Imagine a cruise that’s focused on your own special interest such as wine, golf, art, or music.

Imagine an entire trip designed to help you experience your destination from the perspective that interests you most, in the company of others who share you passion.

This type of trip exists!

Select sailing dates on various cruise itineraries are designated as ‘Special Interest’ or ‘theme’ cruises.

You’ll enjoy onboard presentations by subject experts, special activities, and more…. at no additional cost.

Examples of special interest cruises include:

• Art & Impressionist Cruises
• Beer Tasting Cruises
• Culinary Cruises
• Festive Time Cruises (e.g. Christmas markets)
• Golf Cruises
• History Cruises
• Jewish Heritage Cruises
• Music Cruises
• Wellness Cruises
• Wine Appreciation Cruises

Which special interest cruise will YOU choose?

Not sure which river cruise itinerary to choose?

A 15-day trip from Amsterdam to Budapest is by far the most popular itinerary, and the one I usually recommend for first-time river cruisers. It offers spectacular scenery and visits some of Europe’s most important cities.

Another popular choice is the Rhine, a 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel.

If you’ve already done a European river cruise, you’ll want to consider the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia for your next trip.

Magnificent Europe

A truly grand cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest through the heart of Europe and across the Continental Divide.

Follow the route of emperors and kings on a “Magnificent” European journey along three great rivers through five fascinating countries!

Begin in Amsterdam, then travel on the Rhine to Cologne, a historic university town with a breathtaking Cathedral. Cruise through the beautiful Rhine Gorge and then onto the Main River. Marvel at the Main-Danube Canal – an engineering masterpiece – as you traverse Europe’s Continental Divide from the comfort of your ship.

Discover the culture and traditions of such grand old capitals as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Along the way, you’ll see perfectly preserved medieval towns and Europe’s loveliest countryside, filled with ancient abbeys and fairytale castles.

The Enchanting Rhine

Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse).

Begin in the legendary city of Amsterdam, with its myriad canals and distinctive architecture.

Visit the majestic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, the German university town of Heidelberg and medieval Strasbourg.

Conclude your journey amidst Switzerland’s snow-capped vistas, with a scenic lake cruise and souvenir shopping in two cosmopolitan cities, Lucerne and Zurich.

The Mekong

Your journey begins in Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi, followed by an excursion to breathtaking Ha Long Bay for an overnight sojourn.

A short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, brings you to the gateway of the ancient Khmer empire. Spend three days touring the temples of Angkor Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before embarking your 7-night Mekong cruise on Tonle Sap Lake.

Visit rural villages, historic pagodas, floating markets and a Buddhist monastery along the way.

Overnight in Phnom Phen, capital of Cambodia. Conclude your cruise in lively Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Imagine the freedom and simplicity of travelling only with carry-on, no matter how long your trip!  Imagine breezing through airports without the discomfort and inconvenience of carrying luggage!

Pre- and post-cruise travel is a lot more relaxing and less stressful when you’re not travelling with luggage, and pampered cruisers use luggage valet services to ship their luggage directly from their home to the cruise ship (and back home again after their cruise).

Here are some of the benefits of travelling without luggage:

• No waiting to check in at the airport. You can check in online at home, print out your boarding pass, and proceed straight to the gate.
• No ‘checked luggage’ or ‘overweight bag’ fees. Luggage fees are a billion-dollar industry for airlines. Using a luggage shipping service, you can pack as much as you want. You’ll know exactly what you’ll be charged ahead of time, with no nasty surprises at the airport.
• No worry or hassle of lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Luggage that goes missing or is damaged in transit is a lot more common than most airline travellers realize. You’ll eliminate this worry with a private luggage shipping service.
• No frustration and inconvenience of delayed luggage. The last thing you want when you’re going on a cruise is luggage that doesn’t make it to the ship on time!
• No waiting to pick up your bags after your flight. Instead of waiting at the airport luggage carousels after your flight, trying to find a luggage cart, then experiencing potential delays if your bags are selected for inspection, you’ll walk straight out of the airport ahead of everyone else.
• Explore your embarkation and/or disembarkation port without being burdened by luggage. The first and last day of your cruise can be a challenge with luggage. When you remove this limitation, you’ll have a lot more options. Pre- and post-cruise days can become exciting, memorable parts of your vacation instead of boring, wasted time.

