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Tag Archives: all-inclusive

Luxury Cruising – Sumptuousness At Sea

Luxury cruising comes in a myriad of shapes and sizes.  From ocean cruising to river cruising, choices abound.  Yes, luxury cruises may cost more but they are well worth it. Here are some choices for your consideration.

Azamara Club Cruises

An upmarket destination-focused cruise line operations two ships, the Azamara Journey and the Azamara Quest.  Both were just recently upgraded in early 2016.  These are 686-passenger vessels in the luxury cruising family of ships.

The company announced its first-ever World Cruise in 2018 aboard the Azamara Journey to 60 ports in 29 countries over 102 days.  This would be a great way to see the world and visit all those continents and countries you always wanted to visit.

Also unveiled was Azamara’s Overnight Adventures program where it offers two- and three-day land excursions during a voyage. The program includes transportation, hotel and meals in places such as Yangon, Myanmar; Nazareth, Galilee and Jerusalem, Israel; Venice and Florence, Italy; and even a desert in Oman with a Bedouin tent for accommodations.

Crystal Cruises

sorcel / Pixabay

 

This luxury cruising line has been on an aggressive expansion plan since 2015.  In December Crystal introduced the 62-guest adventure yacht Crystal Esprit. In August 2018 it will be joined by a 200-guest polar-class luxury yacht, Crystal Endeavor.

Crystal expanded into river cruising with the Crystal Mozart in 2016.  They company is also building six new luxury river vessels with deliveries from 2017 to 2019.

Three Exclusive Class ocean ships are expected to enter service starting in fall 2019.  These polar-ice-class vessels would accommodate about 1,000 passengers and have 48 private residences.

Crystal has not only looked at ocean vessels and river cruising but has also looked to the sky.  Crystal is building a fleet of private jets.  The first, a Bombardier Global Express XRS jet that accommodates up to 12 passengers was introduced this year.  They plan to add a Boeing 777 in 2017 and a 787 Dreamliner in 2018.

Cunard Line

An old favorite in the luxury cruising family is Cunard.  The Queen Mary 2 just emerged from a major renovation in June.  Cunard also has announced that it will add Britannia Club staterooms to Queen Victoria in June 2017.  This line offers transatlantic crosses from New York to England and back along with other ports.

Oceania Cruises

This upper-premium line welcomed its sixth ship, the 684-passenger Sirena, in late April. The Sirena is similar in size and scope to sister ships Regatta, Insigna and Nautica. Oceania also operates the purpose-built 1,250-guest Marina and Riviera.

The company announced plans for its fifth six-month-long voyage, dubbed “Around the World in 180 Days”. This World Cruise will sail more than 39,000 nautical miles across three oceans while visiting 87 ports in 40 countries on five continents. It will be operated by the Insignia, which will depart Miami on January 3, 2018 and return July 1, 2018.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This is an all-inclusive luxury cruising line that is welcoming its first new ship in 14 years.  The 56,000-ton, 750-guest Seven Seas Explorer debuted in July and the sister ship is scheduled for delivery in 2020.

Highlights on the Seven Seas Explorer are a new Pan-Asian specialty restaurant with no cover charge and a lavish Canyon Ranch Spa Club with a thermal suite and an infinity-edge plunge pool. The new vessel is operating its inaugural season in Europe and will make its North American debut on December 2 in Miami.

Their other three ships in the fleet are slated for an extensive $125 million refurbishment program beginning with the 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator this spring, Seven Seas Voyager in late 2016 and Seven Seas Mariner in spring 2017.

The company also now offers free, intercontinental business-class air for all guests flying to meet ships on Europe, Asia and South America voyages, regardless of suite category. This is in addition to other inclusions, such as free unlimited shore excursions, wine and spirits, unlimited Internet access, prepaid gratuities, ground transfers and luxury pre-cruise hotel stays.

Seabourn

This luxury line will debut the new 40,350-ton, 600-guest Seabourn Encore in December 2016. A sister ship, Seabourn Ovation, will joint the fleet in 2018.  These ships building upon the popularity of their three highly acclaimed Odyssey-class ships, which entered service between 2009 and 2011.

