Oceania Cruises ‘Riviera’: A next wave in Alaskan Cruising

Alaska, with its pristine landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, has always been a sought-after cruise destination. Oceania Cruises’ ‘Riviera’ promises to elevate this experience by venturing into iconic Alaskan ports of call such as Ketchikan, Sitka, Kodiak, and Juneau, among others. With itineraries ranging from 7 to 12 days, travellers have nearly 300 excursion choices, ensuring a comprehensive Alaskan experience.

The advantage of the ‘Riviera’ lies in its size. As a smaller cruise ship, it can access a broader range of ports, offering travellers a more diverse and intimate experience of Alaska. From the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska’s 100,000 glaciers, to the rich tribal history of the Chilkat people in Haines, the journey promises a deep dive into Alaska’s natural and cultural wonders.

Alaska Inside Passage

The excursions are designed to be immersive. In Ketchikan, travellers can accompany a Native Tlingit guide, observing local artisans and diving deep into tribal history. Skagway offers a glimpse into its gold-rush past, while the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest, showcases a breathtaking array of mountains, fjords, and glaciers.

Read More: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Epic Mediterranean Food Expedition

For those seeking a more immersive experience, there’s the multi-day Denali National Park adventure, offering an up-close experience with Alaska’s diverse wildlife and landscapes.

Oceania Cruises ‘Riviera’: A Journey through Alaska in style & comfort

Oceania Cruises showcases its dedication to superior culinary experiences through its diverse and curated offerings. In ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, chef-led tours take travellers on epicurean adventures. From craft beer tastings paired with dishes highlighting freshly foraged ingredients to hands-on seafood-centric cooking classes after a visit to a sustainable oyster farm, the culinary experiences promise to be as diverse and enriching as the destinations themselves.

The ‘Riviera’ is crafted as a floating sanctuary, emphasizing comfort and personalized experiences. With a crew-to-guest ratio that boasts 800 officers and crew for 1,250 guests, personalized service is a given. The staterooms, starting at a spacious 291 square feet, have been redesigned with luxurious furnishings and expanded showers, ensuring comfort at every turn.

Oceania Cruises’ Riviera Penthouse Suite

Dining aboard the ‘Riviera’ becomes an event unto itself. With one chef for every ten guests and seven open-seating gourmet restaurants, every meal promises to be a culinary delight. From the international dishes at The Grand Dining Room to the alfresco pizzeria at Waves Grill, there’s a flavour for every palate.

Read More: Explora Journeys, A New, Luxurious Cruise Line Launches Explora I

Adding to the immersive experience, each sailing will feature an onboard naturalist. A series of guest speaker-style talks will delve into Alaska’s incredible biodiversity, covering its unique marine and terrestrial life and the fascinating local culture. ◼

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© This article was first published online in Oct 2023 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Sailing Alaska Anew: Oceania Cruises’ Riviera Summer Sojourn first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A luxury cruise was once a norm restricted amongst high nobility. With the arrival of a multitude of brands, an exhaustive catalogue of luxury ships and destinations open for re-exploration, a cruise is now an essential luxury travel experience. We simplify this maze and grade some of the best luxury cruises and experiences that are worth their salt and need to be on your travel diary.

Our first annual features the Best Luxury Cruises 2019 and covers the following seven categories:

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BEST LUXURY CRUISE LINES

1.    Seabourn

Delight with a sail aboard Seabourn, an ultra- luxury cruise line owned by the Carnival Corporation. Checking all the boxes off any luxury traveller’s list, get ready for an unequalled cruise experience on the newest ship in the fleet Seabourn Ovation. With just five luxury ships Seabourn covers all the major cruise routes, voyaging to all seven continents – no sea/land combo gets left out. There is no question of ‘will we – won’t we’ when it comes to views or space as all rooms are ocean-front suites, most feature breathtaking verandas. Seabourn falls under the small-cruise liner category and this designation works to their advantage. Small size leads to fewer rooms on every passage, only 229 to 300 suites per ship. Fewer patrons mean more intuitive service. A complimentary personal suite stewardess provides thoughtful, unobtrusive catering to every need, letting new and seasoned travellers experience true freedom on the high seas – an element that’s the envy of other cruise lines. The overall ambience aboard, as well as the service, and sophisticated design feels like a private club. The attention to detail also infuses Seabourn’s galley. All dining venues are included and with complimentary premium spirits and wines – there is never an argument among new friends about who picks up the tab. For those seeking rejuvenation on the high seas, Seabourn’s spa & wellness see to your mindful living and wellness needs with an extensive, unique list of treatments and programs. Seabourn tops our list as the Best Luxury Cruise Lines for 2019. seabourn.com

Seabourn’s The Retreat

Seabourn Ovation’s beautiful Atrium

2.    Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises comes second in our Best Luxury Cruise Lines for 2019 and can be quickly summed up for its excellent service, premium rooms and vibrant entertainment. The cruise line’s offerings range from two ocean cruise ships, five river ships and the luxury yacht, Crystal Esprit. This small fleet of 8 is more than ample to enable travellers to extravagantly explore any destination, anywhere in the world, from a few days to a few months. The cruise line’s ocean-going ships come with a mix of bright, well-appointed penthouses and staterooms, most with stunning verandas – a hallmark of any luxury voyage. Their latest sailing vessel, Crystal Serenity, comes with numerous experiences onboard including two live theatre performances every night, a movie in the cinema, and live music in three different lounges. Adding to the excitement onboard is the Resorts World At Sea Casino (also found in Malaysia’s Genting Highlands and Singapore’s Resort World Sentosa) with a full range of table games, slots and private gaming rooms. Life onboard Crystal Cruises is excellent! Away from temptations, travellers can lean in toward their goal of a life of excellent wellness where one can recharge and revitalise at Crystal Life Spa. After a day of excursions, indulge with exceptional meals at signature speciality restaurants such as Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma and Sushi Bar, Italian Prego, Asian Silk Kitchen, Brazilian Churrascaria and Stardust Supper Club. crystalcruises.com

Crystal Serenity sailing into Venice

Crystal Penthouse

3.    Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is easily one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world and lands at number three in our Best Luxury Cruise Lines list. This cruise line pushes the trend in cruising that small is sexy; small ships, with the right management, can be luxurious. Any of the Seven Seas cruise ships feels like a premium resort experience. Some essential luxuries, such as all-inclusive unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages and free speciality restaurants make sailing hassle-free.Made up of four ships, Regent Seven Seas’ fleet features small ships with Seven Seas Explorer the newest in the fleet. Despite the size, some of the best cabins can be found onboard Regent Seven Seas, offering a spacious and relaxing in-suite experience, with ample closets, high- end finishes, relaxing Elite Slumber™ beds and private balconies. When it comes to entertainment, a cabaret, casino and karaoke make for light and lively evenings. Eight culinary settings see to it that travellers are well-fed from chic Parisian fine dining to grilled-to-order burgers by the pool. With a whole lot of art and elegantly appointed interiors, you may never want to go home. The Regent Seven Seas tends to focus more on lounging and spending relaxed evenings in sophisticated conversation, tempo and adrenalin is thus expected to be restricted, a speed limit so to speak when cruising the seven seas. rssc.com

Seven Seas Mariner Suite

Seven Seas Mariner Coffee Connection

4.    Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises comes in at number four in our Best Luxury Cruise Lines simply because of their all-round delights, great food and premium service. Of the six cruise ships that make up the fleet, MS Marina and MS Riviera, the sister ships, are their biggest and latest additions, however MS Nautica will undoubtedly steal your heart as well. The multiple dining venues are at the pulse of this cruise line which include open-air restaurants and excellent pairing dinners at La Reserve by Wine Spectator, only available aboard the Marina and Riviera. Entertainment is more for the older set so those travelling with families will want to explore other cruise lines. oceaniacruises.com

Oceania Cruises Owner’s Suite Foyer

5.    Silversea Cruises

Silversea anchors at number five on our list of the Best Luxury Cruise Lines. Their fleet currently consists of nine all-suite ships, featuring their newest Silver Muse. Silversea presents European luxury to its voyagers with a focus on excellent service. Their small to mid-sized ships are an excellent hybrid of adventure, exploration and luxury cruising. Onboard, guests will find a combination of all-inclusive pricing, a nearly 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio, eagle-eye service, and all-suites with ocean views, many boasting private teak verandas. A good combination of luxury suites, interesting destinations, overall refined experiences, and masterful culinary dining––not to mention butler service––make for a delightful, premium cruise experience. The cruise line’s polar-ice rated expedition ships set sail on discovery missions that include explorations of Galapagos, the Arctic and the Antarctic. silversea.com

