds will no doubt be rather slow but as a shared connection, knowing when and where the speed is best can help with uploading photos or communicating with others, getting the most out of that paid Internet package.

Carnival FunHub – Download the Carnival Hub app to chat with friends, check dining options, music and entertainment.  Rather than carrying the daily shipboard newsletter along with you,  the FunHub app works for free to produce the same information.  Want more than that, you’ll pay.  Still, the Carnival FunHub is one of our favorite free cruise apps.

Three different types of plans that can be purchased for either a 24 hour period or for the entire length of the cruise at a discount – price for voyage plans vary by length of cruise:

  • Social ($5 USD per day) – Includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp  but not other websites or apps.
  • Value ($16 USD per day) –All of the Social package plus e-mail, news, sports, weather, banking and finance but not Skype calling or music streaming (such as Spotify).
  • Premium ($25 USD per day) – From e-mail to Skype, our Premium plan promises the fastest possible connection, at speeds up to 3 times faster than our Value Plan. Supports Skype video calling, where coverage allows.

Cruise line Internet access continues to become more efficient and affordable. While some cruise lines do a better job than others, cruise travelers are finally getting close to experiencing the same speed at sea as they do on land.  While they still charge for it (and I hope they stop that at some point) all this new ability brings reason to look at smartphone apps specific to cruising.  Well, that and the fact that anything I can see on the computer at home, I can now see on the computer at sea.   That brings major league sports.  Enough said.


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