The Ventures by Seabourn expedition program offers optional excursions led by an expert team of scientists, scholars and naturalists. The mall groups have a guide-to-guest ration of 1:14 maximum.

The line also has partnerships with Swarovski Optik, which supplies high-quality binoculars and spotting scopes on the ships, and with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage properties.

SeaDream Yacht Club

skeeze / Pixabay

This upscale line, which offers a “yachting, not cruising” experience on two 112-guest vessels in 2016 celebrates the 15th anniversary of its founding.  The small ships visit many destinations that aren’t accessible by larger vessels.

SeaDream recently announced seven new Wine Voyages, running 7- to 11-day trips for the 2017 season in the Mediterranean.  These cruises will include premium tastings from celebrated wineries such as Château Gassier, Tenuta San Guido, Taittinger Champagne and Maison Louis Jadot, as well as a Winemaker’s Dinner.  What better way to see the wine countries of Europe and taste these great wines!

Siversea Cruises

Another all-inclusive luxury line is offering a new collection of specialty voyages that blend culture and travel. The “Exclusively Yours – Enriched Voyages” late summer and fall will feature a complimentary onboard program of entertainment and enrichment activities, as well as complimentary shore excursions on select sailings.

The program includes opera shows performed by the world=renowned Accademia Teatro ala Scala, classic ballet performances by soloists from the State Academic Bolshoi Theater of Russia and culinary voyages hosting renowned Relais & Châteaux chefs.

In April 2017 Silversea is planning the arrival of its long-awaited new ship, the 596-guest, 40,700-ton Silver Muse.  The Silver Muse will launch its inaugural season from Monte Carlo and sail in and around the Mediterranean.  Thirteen European ports-of-call feature UNESCO sites.  Then the Silver Muse will make its trans-Atlantic crossing to sail along the East Coast of North America, through the Panama Canal on October 18 and down to South America and the Caribbean.

So, if luxury is in your travel plans, contact me to help you plan that great, relaxing, memorable vacation.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at:

elaine@cruiserstravel.net or 941-979-9798.  

Contact us to help you have that great vacation.

Happy traveling!

Elaine Sklom

Cruiser’s Travel LLC

Elaine-Sklom.jpgCTT logo 2016 - 3-26-2016

 

 

September 2, 2016 by Elaine Sklom Posted in Blogging, Hot Travel News Tagged all-inclusive, all-inclusive vacations, cruises, luxury, luxury cruising

All-Inclusive Resorts – Caribbean

All-inclusive resorts, as mentioned in my previous post, are a great alternative to cruises with some of the same benefits.Beaches, Resorts  Let’s cover a different part of the world where all-inclusive resorts abound.  There are still other areas like in the Tahiti, Bora Bora and other exotic locales.  I thought I would just talk about those closer to home with not a lot of hassle to get to nor with expensive air.  As before, some promote romance and some are for families.

Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

This is an adults-only hotel which fosters intimacy, attracting both honeymooners and couples eager to relight the flame.  Free anniversary package featuring a bottle of bubbly, special turndown service, breakfast in bed, spa discounts and other goodies is offered.  Located on 700 feet of Bavaro beachfront white sand, gentle surf and palm trees abound.  Nightly entertainment, a weekly foam party and main pool activities are also available.

Sandals Emerald Bay, Exuma

It is hard to top this resort for romantic settings.  The resort enjoys a mile-long beach, a soft, pristine Out Islands beach.  There is much to do here from watersports, tennis and scuba to golf.  The golf course is an oceanside, Greg Norman-designed, 7,200-yard par 72 with six signature holes.  There are three pools which include a half-acre, zero-entry beauty with a fire pit in the middle and the six bars include a pool bar, swanky lounge, and British pub.  Daytime and evening entertainment is available.