Silver Muse La Terrazza

Silversea’s white-glove service

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BEST FAMILY CRUISE LINES

1.    Disney Cruise Line

We rank Disney Cruise Line as the Best Family Cruise Lines. Disney sets sail with family- friendly entertainment options your little pirates will love, engaging kids and the young-at-heart such a uniquely immersive experience, you’ll feel like you visited the Magic Kingdom. Since1998, Disney has operated four successful cruise ships and with three new ships launching over the coming years you’ll be able to experience almost double the Disney magic at sea! The cruise line has its own dedicated island, Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas and operates their own terminal at Port Canaveral in Florida ensuring a seamless Disney experience. If world-class family entertainment is what you want, you’ve come to the right place where Disney exclusive activities help your family make the most of their magical memories on the passage – an elaborate Walt Disney Theatre, the Buena Vista Cinema, separate pools with kids, toddlers and (even) adults in mind, a waterpark-at-sea aptly named AquaDuck. With scheduled character greeters, who knows who you might bump into aboard, keeping the excitement high and the fun fresh. Multigenerational families will build life-long memories with deck parties, and themed cruises such as Marvel Day at Sea, Star Wars Day at Sea, Halloween Cruises and live shows. A dedicated deck for Disney’s Oceaneer Club & Lab provides supervised thrills for kids, tweens and teens. Kids aside, an adults’ only line of bars and nightclubs ensures that moms & dads make some of their own magical memories. Various tempting dining options such as Remy, Tiana’s Place, Rapunzel’s Royal Table and many more are crowd pleasers. Conclude your Disney voyage with fireworks at sea, a very happy ending as you set sail for home. disneycruise.disney.go.com

Disney Dream at Castaway Cay, photo by David Roark

Captain Mickey and First Mate Minnie greet guests onboard the Disney Wonder by Matt Stroshane

2.    Royal Caribbean

The Royal Caribbean comes in second in our Best Family Cruise Lines list. Ships are packed with engaging entertainment designed for maximum family fun. Royal Caribbean’s fleet consists of 26 mighty ships including the newest in the fleet, Symphony of the Seas (2018), sohuge that Rome’s Colosseum pales in comparison to the ship’s shadow. The fleet’s size allows for a wide-variety of family offerings to pack the massive decks of the ship. From high-speed waterslides to surf simulators, rock climbing walls to an ice skating rink, and 70’s disco dance parties, 90’s street parties, Latin fiesta, and laser tag spices up the fun. Thrill-seekers will enjoy a zip line across the ship, the trapeze and game show – we haven’t even begun to list the many sports activities yet. With so many trendy activities your non-stop family-fun is guaranteed to take you from day to night. Night-out bars and clubs, kid’s oriented fast food joints and speciality dining venues will satisfy even the finickiest of appetites. They even have a Starbucks on board. royalcaribbean.com

Symphony of the Seas aerial, photo credit Royal Caribbean International

3.    Dream Cruises

Coming in third on our Best Family Cruise Lines list, Dream Cruises, proudly Asian at its core, has quickly won the hearts of travellers with Genting Dream and World Dream, and recently-launched Explorer Dream. With a firm focus on luxury cruising and family entertainment, Dream Cruises has, in a few short years, become South Asia’s go-to cruise line ideal for families featuring ‘The Palace’ – a ship-within-a-ship experience with all-suite, all-inclusive, 24-hour butler concierge service, premium priority access and exceptional gastronomy. A dedicated Palace Kids program with creative workshops and fun activities keeps children engaged while grown-ups enjoy spa dates at Crystal Life Spa. The saying ‘family that eats together stays together’ is certainly apropos aboard Dream Cruises 35 restaurants and bars, ranging from fine dining to bakery to dessert cafes. The cruise line’s entertainment quotient is awash with concerts, shows, branded discos, live musicals and the ESC Experience Lab – a cutting edge Virtual Reality zone where you can race Formula 1 cars, and virtually fly or even zoom into space with Star WarsTM Battle Pods. On the top of the cruise ships, we find their huge waterslide park perfect for beginners and daredevils alike. Rock climbing wall, mini- golf and the Zouk Beach Club add to the family fun with more than enough activities to keep a family engaged for a memorable passage. dreamcruiseline.com

Dream Cruises The Palace villa

Dream Cruises Sportsplex

4.    Norwegian Cruise

Norwegian takes the fourth spot on our list of Best Family Cruise Lines. The cruise line consists of 17 ships, of which Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Breakaway are most noteworthy. A mix of family-oriented activities keeps crowds engaged and lets families set their own tempo for their cruise. Youth programs for all ages range from a Guppies Program for 6 months to under 3-year- olds to teenager-worthy hangout zones. A combination of broadway shows, high-octane dance numbers in the theatre, a colourful acrobat-themed dining experience, live music in themed clubs, comedy clubs, and game shows all lead to lively days and thrilling nights aboard the luxury pleasure crafts. ncl.com

Norwegian Jewel Pool Deck

Norwegian Cruise Line Velvet Sydney Opera House by Daniel Boud

5.    MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises comes in fifth on our Best Family Cruise Line list. The Geneva-based cruise line consists of 16 ships and has a Mediterranean- influenced ambience where evenings come alive with music, parties and entertainment. MSC’s ship-within-a-ship ‘Yacht Club’ premium-class experience aboard selected ships provides guests with exclusivity, privacy and perks––featuring an all-inclusive cruise, complete with 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge. The cruise line’s young fleet provides unique family fun filled activities like the Aquapark, virtual simulators, and MSC Meraviglia’s exclusive partnership with Cirque Du Soleil at Sea featuring thrilling, colourful and imaginative feats of acrobatic art. Water rides and a good selection of dining avenues ensures your family will go home with life-long memories and incredible stories about their time at sea. msccruises.com

Cirque du Soleil at Sea Show on MSC Bellissima

MSC Yacht Club

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BEST CRUISE ITINERARIES

A favourite of millennials and retirees, cruising provides a kind of freedom to see incredible parts of the world free of roads and aeroplane security checks. A majestic home away from home where your ocean view changes with the port of call. With hundreds of global itineraries to choose from by a long list of cruise lines with fleets of luxurious ships – we’ll make it easy to find your dream cruise with our top 5 cruise itineraries.

1.    Sail the savage seas of the South Pacific, in the wake of legends like Captain Cook and Gauguin

Hundreds of stunning islands make up the South Pacific, and while its almost impossible to chart them in one lifetime, with Paul Gauguin Cruises you’ll be able to visit ten exotic islands, giving you a priceless window into the beauty of the South Pacific.

Each of the ten islands on Paul Gauguin’s 14-day Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands itinerary offers up its own unique selection of wonders and delights. Rich Polynesian culture unfolds among rugged islands with dramatic peaks and dense rainforests. Along stretches of tranquil beaches as far as the eye can see, you’ll scout out the best local hideaways each island has to offer with ease, leaving the management of reliable transport to the cruise lines and island-hopping to the tides and the winds.

But there’s plenty to do for thrill seekers at every port of call. Explore the island of Hiva Oa, where a wealth of archaeological ruins await – including a set of large stone sculptures, which some speculate may have even been precursors to the famous Easter Island figures.

To get up close and personal with the myriad of aquatic animals that inhabit the South Pacific, there’s an excellent half-day snorkel excursion in Bora Bora that finds you swimming in a coral garden, amongst stingrays and reef sharks. To top off a long day in the water, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous Polynesian feast, cooked in a traditional earth oven and served on a private island. Be sure to pack a waterproof sleeve for your iPhone, or bring an underwater camera, to take the ultimate South Sea selfies.

But why not take to the air instead and pilot your very own Cessna 172? On the luscious island of Moorea, where humongous, verdant mountains rise up above sandy beaches and azure waters, you can sign up for a scenic flight and pilot lesson – no experience needed. In one heart-pounding hour, you’ll learn how to control the plane and take it out for a spin. Reach new heights with breathtaking views Tetiaroa, just 30 miles north of Moorea, where a dozen idyllic islands surround an otherworldly lagoon.

No trip to the South Pacific would be complete without discovering one of its favourite treasures, the black pearl. In Taha’a, you’ll be able to get an insider’s look at a black pearl farm. The excursion is also book-ended by a refreshing snorkelling session and beachside BBQ.

Onboard dining and entertainment options aren’t as plentiful, but that’s because the real culinary treasure lies onshore with plentiful exotic fruits, and succulent beachside barbecues. Fill your Instagram feed with tropical drinks sipped from coconuts beneath swaying palm trees. After the fourteen-day cruise, you might want to get dropped off on a deserted island instead of setting sail for home. pgcruises.com

Quick facts:

• Paul Gauguin Cruises’ Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands 14–night itinerary
• November 23 – December 7, 2019
• The itinerary includes Tahiti – Fakarava – Fatu Hiva – Hiva Oa – Tahuata – Nuku Hiva – Huahine – Bora Bora – Taha’a – Moorer – Tahiti.
• All-inclusive suite rates start at $13,000 per person, for the Category B Veranda Stateroom, a 305 sq ft stateroom, of which 56 sq ft makes up the veranda.