Here’s how a luggage valet service works:

1. Book your luggage shipment online or by phone.
2. Your luggage is picked up at your house or other agreed-upon location. Your bags will be picked up 7-14 days before
3. departure, depending on whether you are travelling domestically or internationally. This ensures your bag is on time, with extra time allowed for international shipments, where your luggage must go through customs and may be delayed if your bag is selected for inspection.
4. Customs documentation and any other loopholes are handled for you. Your luggage is monitored throughout the trip.
5. Your luggage meets you in your stateroom.
6. After your cruise, your bags usually arrive home within a few days.

Luggage Free is my favorite company (www.luggagefree.com), and it’s also the provider for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Here are some of the reasons I prefer Luggage Free:

• They ship to (and from) 130 countries – this includes any cruise port in the world.
• Your luggage is covered with a protective prior to shipping and for the duration of the journey.
• You’re only charged for what you pack. Other companies use ‘block pricing’, where the price is the same for all bags in the same weight range e.g. 40 – 60 lbs.
• They offer one of the industry’s most comprehensive delivery guarantees

You also get an upfront consultation, so you’ll benefit from good advice. They can advise you about little-known rules and regulations (which vary from country to country) so you don’t unintentionally import illegal items or contraband.

Other reputable luggage valet services include:

• Luggage Forward (www.LuggageForward.com) – exclusive provider for Seabourn cruise line
• Luggage Concierge (www.LuggageConcierge.com) – provider for Crystal Cruises

If you’re planning a multi-stage trip, a luggage valet service can be an especially convenient option. For example, maybe you’re taking a Mediterranean cruise that departs from Rome, and spending two weeks in Paris ahead of time. Using a luggage valet, the bags you need for Paris will be at your hotel when you arrive, and will be picked up again when you leave for Rome. The bags you need for your cruise will meet you in your stateroom two weeks later on embarkation day, and will be picked up from the ship upon debarkation. You’ll travel hands free all the way home.

 

When I went on my first river cruise, I discovered a few things that surprised me.

I thought I’d pass them along in case they help you too.

1. River Cruising is Casual

I have to admit, I pictured river cruises as being full of wealthy people dressed to the nines. Nothing could be further from the truth!

The dress code on board river cruise ships is decidedly casual.

Now I don’t even pack a dress or heels.

2. River Cruise Ships in Europe are All the Same

This declaration is sure to generate passionate responses from people who disagree. But let me explain…In Europe, the ships must all pass under the same bridges and through the same locks. That means they are limited in width and height, and as a result are all the ships are generally the same size and shape.

To be sure, each cruise line has outfitted the interiors of their ships differently… and each will claim that their setup is the best.

The truth of the matter is that they are variations on a theme, and they are ALL nice.

You won’t want to make decisions about your river cruise based on the ship (as you would do with ocean cruising). Instead, focus on the river and the itinerary.

Figure out where you want to go… and only then start looking at the ships that will take you there.

3. “Everything Included” Has Different Meanings

Ocean cruisers are sick and tired of being charged extra for small items, every time they turn around.

River cruises are very appealing partly because everything is included.

However, there are different inclusions depending on which cruise line you choose.

That’s good news, because there’s a river cruise to fit every budget.

Every cruise will include your meals and snacks, coffee beverages, wifi access, and excursions in each port.

You may or may not have to pay extra for things like bar drinks, wine with lunch, ‘special’ excursions or experiences, and so on.

Your ship may or may not have a pool, hot tub, hair salon, and bicycles for your use.

Make sure you understand exactly what’s included in the price when assessing your river cruise options.

Thinking of a River Cruise? Let me help you select the itinerary and ship that’s the best fit for your interests and your budget.  Contact me today!