Three Sandals Resorts on Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia has a combination of scenery rivaling that of Polynesia and some of the most innovative and well-run hotels in the Caribbean.  “The beautiful topography of Saint Lucia, fiery sunsets, secluded beaches, and astounding views create an ideal backdrop for any couple looking to rekindle their romance.” said the deputy director of tourism for Saint Lucia.  The three Sandals resorts are:  Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, and Sandals Halcyon Beach, each with its own personality but all offering their guest access to the sister properties’ restaurants for a total of 27 dining choices.

Riu Republica, Punta Cana

This is a new property that has only been open about a month and is already at about 90 percent occupancy.  The target age range is 25-50.  There are 1,007-guestrooms on this adults-only property.  There are activities at the resort and off-property excursions are also available to enjoy the Dominican Republic’s water-based offerings.  The waters in these parts are home to a stunning display of sea life, including an appearance by Dory, as well as Needle fish, ea urchins and other underwater creatures.  Another don’t miss activity is a chocolate-making lesson ($15 pp) at the sister property, RIU Palace Macao.

Family Oriented Resorts

Some of the family-oriented resorts available in the Caribbean are: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, Beaches Negril Resort & Spa and Beaches Ocho Rios.  Be Live Hotels & Resorts are five-star properties designed for families, couples, friends and business trips in the Dominican Republic.  Club Med is also available in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos.  Hyatt has the Hyatt Zliara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Jamaica.  The Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is family friendly.

I hope these blogs have given you a brief, overall idea of alternatives to cruising or standard hotel vacations in locations near home.  There are many more all-inclusive resorts available in various areas around the Caribbean, Mexico, and other areas.  Contact me for more information and I will be happy to help you find one that fits your needs and wants for that fantastic vacation.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at:

elaine@cruiserstravel.net or 941-979-9798.  

Contact us to help you have that great vacation.

Happy traveling!

Elaine Sklom

Cruiser’s Travel LLC

CTT logo 2016 - 3-26-2016Elaine-Sklom.jpg

August 12, 2016 by Elaine Sklom Posted in Blogging, Hot Travel News Tagged all-inclusive, All-inclusive resorts, all-inclusive vacations, Caribbean, resorts

All-Inclusive Resorts – Mexico

All-inclusive resorts are a great alternative to cruising, with some of the same benefits.  They are available all over the Caribbean.  The benefits are that the meals, beverages and sometimes entertainment is included in the price.  The ones listed here are just a sampling of those available in Mexico. These resorts are luxurious and cater to many types of travelers.  Some are adults only, some are family friendly and some are for couples.  These type of resorts are great for destination weddings as most of them have special deals for wedding parties. Let’s start with some that are located in Mexico and will address those in other locations in future blogs.

ResortsHard Rock Resorts

Hard Rock Resorts is located in Riviera Maya, Cancun and Puerta Vallarta in Mexico, along with the Dominican Republic.  These are part of  their All Inclusive Collection.  They are affordable yet unique beachfront property that features unmatched luxury, all-inclusive accommodations.  Included are in-room double hydro tubs, fine dining, top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service, custom rockstar memorabilia, live entertainment, expansive pools with swim up bars and so much more.

They offer some extraordinary touches like The Sound of Your Stay where you can use Fender guitars and DJ equipment at no cost. There is also the Music Lab, a free interactive way to connect through music-based experiences. Another is Colin Cowie Weddings & Honeymoons which is an exclusive partnership with the award-winning celebrity wedding planner featuring nine exclusive wedding connections.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Hilton first opened its first all-inclusive resort in Mexico back in 2012.  The Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort features 259 luxury rooms and suites.  It is owned and managed by Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe.  The resort is in hotel zone, minutes away from the international airport and the Malecon area.

Hyatt Hotels & Resort

There are four Hyatt-branded all-inclusive resorts owned and managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts.  The Hyatt Zilara resorts exclusively focus on adults and offer activity-driven experiences.  The Hyatt Ziva resorts specialize in family vacations. The resorts are Hyatt Zilara Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Puerto Villarta.

