Cruise

Luxist Giveaway: Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2011

Filed under: Books

Calling all cruisers, this is your giveaway. Berlitz gave us a couple of copies of its massive tome, the 2011 edition of Cruising and Cruise Ships, to give away to two readers chosen at random. This indispensable guide to all this cruise is now in its 26th year of publication. The book is written by cruise-guru, Douglas Ward, who spent 17 years working in the cruise industry before becoming a cruise reviewer. The website for this book states that Ward has logged in over 5,600 days at sea, participating in more than 1,000 cruises, 155 transatlantic crossings and plenty of shipyard visits and maiden voyages.

The book reviews 285 cruise ships and also offer at-a-glance charts compare the major cruise lines for cabin facilities, food and service. The book doesn't just review the ships, the first few sections are devoted to broader issues designed to narrow down what you might be looking for. There is advice on cruising with families, cruising for seniors, nature cruises, river cruises and more. Every conceivable angle of traveling via cruise ship is covered from etiquette to safety concerns and whether or not you can cringe your golf clubs or check email while cruising. Ward is also an incredible compendium of cruise facts. He goes into the history of the various cruise lines and also delivers behind-the-scenes details of the logistics of running a large cruise ship. His knowledge both as an avid cruiser and as a former cruise ship professional gives him a unique point of view.

Tags: berlitz, crime, cruise, cruise guide, cruise ship, cruises, luxist giveaway

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Cunard's Queen Elizabeth's Maiden Call to New York (with Video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth has her maiden call to New York on January 13, 2011.

Yesterday, New York was host to all three of Cunard Line's magnificent ships including the recently commissioned Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2. In honor of the historic occasion, the day was proclaimed "Cunard Royal Rendezvous Day" by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The highlight of the historic event was a grand fireworks display, produced by Grucci, as the trio sailed past the Statue of Liberty as they began their respective journeys around the world (see video below).

Cunard has a long history with New York. "The great city of New York and Cunard Line have a history that is interwoven," says Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "Our ships have called at New York more than any other port---with the first call being made by Cunard's Hibernia in 1845. Today marks another historic day, as our newest ship, Queen Elizabeth, marks her maiden call into New York, and we continue the legacy we have built with this city."

The ship's captain, Julian Burgess, has more than 30 years of experience at sea and nearly seven years of experience as captain. Burgess was most recently a captain with Princess Cruises. "This is my first Cunard ship and I am honored to be captain of Queen Elizabeth," Burgess told Luxist. "So many people have wonderful memories of the QE2 and there is such an interest in coming on the new Queen. She is very elegant and a great successor."

Luxist had the opportunity to tour the grand ship and found it to be beautiful, much like that of its slightly older sisters, Queen Mary 2 (winner of Luxist's Readers' Choice Award for Best Caribbean Cruise) and Queen Victoria. Remarkably, although Cunard is one of the oldest names in shipping, it operates the youngest fleet in the industry. Queen Elizabeth is the third new ocean liner to be introduced by Cunard in six years and it is the second largest Cunard ship ever built.

Gallery: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth's Maiden Voyage to NYC

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth's Maiden Voyage to New York

Tags: awards-main, Bernard Warner, bloomberg, cruise, cunard, Cunard Line, cunard+queen+elizabeth, cunard+queen+victoria, cunard+royal+rendezvous, cunardqueenelizabeth, cunardqueenvictoria, cunardroyalrendezvous, david linley, Fireworks by Grucci, Grucci, Julian Burgess, Luxist-Awards, mayor bloomberg, new york, Peter Shanks, queen elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, queen victoria

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Cruise Offers Ideal Views Of Cunard's Royal Rendezvous

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events

New York City may be in the midst of snow but that isn't stopping a special event taking place in New York Harbor. Tomorrow, January 13, Cunard is hosting its Royal Rendezvous where their famed three Queens (Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria) will meet in the New York Harbor for a fanfare of fireworks near the Statue of Liberty. If you'd like a a comfortable view of this historic event World Yacht is offering a special cruise that takes place on the same day as the Royal Rendezvous. Boarding begins at 5:00 p.m., sailing from 6-9 p.m. Following the fireworks celebration at 6:45 p.m., World Yacht will follow the three Queens into the Harbor to the Verrazano Bridge, returning to Pier 81. This exclusive cruise costs $106.55 per person and includes a menu with ceviche, grilled filet mignon and pan-seared salmon.

Tags: cruise, cunard, harbor cruise, new york city cruise, royal rendezvous, world yacht

Top 10 Luxurious Adventures of 2010 -- And How to Perfect 'Em in 2011

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

When people ask me for luxury travel advice, usually along the lines of "I want to plan a perfect trip to XYZ," I have two responses: a) there ain't no such thing as perfect in this world, no matter how much money you spend; and, b) you always know exactly how to make a trip as perfect as possible after you get home.

Still, the following trips I made in 2010 pleased me greatly, which is basically what I count as sublime perfection -- and should you plan to follow in my footsteps in 2011, note the tips I've added for making terrific travel even better.

Tags: australia, BedAndBreakfast, bestof2010, chicago, cruise, FrenchPolynesia, melbourne, montreal, Morocco, NovaScotia, ontario, PaulGauguin, PuertoRico, shakespeare, sonoma, tasmania

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Take Holiday Gifts to the Next Level With a North Pole Arctic Expedition Cruise

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Have you ever wanted to visit the North Pole? Thanks to Quark Expeditions, now you can gift this experience to yourself and a friend for a cool $48,760. To celebrate the company's 20th anniversary of their first Arctic voyage, they're offering up to 128 guests the chance to enjoy a cruise to the top of the world that begins June 23, 2011 in Helsinki, Finland.