Paul Gauguin Admire the jagged volcanic peaks and palm-fringed shores of the exotic Marquesas

Paul Gauguin sailing in French Polynesia in the Society Islands (with Bora Bora in the background)

2.    Living the Mediterranean dream

If you have not cruised the Greek Isles, are you worthy of the title of world traveller? With its unmistakable white-walled villages and clifftop towns, the Mediterranean life is something that many dream about – and for 7-days, you’ll make your endlessly sunny dream come true.

Crystal Cruises 7-day Greek Isles Fantasy tour covers a lot of nautical miles and provides plenty of jaw-dropping views. Aside from the usual hotspots such as Santorini, Mykonos and Crete, the tour also includes a visit to the ancient town of Paphos in Cyprus, as well as a tour of Chania, notable for its gorgeous Venetian architecture and Egyptian and Ottoman influences.

It will be tough to decide whether to opt for pampering aboard Crystal Serenity or submerging in the culture and waters of the Mediterranean. The unique sulphur-spring treatment in AyiiAnargyri Natural Spa Resort, Paphos, is an ideal way to kick off your exploration of the ancient region. Hidden away in a valley of verdant springs and natural sulphur pools you will undoubtedly need some sumptuous wind on an indulgent Mediterranean afternoon. Twenty minutes away, the charming village of Kathikas is home to Vasilikon Winery, amongst the first Cyprus wineries. Taste some of the local vintages including Einalia Rose, a refreshing pomegranate-coloured rose wine with a distinct fresh floral character.

Alternatively, visit the Baths of Aphrodite & Agios Neophytos Monastery in Paphos. Regarded by most as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, legends says her spirit still lives on in the ancient ruins

dotting the island, especially in the sacred gardens in the coastal town of Yersokipou.

Create your very own Grecian feast with a private cooking class in one of Santorini’s prettiest towns, Megalochori. A hidden gem, its cobbled streets line elegant, classic mansions. Tucked away in one of those mansions is the Feggera restaurant, where its owner gives you an introduction to Santorini’s vibrant local produce before you roll up your sleeves to prepare a complete Greecian feast consisting of appetisers, a main course, and dessert.

There’s no way to round off a perfect trip to Greece than with a languid stroll down one of its golden beaches: but to truly make the experience one to remember, why not do it in style on horseback? On the final day in Mykonos, head to a countryside ranch. Once saddled-up on your steed, a guide leads you through the verdant countryside of Maou. The experience concludes with a trot along Fokos Beach, one of the island’s secluded stretches of sand.

Back onboard, Michelin-quality food awaits to feed your adventurous appetite in any of the ship’s ten dining locations – be sure to make reservations at the Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, created by celebrity Chef “Nobu” Matsuhisa. There are probably more entertainment venues onboard than you can possibly handle in just seven nights, but try. From a gentlemen’s club where you’ll savour fine hand-rolled cigars and sip cognacs to a lounge where you can enjoy Broadway-style performances, you’ll not only feel spoiled but satiated too. crystalcruises.com

Quick facts:

• Crystal Cruises onboard Crystal Serenity Athens Roundtrip 7 nights itinerary. April 27 – May 4, 2019
• The itinerary includes: Athens – Paphos – Rhodes/Lindos – Souda Bay/Chania, Crete – Santorini – Mykonos – Athens
• Suite rates start at $8,500 per person for a Penthouse with Verandah, which covers 403 sq ft

Crystal Serenity sailing the Mediterranean

Serenity’s Silk Kitchen & Bar

3.    A regal, timeless transatlantic passage

There’s something undeniably romantic – and epic – about a transatlantic cruise. Back in the Hollywood’s heyday, you’d find legends like Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn and Clark Gable embarking on the iconic transatlantic crossing in lavish style – now, you can relive that bygone era. Even today, dressing up for dinner remains a must onboard the famed Queen Mary 2 – think dinner jackets, bowties, evening gowns – and you’ll be stopping at locations and ports at the top of any luxury traveller’s bucket list.

You’ll also earn bragging rights that you’ve crossed the Atlantic – and really, at 24 nights and crossing several continents, we’d say you deserve it.

The Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s legendary flagship, is about as storied as the route it undertakes. It is the largest ocean liner ever built and to date, the ship has completed over 200 transatlantic voyages. To reward the stalwart vessel, she endured a £90 million makeover in 2016, which added dozens of new rooms and facilities, and perhaps most importantly for animal lovers, ten more animal kennels.

Yes, the Queen Mary 2 welcomes pets onboard with open arms – it even has adorably themed kennels and decor, such as British lamp posts and New York fire hydrants, to make your furry friends feel like they’re really on an adventure.

Since the Queen Mary 2 is a British ship, expect to find some very British amenities onboard. Here, there’s no ritual more prized than the afternoon tea, served by white-gloved waiters every afternoon in the Queens Room. There’s even a live orchestra accompaniment as you sip fine Twinings leaf teas and avail yourself to a fine assortment of finger sandwiches, pastries – and of course – scones. Guests staying in suites can opt to have their tea in the more intimate Princess Grill restaurant. Cunard.com

Quick facts:

• Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic, Cape Town to New York 24 nights itinerary.
• April 1 – April 25, 2020
• The itinerary includes: Cape Town (South Africa), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Tenerife (Spain), Funchal (Portugal), Southampton (UK), New York (USA)
• Suite rates start at $14,000 per person for the Princess Grill, which covers 381 sq ft.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Atrium

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 in NY

4.    Navigate like a Norseman

The Norwegian Fjords have appeared at the top of many a travel list and may as well be declared one of the wonders of the natural world. There’s nothing like the awe of gliding between those dramatic fjords and the rugged, romantic Arctic wilderness of northern Norway to remind you how insignificant life in the city can be — and how beautiful the world truly is.

Cruise operator Hurtigruten offers year-round tours to satisfy any luxury traveller’s bucket list. Decide whether you want to cross the Arctic Circle under the Midnight Sun in the summer, or beneath the otherworldly Northern Lights in the winter––decisions, decisions. We recommend you visit the Arctic Circle in winter when the colours of the countryside dazzle just as bright as the best viewing of the Northern Lights.

Begin your journey in Bergen, a charismatic city brimming with colourful 14th-century wharves and charming street-side cafes. Set sail north along the Norwegian coast, in the direction of the ornate town of Ålesund. With its numerous spires, towers and beautiful art nouveau architecture,  a stunning beauty that could even rival the fjords that surround it. Ålesund is also home to one of Europe’s largest salt-water aquariums — but if you’d prefer to venture in nature yourself, you’re in for a treat.

In the autumn, explore one of Norway’s most distinctive and stunning fjord, the Hjørundfjord. Meet with seclusion and rolling, unspoiled natural greenery here, located far from the bustle of civilisation and tourists alike. Its heights can reach over 5,000 ft above sea level and should you undertake the hike to the top, you’ll be rewarded with million dollar panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, isolated villages, and crystalline waters below. After your hiking adventure, head back down the barely-trodden farm road to a quaint village where a tall, cold glass of locally produced beer will quench your serious thirst.

Another exclusive adventure is the Sami Autumn tour. These fabled reindeer herders of northern Scandinavia cherish nature as an integral part of their culture, and you’ll get to see every aspect of their lives with an insider’s tour. Aside from learning to create some Sami handicrafts, you’ll also get to sample local berries and reindeer meat — a much tastier prospect than it sounds.

Ships on this route are Polar rated to withstand the rugged terrain and unforgiving weather of the region. It’s the luxury of expedition travel and therefore expect limited onboard entertainment and comforts. The real luxury is being close enough to rare sights of nature that transport you to cultures and traditions beyond the reach of standard luxury ship. Sitting on your balcony while sailing past the fjords with a soothing mug of hot chocolate in hand? Priceless. Hurtigruten.com

Quick facts:

• Hurtigruten’s Voyage of Discovery 11 days itinerary.
• Departs all-year round; We recommend travelling in September when the skies are still clear and the weather is pleasant.
• The itinerary includes Bergen / Floro / Trondheim / Arctic Circle / Tromso / Kirkenes / Mehamn / Harstad / Trondheim.
• The Expedition suites start from € 7000 per person and range from 160 – 320 sq ft.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp in Hammerfest by Andreas Kalvig Anderson

Hurtigruten Ms Nordkapp Landego lighthouse, Bodø, Norway by Andreas Kalvig Anderson

5.    Travel to land’s end South America – luxurious Tierra del Fuego

Norway isn’t the only place where majestic fjords and stunning natural landscapes can be found. One of South America’s best kept secrets include the Chilean Fjords, a twining network of free, calm channels welcoming kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts with open arms.