Riu Hotels & Resorts

The Riu Hotels & Resorts offers versatile properties located in choice beachfront locations and offer accommodations for virtually every type of traveler.  There are multiple resorts in Mexico  with elegant palatial architecture, sophisticated decor and fine cuisine.  They are the Club Hotel Riu Jalisco, Club Hotel Riu Tequila, Hotel Riu Cancun, Hotel Riu Caribe, Hotel Riu Emerald Bay, Hotel Riu Lupita, Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas, Hotel Riu Palace Mexico, Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico, Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula, Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Hotel Riu Playacar, Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara, Hotel Riu Santa Fe, Hotel Riu Yucatan, Hotel Riu Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit-Nuevo Vallarta.

Luxury Bahia Principe Don Pablo Collection

Located in Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica with nine resorts. In Mexico are the Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal Don Pablo Collection and the Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an Don Pablo Collection which is adults only.

Everything about the Luxury Bahia Principe Don Pablo Collection brand is designed to provide exclusive and personalized service guaranteeing your ultimate experience of true affordable luxury.  Some sample luxury amenities are luxurious common areas, Canapé and Cava Service every day in the lobby bar, chocolates for your enjoyment in the Lobby bar, exclusive beach area with Luxury sunbeds and waiter service and sunbeds at the swimming pools.

There are several other excellent all-inclusive resorts located in Mexico and other areas of the Caribbean.  For more information about the resorts in this blog and the others please contact me at elaine@cruiserstravel.net or 941-979-9798.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at:

elaine@cruiserstravel.net or 941-979-9798.  

Contact us to help you have that great vacation.

Happy traveling!

Elaine Sklom

Cruiser’s Travel LLC

CTT logo 2016 - 3-26-2016

Elaine-Sklom.jpg

July 29, 2016 by Elaine Sklom Posted in Blogging, Hot Travel News Tagged all-inclusive, All-inclusive resorts, all-inclusive vacations, Mexico, resorts

Luxury Cruising – Is It For You?

SirenaWhich do you prefer?  Do you like the larger cruise ships that hold over 4,000 passengers or the smaller ships that hold under 1,000?  Some ports don’t handle the larger vessels and the attention to the passenger is better on the smaller ships.  So, check out the possibilities with these luxury cruise lines.

Some of the luxury cruise lines have smaller ships.  I’m talking Azamara Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruises.  This means you get more choices of ports.  Yes, they may cost more but the benefits may just make it worth it.  These luxury cruise lines give you travel at its best, most are even all inclusive.  That means no extra drink packages, no extras that are unexpected.

Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises focuses on Destination Immersion where longer stays, more overnights and night touring are included on 100% of their voyages.  You get to explore everything from nightlife in Stockholm and morning walks in the French Riviera to all-day adventures in Costa Rica’s rain forests.  You’ll experience  boutique-style ships with a maximum of 686 guests, staff and crew can quickly learn your name, tastes, and preferences.  All of this with lots of inclusive amenities like standard spirits, international beers and wines, gratuities, and an AzAmazing Evenings event (on most voyages) – all with their compliments.  Also included for all guests are bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas, English butler service for suite guests, self-service laundry, shuttle service to and from port communities (where available) and concierge services for personal guidance and reservations.

Visit ports like Marseille, Amalfi, Crete or even to the doorstep of Bangkok (while other large cruise lines dock a few hours away), the heart of Seville, and the city center of Bordeaux.  Experience the culture, cuisine, scenery and people of your destinations.  The crew really like to mingle with the guests and are pleased to point out special things at sea and onshore and go above and beyond your expectations.

Crystal Cruises/Crystal River Cruises/Crystal Yachts

Another all-inclusive cruise line. this includes complimentary gratuities, unparalleled choices of dining options including specialty restaurants, complimentary fine wines and premium spirits, open bar service in all lounges, and all non-alcoholic beverages. Also, you get 24-hour room service, high tea, golf lessons, computer/technology classes and a technology concierge, Crystal Visions Enrichment Program, entertainment and complimentary launderettes.  One shore excursion is included on every voyage as part of your “We Care/You Care” program.  And, you can bring your own wine/liquor with no corkage fees!