This 15-night cruise aboard Azamara Pursuit combines the best of Patagonia. Surrounded by the Beagle Channel’s countless sweeping fjords, winding inlets and vast rainforests one day, enjoy being whisked away the next day to Uruguay’s charming capital city of Montevideo, with its broad boulevards, art deco buildings and irresistible sidewalk cafes, then round off your journey in the tango capital of the world, Buenos Aires.

The highlight of the trip are undoubtedly, the fjords themselves. Instead of admiring the fjords from afar, enjoy a fishing trip with a team of local fishermen from Beagle Channel. Head out on a traditional fishing boat with a guide and learn how to catch king crabs, mussels, and other succulent crustaceans. Best of all, cook your catch at the home of a local family afterwards. Not only can you brag that you’ve been to the literal ‘End of the World’ — you’ve fished it too.

For a tranquil experience with no equal, take up a leisurely kayak adventure in Lake Los Palos. After docking in Puerto Chacabuco, take a 45-minute drive through the scenic Chilean countryside to peaceful Lake Los Palos, rife with Patagonia’s native vegetation and birds. After you’ve spotted a bevvy of kingfishers, eagles and caiquenes, continue your paddle to a lush, secluded island within the lake for some refreshments surrounded by the peace of the Patagonian wilderness.

The cruise makes its final stop at Buenos Aires, but just because your seafaring adventure has taken its course, doesn’t mean that the fun stops here. No trip to Buenos Aires is complete without indulging in the city’s vibrant nightlife, and while heart racing tango shows can be found at virtually every major street corner, we recommend you head straight to the dinner-and-dance shows in the city. The Roko Tango Show showcases one of the city’s unique experiences, with an ensemble of talented dancers, musicians, and of course, savoury local cuisine.

Fifteen days may seem a touch lengthy for this region, but once you’re dwarfed by glacial fjords and snow-capped mountains on all sides, awestruck by how stunning this part of the world really is, you may very well wish to settle here for good! azamaraclubcruises.com

Quick facts:

• Azamara Club Cruises’ Chilean Fjords Voyage onboard Azamara Pursuit 15 night itinerary
• February 4 —February 18, 202
• The itinerary includes Santiago – Puerto Montt – Puerto Chacabuco – Chilean Fjords – Punta Arenas – Beagle Channel – Ushuaia – Port Stanley – Montevideo – Buenos Aires.
• Suite rates start from €6000 per person, with the 266 sq ft Club Continent Suite.

Azmara Pursuit Chilean Fjords El Brujo Glacier

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BEST RIVER CRUISES

1.    Indulge in France’s gourmet capital

There’s plenty to love about the south of France, with its verdant vineyards bursting with juicy grapes, sprawling, regent chateaus, and historic, Instagramable villages. Belmond Afloat’s barge Belmond Napoleon sets sail in Avignon, where you’ll get to observe the imposing Palace of the Popes and sample a little Châteauneuf-du-Pape before heading to La Voulte. The French countryside in full bloom is the stuff of poets and painters. Visit a local lavender producer in the town of Nyons to see how the fragrant plant is processed. Sail downriver to TainL’Hermitage and Tournon, two picturesque twin cities on either side of the Rhone. As you sail along the Rhone Valley, there are plenty of opportunities to admire the rolling hills – but if you’d like to explore onshore, don’t miss a walking tour of Vienne, a pleasant riverside Roman town.

World-class wine and food pairings abound here. But if you care for something epic enjoy a guided tour of several storied wineries which includes a truffle tasting session. Be sure to save some room for the day before the end of the tour. That’s when you’ll get a full day to explore the gastronomic haven of Lyon, home to Michelin- starred restaurants, hidden cafes and chic boutiques. But you might just want to grab a picnic lunch from a local patisserie and eat it along the river as you bask in the sunshine.

Round trip transfers from Paris are included in the itinerary. Since all excursions are also included and feature complimentary use of the barge’s bicycles, you’ll have the wonderful job of deciding which sights to visit.

Belmond Afloat in France onboard Belmond Napoleon — Avignon to Lyon tour starts at 6,700 Euro pp. covering Avignon, La Voulte, TainL’Hermitage, Vallee Du Rhone and Lyon and return trip to Paris. belmond.com/river-cruises

Belmond Napoleon along the River Rhône

Deck on Belmond Napoleon

2.    Lavish palaces, paintings, and power on display in Russia’s once-impregnable empire

Russia may seem to be a tough country for a traveller to crack with its impenetrable culture and language, but there are a multitude of gems to discover in the world’s largest country. Over the course of 13 days, uncover Russia through its mighty rivers and waterways. Cruise from the capital, along the Volga River, Volga-Baltic Waterway, Svir River, and Neva River to reach the ocean through the canals of St Petersburg.

From tasting authentic Russian caviar – perfectly paired with savoury blini pancakes – to sweating it out in a traditional banya located in a riverside village, and sailing past sprawling palaces and churches that line the country’s riverfront, you’ll be surprised at how much you can discover about this often misunderstood country. Guided tours at every port are also included in the trip, so no need to become fluent in Russian.

Begin the four-day tour in legendary Moscow. Explore its grand metro stations and famous landmarks before sailing Europe’s longest river, the Volga. You’ll pass by charming cities and villages each day, including enchanting Mandrogy, where you can create your own matryoshka doll, or visit a traditional Russian bathhouse.

With its lavish palaces, winding canals and vibrant arts scene, St Petersburg is the perfect place to spend the last four days of your tour. If you’re still not convinced why St Petersburg is referred to as the Venice of the North, perhaps the Peterhof Palace & Park will change your mind. Designed by Peter the Great – the 17th century Emperor that opened the country to Europe – this gilded palace and its perfectly manicured gardens were built to impress foreign dignitaries, and still does today.

Viking River Cruise’s Waterways of the Tsars onboard Viking Truvor this Oct 2019 for a 13 day Moscow to St Petersburg cruise in their Junior Suite starting at $10,499 per person and include free airfare from select cities. The 337 sq ft suite comes with floor to ceiling sliding glass door that open to a full-sized veranda. vikingrivercruises.com

The Uglich Kremlin is a historical and architectural complex in the historic center of Uglich located on the right bank of the Volga river

Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood and Griboedova Canal in St. Petersburg

3.    Discover the Nile’s ancient secrets among ruins and hidden temples

What better way to explore the sights of ancient Egypt than on the very river that gives it life? It’s a surreal sight to behold a belt of greenery springing up in the middle of the desert, set against an endless backdrop of the yellow-and-gold sky. That’s the magic of the Nile. A river cruise is an incredible way to travel through the ruins of ancient Egypt which meld with modern life that thrives along the river, the wellspring of life for Egypt for over millennia.

On shore explore Luxor, the gateway to ancient Egypt, where you’ll walk into history at the staggering necropolis in the Valley of the Kings, on the western bank of the Nile. Numerous pharaohs were interred here for nearly 500 years, where rock-hewn tombs, each more elaborate and awe-inspiring than the last, marvels of ancient Egyptian engineering and audacity.

There’s plenty of thrills on this four-night tour including the Aswan Dam, like a rude bouncer, it stands in the way of upriver passages. In addition to the ancient temples and tombs, a plethora of activities and excursions will keep the adrenaline going.

In Aswan take a ride on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, with a tall white mainsail, and enjoy a sunset sail around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum — all stunning landmarks with secrets for you to unlock.

The Sanctuary Sun Boat IV sails you away from mere mortal life to the realm of the ancients with accommodations a Pharaoh would love. Presidential suites boast contemporary, Art Deco chic interiors that blend traditional Egyptian influences with modern designs. After a long day of spelunking, relax on the lush Sun Deck of the ship where a sunny afternoon finds you luxuriously lounging cocktail in hand while taking in stunning views of life, and life after death, along the Nile’s ruins set amidst the trappings of modern life.

Sanctuary Retreats’ Sanctuary Sun Boat IV 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. sanctuaryretreats.com

Sanctuary Retreats Luxurious presidential twin onboard Boat IV

Sanctuary Retreats Sailing gently up the river Nile

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BEST BARS ON HIGH SEAS

You’ll have more fun than a pirate with a bottle of rum at these creative, top-of-their-game bars. You’ll wanting to celebrate 5 o’clock everywhere at our selection of the top 5 places to tip one back on the high seas. You can even sing 99 bottles of beer on the wall, if you want to.

Symphony of the Seas, Rising Tide Bar, photo credit Royal Caribbean International

1. Drink your way to the top with the Royal Caribbean’s Rising Tide Bar. Similar to the gentle waves on the ocean, this bar steadily rises and descends between Deck 5 and Deck 8 of the Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest passenger ship.

2. Speaking of getting high, soar hundreds of feet above the sea in the North Star Bar, a sparkling glass capsule that dangles from a crane and hangs over the edge of the Royal Caribbean’s towering Ovation of the Seas. You’ll be toasting the stunning views as you hover 300 ft over the waves.

3. Indulge in a perfectly paired dinner experience at La Reserve by Wine Spectator, complete with Dom Pérignon vintages by the bottle, onboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina and Riviera ships. The excellent food alone is worth the experience, and to up the ante, try wines recommended by the sommelier with tastings varying from region to region.

4. Pull up a seat and warm up your vocal cords, because the Piano Bar on Carnival’s Horizon is built for a karaoke session to remember. This is the place where you call the shots and the tunes — after a few, you’ll sing like a rock star with the friendly piano player for back up.

5. Make like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra at the decadent Stardust Supper Club on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity. The lounge is a tribute to the 1950s rat pack— a sexy, black-tie affair that offers slick cocktails and soulful live music along with your dram.

Crystal Serenity Stardust Club

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BEST GALLEYS AT SEA

Culinary journeys aboard certain cruise ships are legendary. After all the excursions are complete it is time to share the fun at a great feast. Just because you’re out at sea doesn’t mean you’ll have to survive on hard-tack. On the contrary, you’ll find a selection of exciting concepts and celebrity restaurants that outshine their land-lubber compadres. Here is our selection of the Top 5 Best Galleys At Sea.

1. Feast on a sumptuous barbecue under the stars at the Mandalay Grill with Belmond’s Road to Mandalay. Impossibly tender meats straight from the barbeque, fresh seafood, and crispy tempura are all paired with a tempting selection of wines under the star-studded night sky. Add a live band into the mix, and you’ve got the makings of a magical evening.

Remy on the Disney Dream, an exquisite top deck restaurant by Todd Anderson

Special caviar selections are offered a-la-carte at Remy by Matt Stroshane

2. Celebrity Cruises’Moveable Feast event brings a ton of tasty events along with some of the world’s most recognisable chefs. This June, the Celebrity Equinox invites Latin chef Michelle Bernstein and Cake Boss Buddy Valastro aboard. Expect to see private cooking classes, hosted shore excursions, and exclusive restaurant menus — all hosted by the celeb chefs themselves.

Belmond Road to Mandalay’s exterior deck with exotic views of Myanmar by Aung Myoe

3. Everyone knows Guy Fieri, the colourful and charismatic Food Network host. Fieri brings flavour-town to Carnival’s ships with Guy’s Burger Joint, a poolside spot for the juiciest burgers, hand-cut fries, and a sprawling toppings bar packed with tons of choices for you to make it your own. Order the Chillius Maximus, a burger with the works and super melty cheese – probably the best burger you’ll have on the high seas.

4. A Disney cruise may not be the place you’d expect to find Michelin-star cuisine, but Remy features incredible French cuisine. Chef Scott Hunnel and Three Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement, who helms the l’AssietteChampenoise in France, serves as the advisor for Remy and sets your course for an excellent epicurean journey aboard Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The Remy Champagne Brunch is the ideal way to celebrate an extraordinary dining experience.

5. French master chef Jacques Pepin is often hailed as one of the great TV personalities of all time, and aboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina & Riviera, he offers his timeless French cooking at this namesake restaurant, Jacques. The dishes here burst with flavours. Coupled with the chic Parisian bistro decor, this is a five-star culinary voyage all its own[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Best Showboats Sailing the Seven Seas” tab_id=”1561145355350-e33e41b8-91e9″][vc_column_text]

BEST SHOWBOATS SAILING THE SEVEN SEAS

One of the main reasons we choose to cruise is to enjoy world-class entertainment. With more activities and facilities than you can possibly imagine, you’ll be tempted to skip the excursions. Here is our selection of the Top 5 Showboats Sailing The Seven Seas.

1. In Asia, there are few clubs as iconic as Zouk – and if you’re struck by the itch to dance the night away while cruising, Genting Dream by Dream Cruises has you covered. It’s got the first Zouk on the high seas that plays host to a rotating roster of live artists, and famous DJs. Before the party gets started, the club transforms into the chilled out Glow Bowl, a four-lane bowling alley with all-neon balls, bowling pins, and furniture. For that viral snapshot for your Instagram feed, book a full-blown foam party in the outdoor area including humongous flamingo floaties that will keep you afloat after a few drinks.

Zouk Beach Club

Zouk onboard Genting Dream

2. Feel like getting your hands ‘dirty’ so to speak and create something delicious? Why not enjoy a tasty bonding experience on Oceania Cruises’ at La Reserve restaurant, which combines a meticulously curated list of wines with gourmet food pairings. Learn how to cook the dishes themselves! The Oceania Marina’s Culinary Centre is a hands-on cooking school at sea, and has a range of enriching culinary classes held by the ship’s master chefs. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to exercise your creative chops on an actual canvas, the onboard Artist Loft houses several talented in-house virtuosos that offer step-by-step instruction on how to create gorgeous oil paintings.

Culinary Centre Class onboard Oceania

3. If you’re travelling with a multi-generational group, the Carnival Vista has something that will keep the whole family entertained, and even give the adults some time for themselves. Love board games? You’ll like them a lot more at Hasbro’s live Game Show, not just because they’re played onstage in a competition that puts your skills to the test, but because these classic boardgames come with giant, hilariously life-sized props.

Cirque du Soleil at Sea Show, MSC Bellissima

Cirque du Soleil at Sea Show villain arrival, MSC Bellissima

4. Bigger is definitely better on the gargantuan Symphony of the Seas by Royal Caribbean where a packed roster of shows, onboard activities and facilities delight. An indoor ice skating rink puts on spectacular ice skating shows every night. If the graceful ice skating performance inspires you, you can try your hand at gliding on the ice yourself. If you’d like your entertainment more nautical, the towering AquaTheatre, set on the stern of the main deck, features dancers, divers and acrobats pulling off aquatic stunts set against the endless horizon of the sea.

5. The MSC Meraviglia is packed with extraordinary entertainment options. Why watch a movie when you can be a part of one? The Meraviglia comes with a 4D Cinema that lets you fully immerse yourself in a movie while the F1 Simulator helps to set a few lap records — there’s even a flight simulator if you wish to try your hand at piloting a plane. Or maybe you’d like to take your breath away with views of the sea on a Himalayan bridge that spans the main deck. When the sun sets, discover colourful acrobatic adventures twice every night, six nights a week, with the extravaganza of Cirque Du Soleil At Sea’s two original shows, Viaggio and Sonor, each with their own unique concepts, ambience, storyline, costume, and make-up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs]

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© This article was first published in Apr-May 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post Best Luxury Cruises 2019 first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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Life afloat has never been this good

All aboard The Boathouse, a sophisticated barge in the heart of West London. Made.com designed Scandinavian-inspired interiors will have you smiling from the elegant, chic light fixtures to the luxuriously spacious and surprising galley, equipped with a dine-in bar. But it’s all about the bathrooms. No squeezing into small spaces here, with high ceilings and elegant, contemporary white metro tiles a striking contrast to matt-black fixtures. Portholes and other nautical ephemera throughout nod to the history of the vessel and this distinct home-away-from-home. You might even want to go out and purchase a yacht after a weekend here. Life afloat has never been this good. And never this zen with onboard yoga retreats available.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Luxurious interiors of The Boathouse

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Take your pick of equally inspired and off-the-beaten path amenities like two beach cruisers outfitted with a three-bottle leather wine carrier for romantic picnics in nearby Kew Gardens. After a champagne reception, your boat captain for the day will take you on a breathtaking sail down the historic river Thames. But perhaps you prefer to hop into your romantic wooden dinghy and row away for the day. After a day of touring the city, your private chef greets you with all your favourite dishes and wine pairings. boathouselondon.co.uk ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1541070219163-d0c06277-a0d2-9″ include=”16012″][vc_column_text]

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© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post Romancing London’s Waterways first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

As teenagers, Eddie and Jack worked together in an Edinburgh bar where they decided to build a boat and hire a local fisher-pirate captain to explore the islands around the Philippines. After their money ran out, they invited tourists to join them onboard for a fee, arranging for their accommodations with islanders. The rest is history.

Over a glass of jungle juice––the Tao signature cocktail a soothing blend of rum, pineapple juice, and water––you meet your expedition leader and a few dozen travelling companions. The next five days will be epic in ways you can’t imagine. Onboard you receive a little more information about the next five days. The handout says it all––

“We call it an expedition because we are exploring the islands together….the experience is all there for you but it cannot be listed on a menu, you have to explore it yourself.” There is no plan. Only the promise that exploration can take many forms. The exploration of the outside world is what lured you here to Camp Ngey! Ngey!, but you hadn’t expected waking up every morning in an open-air bamboo ‘Tuka’ hut. After an ocean breeze coaxes you out of bed, you dive into crystal clear waters in the early morning. This exploration puts a new twist on the typical fun and sun package.

Camp Ngey! Ngey!