Predominantly non-smoking indoors (except the Connoisseur Club Cigar bar) this is a great and elegant alternative to the large ships.  They now offer river cruises, yacht cruises, luxury air and residences. Booking is open for 2017 and 2018.  The yacht is an all-inclusive super-yacht with 31 luxury suites and two complimentary Crystal Adventures shore excursions in most every port, depending on the destination.  Water sports from the yacht’s marina platform is also available and don’t forget the state-of-the-art deep-sea submersible accommodating two passengers and certified pilot.  The river cruises will be home based in Paris and will have various length cruises, all suites and will have its first sailing in July, 2016 with 2-for-1 fares and overnights in popular ports.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises lets you see a spectacular selection of diverse and exotic destinations with elegance.  They are unique itineraries specifically designed to showcase the most fascinating destinations.  They are intimate and luxurious, visiting historic cities to modern meccas to charming seaside villages nestled along sparking coastlines.  Each day offers exciting opportunities to experience the history, art and cuisine of a wondrous new destination.  Enjoy dining inspired by Master Chef Jacques Pépin.  Lavish complimentary amenities abound, and there are never supplemental charges in any of the onboard restaurants.  Value packages ensure that sipping vintage wine, surfing the internet or enjoying a shore excursion is both convenient and affordable.

Oceania offers catering to its passengers as it holds just 684 to 1,250 guests, depending on the ship.  It is country club casual ambiance with personalized service.  It offers port-intensive voyages featuring overnight visits and extended evening port stays.  Experience epicurean enrichment programs, including immersive Culinary Discovery Tours in the world’s most fascinating destinations.  The spa is an acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas offers a truly sumptuous and very personal experience.  You can anticipate an unforgettable journey to the world’s greatest destinations where everything is included, without exception and without compromise.  Regent’s fares include 2-for-1 All-Inclusive fares, early booking savings, free unlimited shore excursions, free luxury hotel package in Concierge Suites and higher, free specialty restaurants, free unlimited beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, free open bars and lounges PLUS in suite mini bar replenished daily, free pre-paid gratuities, free 24 hour room service, free transfers between airport and ship and many other amenities.  The dress code is elegant casual dress. An enriching onboard experience is brought to life through The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys.  There are Broadway shows, virtuoso performances, culinary demonstrations and wine tastings and the spectacular Canyon Ranch SpaClub wellness programs.

There are enticing voyages to more than 250 ports around the world in the comfort of a smoke free environment throughout almost the entirety of their ships.  These ports are some of the more intimate ports that larger vessels cannot reach on a vessel that is all suites with 97% of them with a private balcony.  There are only 490 or 700 guests, resulting in stellar service, no lines and no waiting.

Seabourn Cruises

With Seabourn you sail with your own private club, where members share expansive open decks, inviting social spaces, and the personalized attention of an exceptional crew.  There are unique itineraries to must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships cannot go.  These are intimate ships with no more than 300 spacious suites with sweeping ocean views, most with verandas.  The intuitive staff is passionate about pleasing their guests.  Gourmet dining experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere, complimentary welcome champagne and in-suite bar stocked with your preferences, complimentary dining venues where you dine where you wish, when you wish and with whom you wish. This is an all inclusive experience with open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured at lunch and dinner.  Tipping is neither required nor expected.

Seabourn visits bucket wish destinations and small ports like Saint-Tropez, France and Palarmo, Spain.  Visit the lesser traveled Caribbean islands of Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, the Grenadines, Guadeloupe and Saint Barthelemy and St. Kitts.  Shore excursions are available for purchase with lots of time to explore each port of call.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at:

elaine@cruiserstravel.net or 941-979-9798.  

Contact us to help you have that great vacation.

Happy traveling!

Elaine Sklom

Cruiser’s Travel LLC

Elaine-Sklom

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January 22, 2016 by Elaine Sklom Posted in Blogging, Hot Travel News Tagged all-inclusive, luxury cruises, Oceania, Seaborn

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