Family-style meals feature Tao Chefs to cook up fresh fish caught by Islanders and produce from the Tao organic farm. Adventure comes easy here. Exploring the island’s jungle trails as you skirt wild beaches and windswept cliffs, brings a discovery of hidden caves. Enjoy snorkelling around the island’s preserved reefs rich with a variety of sea life and shipwrecks too on an escape to this Neverland of wonder and freedom. taophilippines.com ◼

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© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.

The post Welcome To Neverland, An Off-The-Grid Luxury Escape first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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A journey up Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay to the far northern trading town of Bhamo, near the Chinese border.

It’s early morning when we dock at the riverside trading town of Bhamo in the northernmost part of Myanmar. Just 65 kilometres from China, it’s a bustling border town of potholed streets jammed with cars, buses, pickup trucks and motorbikes leaving whirls of dust. Clutters of shops sell gold jewellery, jade, clothes, toys, knock-off CDs and lots of mostly cheap Chinese goods. But there are also fine examples of old teak houses and magnificent broad, overhanging trees shading a quaint riverfront.I am travelling along the Ayeyarwady on Belmond’s luxury ship, the Orcaella, named after the endangered snub-nosed dolphins that swim the river. Over the next several days we will experience the people, their beliefs, customs, and daily existence along one of Asia’s great rivers.The Ayeyarwady flows from the Himalayan glaciers and sweeps down through the heart of Myanmar—formally called Burma—to the fertile delta region into the Andaman Sea. Also known as the Irrawaddy, it is the country’s largest and most important commercial waterways.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Little monks at Mingun Pahtodawgyi Mingun paya

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The trip began several days ago down river in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city and cultural capital. We will re-visit it on the river-ride back. For now, we visit Soon U Ponya Shin Paya on the southern side of 240-metre high Sagaing Hill. The Buddhist temple features a 30-metre high gilded stupa that was originally built in 1312. Legends claim the structure miraculously appeared overnight from a superhuman act by the king’s minister who was influenced by a magical Buddha relic that he found in a betel-nut box. From the balcony, I take in the spectacular view of pagodas and, across the brown Ayeyarwady, the Shan hills.

We then set sail to Mingun. The little riverside village has a trio of unique sites, the most famous being Mingun Paya, also known as Mingun Pahtodawgyi. Beneath a banyan tree, I marvel at what is left of this massive, incomplete square structure. Roughly 73-metre cube of russet-coloured bricks on a 140-metre lower terrace, it’s meant to be the world’s largest stupa. But when King Bodawpaya died in 1819, only the bottom third was completed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

I then stroll past souvenir shops selling marionettes hanging from tree branches, shelves of wooden masks, Buddha images and other handicrafts. I reach the third major site, Paya Hsinbyume, an attractive pagoda built in 1816 by the future King Bagyidaw in memory of one of his wives. The pagoda rises in seven undulating whitewashed terraces symbolising the seven mountain ranges around Mt Meru, which, according to Buddhism is the centre of the Buddhist universe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Three Buddhist novice are walking and holding the red umbrella at Mingun Pahtodawgyi, Bagan, Mandalay

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]We then slowly putter up river for a few hours to the small village of Nwe Nyein, known for producing high-quality, glazed earthenware pottery that’s sold throughout the country. The cottage industry involves more than half the village’s population.

There are no store-bought pottery wheels, electric kilns, fancy tools and other equipment here. The entire production is handmade by traditional methods. And it’s a laborious process. Inside one workshop dusty sunlight seeps through open windows and cracks in the wooden walls. A couple of babies sleep in rockers as young girls squat on the hard dirt floor spinning with their hands—some standing use their feet—wooden swivel bases as older, squatting women shape moist, reddish clay, harvested from the nearby riverbeds, into various small-sized pots. Outside, women carry the small pots stacked and balanced on their heads to dry outside in the hot sun.

In another workshop young women are also squatting on the floor spinning wooden swivel bases. But here, men are making huge, 50-gallon, swollen-shaped water pots. I watch one potter, barefoot in a sarong and T-shirt, using one hand to shape the contour from inside the pot while the other hand carefully smooths and gently shapes it from the outside.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Kuthodaw Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa, located in Mandalay that contains the world’s largest book. It lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]As we travel further upriver we stop at Kyan Hnyat, a small, quaint village on Ayeyarwady’s shores. As I walk along a red dirt path past dark-wooden houses on stilts, some with a few chickens scratching around in the dirt, I hear a rhythmic chorus of children. I open a wooden gate, peek in and enter. In a classroom with woven bamboo walls are rows of children sitting at long wooden tables all reciting aloud in unison from a textbook. A teacher stands listening in the back.

Like almost all Myanmar women young and old, the girls wear thanakha—swirls of yellow powdery paste made from ground bark and worn on their cheeks and foreheads both as a sunscreen and cosmetic. I greet them with the popular greeting of “mingalaba.” Although extremely shy, they respond in kind with giggles and smiles.

Having sailed to the port town of Katha during the night, it’s an early morning visit in a bicycle trishaw to the main market, a labyrinth of narrow aisles and pungent smells. On bamboo-woven platters are piles of morning glory, bitter gourd, fermented fish, pungent spices, inner organs, skinned goat heads, and pastries cooking in bubbling brown oil.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Three young monk are running and jumping on the Mya Thein Tan Pagoda at bagan, Mandalay

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Then we visit the two-storey colonial home where Eric Blair, better known as George Orwell, used for the setting of his novel, Burmese Days. The ramshackle two-story teak house is now a police officer’s home just off the busy main road. In the front are weeds and some dogs lazing around. Katha was his last posting in the Imperial Police before returning to England in 1927, though in the anti-colonial novel he called the town Kyauktada. The British Club, also in the novel, still exists, as does the tennis court, pagoda and prison.

As we continue to sail over the next few days, I watch snapshots of river and rural life slip by. Milk-white pagodas with golden spires flashing in the sunlight; women and men in sarongs and naked kids bathing in the caramel-coloured water; a single file of saffron-clad monks walking to a monastery; children in white-and-green uniforms drifting slowly to school; farmers ploughing patchworks of fields with oxen; a man waist deep in the water gracefully casting a fishing net that opens like a fan in the morning light. Time, like the river, flows leisurely.

Then the boat slows down as the river narrows between towering, jungle-clad cliffs. The only sounds are birds and screeching monkeys coming from the untamed foliage. As the ship moves slowly in the quiet, tropical heat, heavily vegetated towering gorges get closer, which takes about two hours to pass. We’ve reached our furthest northern destination, Bhamo.

Returning downstream we stop at Weima, one of 36 government-run elephant camps in the north. Elephants are being washed in the slow-flowing river, while women carry pails of water hung by yokes balanced over a shoulder. Most of the mahouts use their elephants to help fell teak trees and drag the logs to the river to be shipped downstream. Myanmar has about 75 percent of the world’s teak.
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Simple village life in Myanmar

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The next day we pull into Ma Lae village, timed perfectly to watch a Buddhist novitiation ceremony, an important rite of passage for all Burmese boys under 20 to become novice monks for a week or more. The boys are carried through town on decorated palanquins and then, in a temple, with their parents beside them, have their heads shaved and change into burgundy monk robes.

Back in temple-filled Mandalay we pick three unique ones to visit: the finely teak-carved Shwenandaw Monastery built in 1878; Kuthodaw Pagoda, with hundreds of small white stupas, and Buddhist texts carved into marble pages that are each 153 centimetres tall and 107 centimetres wide; and Mahamuni Paya, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country with the most revered image of the Buddha in Burma. Believed to be 2,000 years old, it’s been covered in tons of gold leaf over the centuries, except for its gleaming face which legend claims is a true likeness of Gautama Buddha.

On our final day we sail through the prow-splitting waters to Bagan, our last destination. Originally the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, the rulers built between 4,000 and 10,000 temples between the 11th and 13th centuries. Marco Polo declared it as “one of the finest sights in the world.” It still is a wonder with about 2,500 monuments left scattered across some 80 square kilometres of flat plain.

I wander around this mystical, temple-studded landscape, stepping into the shadowy dark interiors of temples which display elaborate centuries-old religious murals and monks praying at the foot of towering Buddhas. Then, as sunset approaches, I make my way to Shwesandaw Paya, one of the largest pagodas. Its terraces are already crowded with people. A spectacular sunset of reds and oranges bleeds across the sky behind the pagoda. Then, in the dying glow of its last light, as darkness is about to drape the area, there is the silhouette of a woman standing perfectly still in a yoga pose at the edge of the highest terrace.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Serene sunsets as we sail along the river

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]There is something peaceful and timeless about the scene, like this journey has been, through times past in time present. ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1539861899906-dcd176d2-c1eb-9″ include=”2607″][vc_column_text]

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© This article was first published in Aug-Sept 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post A River Through Time first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Best Lux Trains & Cruises”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Back when air travel was still uncommon even for the wealthy, travellers used to go around in style via trains and ships. Now that the vast majority have mastered the art of flight, there comes a certain je ne sais quoi in rails and sea excursions. It could indeed be the definition of ‘leisurely pursuits’; to do away with time constraints and immerse in the means that ruled supreme during simpler times. Experience the world the old-fashioned way as we present to you the best and most luxurious trains and cruise experiences. All aboard!

The Belmond Andean Explorer chugs along Peruvian scenic spots

THE SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS

( S O U T H E R N A F R I C A )
A great Safari experience doesn’t necessarily translate to roughing it in a tent. Journey through South Africa in style aboard the Shongololo Express and experience the region’s rich culture in all its glory. The luxury train’s 16 coaches were recently refurbished with splendid interiors and opulent furniture to ensure all its 72 guests’ comfort. Its spacious Gold and Emerald suites offer double beds or twin beds and feature a lounge area and en-suite bathrooms with showers, a luxurious necessity onboard a train. Dinner at the dining car every evening is a social event to look forward to, combined with authentic African cuisine. An observation car allows guests to relax, read a book, or simply soak in the awe-inspiring vistas as the train rolls through the vast countryside. Tours span from 12 to 15 days, passing through Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and the kingdom of Swaziland. Beginning from Cape Town, the Shongololo Express will take you to different wildlife sanctuaries such as the Etosha National Park in Namibia, the Hluhluwe Wildlife reserve, and the Augrabies National Park; diamond mines in Kimberley and Kolmanskop, and other historical sights that you just can’t miss in South Africa. www.shongololo.com

V E N I C E S I M P L O N – ORIENT-EXPRESS

(EUROPE)
Cellular phones and selfies seem out of place in this train’s old-world glamour, but we’re taking photos nonetheless. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express transports its guests decades back to the golden age of train travel while taking you to the romantic cities of Europe. The original sleeping cars of the 20’s and 30’s are part of the train, along with three dining cars and a lavish bar with a baby grand piano. Polished wood, antique trinkets, and elegant curtains add a ritzy vibe to the carriages. There are single or twin cabins, or a luxury suite for guests to choose from. The combination of design and innovation is impeccable: a washbasin comes out of a wood cabinet and plush sofas are transformed into berth beds. Three Grand Suites – Venice, Paris, and Istanbul – will make their debut in March next year with double beds, ensuite bathrooms, and a living area. Dinner is a dress-up event, so ladies, don’t forget your dinner gowns and gentlemen your tuxedos. The champagne bar carries vintage champagnes served in Lalique glasses, while culinary master Executive Chef Christian Bodiquel conjures the most delectable European and international cuisine. www.belmond.com/trains

Including: Presidential Train (Portugal), Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru), Silver Muse, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Symphony, Seven Sea Explorer, MS Europa II, Eye of the Wind, Sea Cloud, S.S. Joie De Vivre, Golden Eagle Danube Express & Genting Dreams.

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The post Leisurely pursuits on the finest trains & cruises first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Genting Dream opens up exciting new destinations in S.E. Asia”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
Genting Dream made history yesterday by becoming the only luxury cruise liner to call Singapore its exclusive all-year homeport. Its arrival at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, overlooking downtown Singapore, is expected to boost the city’s status as the prime cruise hub in Asia, with some of the hottest destinations, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar, only a couple of sailing days away.  

This 18-deck luxury ship accommodates 3,352 passengers and is decked with an impressive array of facilities. For luxury cruisers, the Genting Dream is the preferred way to sail. It houses the Crystal Spa, the largest Asian reflexology spa at sea, duty-free shops (you can have a personal shopper too!), a water slide park and a gaming arcade.

Genting Dream Silk Road & Cabaret

Guests will enjoy the dynamic and exotic destinations of South East Asia and the top notch accommodation on-board. The Genting Dream’s staterooms, suites, and Garden Penthouse elevate one’s cruising experience with its well-appointed and opulently-designed interiors. The dedicated Dream Palace is where one would find executive living: a boutique hotel and a private clubhouse with a European butler concierge service ready to pamper you. Should evenings call for an elegant nightcap, drop by the Genting Club and the whisky & cigar lounge.

Prepare for a gastronomic experience onboard with more than 35 restaurants and bar concepts such as Bistro by Mark Best, Silk Road, Umi Uma while Johnnie Walker House is the place to be to try their famous whiskeys.

Just because you’re in the middle of the ocean doesn’t mean your nightlife is slow. The Genting Dream is home to Zouk at Sea, an energetic club that has an indoor dance area and an outdoor party deck. It is also set to bring in some of the world’s best DJs and performers. Guests will even get to have “The Dream Experience,” a 45-minute theatrical representation of the first “China’s Got Talent” in the ship’s Zodiac Theatre.

The addition of Genting Dream is a testament to Genting Cruise Lines’ commitment to the highest level of luxury and hospitality. With the arrival of World Dream in Hong Kong this week, Dream Cruises’s second cruise ship, more options and destinations abound for the regional and international guests. www.dreamcruiseline.com

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The post Luxury cruise liner Genting Dream homeports in Singapore first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”A week in Provence’s vineyards, cruising along the river-ways in style”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Ever since the publication in 1989 of Peter Mayle’s runaway bestseller A Year in Provence, this southernmost region of France, its wonderful food and wine and its relaxed way of life have exerted a magnetic pull. By river boat, you can travel through it at the best – the slowest – of paces. Drift past medieval towns and villages, sunflower and lavender fields, truffle and olive groves, vineyards and foodie markets and you’ll begin to understand the magic. I didn’t have a year but at least I had a week in Provence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Rhone winds and meanders through the countryside of southern France.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Compared to ocean-going ships, Belmond Afloat Napoléon feels like a toy boat with just three decks and six cabins for a maximum of 12 passengers. There are six crew, too – talk about personal service! This is most definitely the luxury end of river cruising – hardly surprising when you learn that Afloat in France is in the same group as the Orient Express.

We are journeying down a river that gave its name to one of France’s most famous wines – Cote de Rhone – and wine is quite a feature on this trip. Our first stop is a tasting at the Ferraton vineyard in Hermitage and several more follow, with many of the choicest bottles ending up on the table at dinner!

Lavender fields

It was actually the Romans who planted the first vines, and they also brought lavender to scent their bath houses. Nowadays, you can buy it here fresh from the fields as an aromatherapy oil or perfumed pillow. And you can still see it ground between the same enormous millstones the Romans would have used. Its heady fragrance fills the air for miles around.

The Romans brought water, too, from mountain springs to their new cities via aqueducts. The greatest must be the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO world heritage site close to Avignon and part of a 50km stretch of a massive threestorey structure. It’s quite a view from the top.

There’s an even better one from Les Baux. A short drive from our mooring at Arles took us up – and up – to a spectacular mountain eyrie and one of the most picturesque villages in France with breathtaking views of Arles and the Camargue below. The original lords of Baux claimed to be descended from one of the Magi, the three wise men, who visited Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus and they put the Star of Bethlehem on their coat of arms to let everyone know. Nowadays, the title belongs to the rulers of Monaco, the Grimaldi family, and Princess Caroline of Monaco is the Marquise des Baux.

It was in Arles that Van Gogh painted dozens of his most famous pictures. His dreamy, luminous portrayals of the city include the night-time pavement café on the Place du Forum bathed in a golden glow. It still looks exactly the same today – a good place to stop for a cold drink. Or take an evening stroll to the spot where the artist painted ‘Starry Night over the Rhône’.

Avignon is just a few miles by boat from Arles and we dock in front of the famous bridge, Pont Saint-Bénezet, immortalised in song as Le Pont d’Avignon – to discover it’s only half a bridge. Frequently washed away by the Rhône, the locals decided it just wasn’t worth the constant repairs, so it now arches gracefully – but only halfway across. It’s a city full of surprises. There are beautiful ancient walls, narrow cobbled streets and bright blue shutters at the windows. Expansive gardens sweep down to the river and the Palais des Papes. But if all this sounds historical and just a bit quiet – don’t be fooled.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The river has a number of canalised sections that have tamed its course.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]For all its Roman and medieval roots, this university city buzzes with life. In July and early August, it also has one of France’s most famous summer festivals when every café, theatre and even the Palace of the Popes is a venue for music, comedy, theatre and art. There are street entertainers in every square and in front of every pavement café. And it’s not a bad place to go shopping either. You’ll find everything from fashion to copper pans and pretty Provencal kitchenware.

Back onboard, the Napoléon certainly lives up to its name. We lived pretty much like emperors. Every day fresh food from the local markets was transformed into superb meals. Salmon and wild boar, delicate shellfish and sun-kissed fruits, rustic breads and cheeses to die for. Some of our excursions were seriously foodie, too. At Le Grand Servan, we discovered how the best olive oil is traditionally made and later visited a truffle farm where the ‘black diamonds’ were dug up not by pigs, but by Labrador dogs!

It was an action-packed week that covered a lot of ground – or water. But it was also very relaxing. The top deck of the Napoléon is open with a Jacuzzi, exercise bikes and plenty of loungers. As you drift down the Rhône at a maximum speed of 15 kilometres an hour, you can feel yourself unwind under the hot Provencal sun as the olive groves and vineyards, fields of lavender and sunflowers drift slowly past. Ducks dabble upside down, dragonflies land on the rails and shimmer in the heat. Then one of the crew comes up on deck. ‘May I offer you a glass of champagne?’

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The Napoleon has large, comfortable cabins and a sunshade on the top deck for lunches on the move.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Well, what can you say? A six-night journey on board Belmond Napoleon starts from 4,804 Euros per person based on two adults sharing a double cabin. This includes 1st class TGV transfer from Paris to the boat, all meals and drinks on board and all shore activities outlined in the itinerary. belmond.com

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The post Cruising down Rhône with Provence’s wine first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Portugal”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

It’s easy to be enchanted in Porto. Perched on the cusp of the petulant Atlantic, at the mouth of the Douro River, Portugal’s ancient wine trading hub has always been a city that knows how to linger in the hearts of visitors.

As late afternoon sun baths the 17th century Mosteiro da Serra de Pilar in honey-hued light, and dazzles off the intricate ironwork of the Dom Luís I Bridge, the shadows of Porto’s ancient riverfront merchant houses lengthen below, their pastel facades aglow. The al fresco seafood restaurants that line both sides of the Douro – Porto proper to the North and Vila Nova de Gaia to the South – are packed with locals and travellers enjoying the late summer warmth, while on the timeless waters of the river, pleasure boats and ferries crisscross in our wake.

It’s a postcard perfect beginning to my 500-kilometre 11-day journey up and down the Douro River valley, the heart and soul of northern Portugal and a historic trading route for the region’s world-renowned port wine industry. It was down the winding Douro that wine from its terraced vineyards would be shipped to Gaia on traditional rabelo sailing boats, thus evading the heavier taxes across the river.

Many of the original wine merchants still have expansive operations on the south bank, narrow cobblestone lanes running down the steep slopes between the wineries’ towering, centuries-old walls. On the river front several rabelos, complete with prop casks, still ply the Douro, carrying camera-toting tourists rather than tawny or Tinta Roriz.

Sao Bento Railway Station

Port helped put Porto on the map, and the Douro made it happen. The Romans planted the first vines in the valley’s shale-encrusted hills over 2,000 years ago, and by the 15th century English and Scottish merchants had begun shipping the robust, full bodied wines of the Upper Douro down its waters to the Atlantic and on to Britain. So it’s fitting that the river is playing a vital role in the region’s next boom, as tourists from around the world arrive to cruise its gentle waters, sip the valley’s unique wines, and delve into the rich traditions of the Portuguese heartland.

Scenic is no stranger to the Douro, but the recent launch of Scenic Azure, one of the brand’s custom-built ‘space ships’, makes the Australian travel company the first non- Portuguese line to operate its own vessel on the waterway, heralding in new levels of luxury, service and exploration. Sleek and elegant, the Scenic Azure is an unashamedly modern vessel that offers all-inclusive luxury, from sublime staterooms with electronically controlled sun rooms, complementary minibars, spacious bathrooms and round-the-clock butler service, through to gourmet, chef driven dining, and a range of insightful shore excursions. By day, as the ship cruises, guests congregate on the expansive sun deck to watch the terraced vineyards drift by, and as dusk settles, they dress for dinner and make for the chic Panorama Bar for the nightly port briefing.

We had embarked on the first of the Freechoice excursions earlier in the day, exploring the regal halls of Porto’s neoclassical Palácio da Bolsa, walking the bustling Rua de Santa Caterina shopping street, curling our way past the merchant’s mansions which line the Atlantic coast, and gazing up at Jorge Colaço’s blue and white tiled facades at the cavernous São Bento railway station. By late afternoon we’re saying goodbye to Porto, cruising east under the guise of the expansive Episcopal Palace and dipping beneath the many bridges – the Ponte do Infante, Gustave Eiffel’s Ponte Maria, and the Ponte de São João railway arch – that leap the deep river valley. Our journey has begun.

Each day on the river is different; at times we cruise passing through towering river locks and between vertiginous, honeycombed cliff faces. At others we leave the ship to explore the region’s complex history. In Guimarães we venture down cobblestone streets to explore the beautifully preserved halls of the 500-year old Ducal Palace, the ancestral home of the first Dukes of Braganza.

Mosteiro de São João de Tarouca

In Lamego we visit the stunning hilltop sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a twin-towered 18th century church famed for its blue and white plaster interior, before walking the 600 ornamental steps down to the town’s vibrant main square. After berthing in Peso da Régua late one afternoon, we learn about the production of local wines at the beautiful, riverside Museu do Douro, before sipping tawny port-laced cocktails on the terrace to a backdrop of traditional Portuguese Fado guitar. With the sun dipping behind hills of endless vines, and the music flowing down to the bustling riverfront, it’s an enchanting way to end a day on this extraordinary waterway.

Scenic’s varied excursions not only map the Douro Valley’s past, but also its future. We learn how Cistercian friars lived in the 12th century with a visit to the site of the Mosteiro de São João de Tarouca, buying up handcrafted elderflower liqueur from local artisans and visiting a newly opened museum dedicated to the preservation of its ruins.

In Salamanca, at the half way point of our journey, we sample Ibérico cured meats and locally crafted cheeses at the cathedral-esque Abastos Markets, before exploring the Spanish city’s captivating Museo de Art Deco y Art Nouveau. In the Côa Valley, there are options to visit sites of pre-historic rock art, to learn the art of roast locally harvested almonds, or to venture up a river tributary by canoe.

In Provezende we sample the port wines of Morgadio da Calçada in the label’s 17th century manor house, now beautifully preserved as a boutique hotel and cellar door; and in Pinhao we learn how port wine is produced at a private tasting at Quinta do Bonfim, one of the Valley’s largest contemporary producers.

The beauty of a river cruise over an ocean cruise is that you never leave the destination. Throughout our journey the towering rock walls of the ancient river gorges; the red-roofed mansions of quinta wine estates; the mountain villages perched high above the river valley; and the iconic terraced vineyards that plunge down to the Douro’s waters are our constant companions. There’s a true sense of becoming part of the locale, rather than just enjoying a series of fleeting moments as a visitor.

This immersion continues with the ship’s sensational dining opportunities. In addition to the elegant Crystal Dining room, where multi-course a la carte dinners are complemented by buffet breakfasts and lunches; and the River Café, home to delectable cakes, pastries and afternoon teas; Scenic Azure offers Portobellos, an Italian fine dining concept matched with Tuscan wines, located at the bow of the ship; and Table la Rive, a superbly intimate dining encounter reserved for Diamond Deck guests that features a six course locally inspired dégustation menu with sommelier paired wines, in this case the very best of the Douro.

We arrive back in Porto to the cooler climes of the Atlantic Coast, now bronzed after lazy afternoons lounging around the Sun Deck’s plunge pool, enjoying al fresco barbecues, or exploring time-weathered valley villages. Our last evening is spent at a special farewell dinner hosted within the barrel-lined Burmester & Nash Distillery, which first began exporting port wines to Britain in 1750. To the haunting tones of Portuguese Fado, we toast our new discoveries, to the rich heritage of this often-overlooked corner of Europe, and to the bright new future it’s set to enjoy.

© This article was first published in Apr/May 2017 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post The jewel of Iberia first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Venice, Barcelona, and Santorini”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Imagine waking up in Venice, Barcelona, and Santorini. Starting this April, the Silver Muse brings the world’s most romantic destinations to you. The ninth ultra-luxury ship in the Silversea Fleet sets on its inaugural sail this April. Built by Fincantieri at 40,000 grt, she stands ready to enchant 596 guests with 411 crew members in a way that will redefine small-ship intimacy. Discerning travellers will enjoy unequalled tranquillity and pampering on her inaugural Mediterranean odysseys.

Unrivalled hospitality includes attention to every comfort and detail. Exquisite Pratesi bed linens and Bulgari personal grooming sets will help you settle in. Elegantly appointed staterooms can combine to share the journey’s thrills with your large group of family and friends.

The romance continues with individualized service of bygone eras, including your own private butler service with one job only – to make your voyage as memorable and luxurious as possible. It’s all about you. Yes, you. Rest and relax around the pool in the middle of the ocean before indulging at the spa. Later, enjoy eight world-class culinary experiences including Kabuki’s Japanese delicacies, grilling your own steak under the stars at Hot Rocks, and fine dining at Le Grande Dame by Relais & Chateau. silvermuse.info

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The post Silver Muse & the Mediterranean first appeared on World Travel Magazine.