Travelers will cruise to the North Pole in the most-sophisticated icebreaker on the planet – 50 Years of Victory. The Russian ship can cruise at 21 knots in open water and crush through ice 10 feet thick.

Each of the 128 guests will enjoy an exterior-view cabin and access to two bars, a library, gym, saunas and a swimming pool. When Victory is not acting as a passenger vessel, the ship escorts merchant vessels through the treacherous Northeast Passage.

In addition to the twin cabin category, the ship has mini-suites, suites, one Victory suite and five Arkitka suites that cost $70,160 per cabin. An Arkitka suite has a spacious bedroom with a single bed and a sitting room with a sofa bed. The private facilities have a bathtub. Amenities include a TV/DVD combination, coffee maker, and safe.

All meals, accommodation and activities are included in the cost, as is the charter air transportation between Helsinki and Murmansk, Russia, the embarkation and disembarkation point. The champagne toast and barbecue on the ice is a highlight of the adventure.

Helicopter sight-seeing as the ship crushes through the Arctic Ocean pack ice is also part of the package price. Southbound shore landings will be made in Franz Josef Land, remote islands just 10 degrees from the North Pole. Polar bear and walrus inhabit the Arctic paradise.

Travelers can book online or toll free via 1.888.892.0171.

Tags: adventure travel, arctic adventure, cruise, luxury travel, north pole, quark expeditions

The Ten Best Family Vacation Destinations Around the World

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Children

Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island's Kona Coast.

Luxist readers have selected their favorite luxury vacation spots for families around the world. From Scotland, France, New Zealand, and South Africa to Hawaii, Colorado and the Galápagos Islands, these destinations offer wonderful programs tailored specifically for children, in addition to luxurious accommodations and other incredible amenities.

The top ten vacation destinations for families, according to our readers, include:

Abercrombie & Kent's River Barge Cruise Through the Burgundian Countryside (France)
Abercrombie & Kent offers many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for family vacations, but one of the most special trips has got to be its river barge cruise through the Burgundian countryside. A chartered seven day cruise aboard La Belle Epoque, A&K's 126-foot-long, 16.5 feet wide barge, is a luxurious and relaxing way to travel and taste award-winning Burgandy wines.

The barge, which is equipped with six cabins, all outside facing and each equipped with en-suite bathrooms. There's one deluxe double cabin; one deluxe twin/double; two twin/double cabins and two cabins each with twin beds. There's also a small swimming pool, a sauna and several sun decks. Bicycles are also available for anyone in the family wanting to cycle in the towns the barge visits. A gourmet chef is on board to prepare all of the meals, which are included in the cost of the excursion.

Tags: Abercrombie Kent, awards-main, Beaver Creek, best family vacation, Burgandy, Cruise, Ebony Lodge, family vacations, galapagos, GalapagosIslands, gleneagles, Gleneagles Hotel, Grand Wailea, Hawaii, Kenya, kona village, Kona Village Resort, Lindblad Expeditions, luxist-awards, Maui, National Geographic, New Zealand, Sabi Sand Reserve, Singita Game Reserve, south africa, treetops, Treetops Lodge, TreetopsLodge, Vail

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TechnoMarine Cruise Sport Chocolate Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Yum! TechnoMarine will offer two versions of their newer Cruise Sport watches in delicious chocolate tone. I must admit the brown with rose gold tone is a nice look. What will you wear it with? No idea, I am no fashion expert, but the look is certainly fun. Seen here is the 45mm wide Cruise Sport Chocolate Chronograph, while a smaller 40mm wide Cruise Sport Chocolate with a more simple three hand day/date movement is also available. You can see a full review of the TechnoMarine Cruise Sport watch here.

The watch is in steel, but covered with a rubber/silicone wrap that matches the strap. The bezel is PVD coated in a rose gold tone, while lighter browns and white even out the design. Inside both watches are Japanese quartz movements. While brown watches are not color of the year - who cares. The style is unique (tasty looking) and certainly emits a degree of warmth that goes along with TechnoMarine's beachy theme. Look for these TechnoMarine Cruise Sport Chocolate watches soon with a retail price of $425 - $525.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: chocolate, cruise, sport, technomarine, watch

Queen Mary 2's Canyon Ranch SpaClub: Pure Bliss on the Atlantic Ocean (with Video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Perhaps the most decadent, and most relaxing experience one could ever imagine, is time spent at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub while crossing the Atlantic Ocean on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 ocean liner.

The Queen Mary 2 is equipped with a 22,000 square foot spa, which is one of the largest ship-based spas in the world. The spa facilities include 24 treatment rooms, a luxurious aqua-therapy facility and a beauty and hair salon. For those seeking exercise, there's a fully-equipped circuit gym with free weights as well as a large cardio facility that is outfitted with state-of-the-art elliptical trainers, stationary and recumbent bicycles, a variety of treadmills and stepping machines. Much of the equipment is equipped with individual televisions and iPod docks. Fitness trainers are available for individual sessions.

While the Canyon Ranch SpaClub isn't quite as elaborate as visiting the world-renowned Canyon Ranch destination locations in Tucson, Ariz. or Lenox, Mass. (and a Luxist Awards' Nominee for Best Extended-Stay Spa), it is extremely impressive nonetheless. And in some ways, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard the Queen Mary 2, which opened in 2004, is even better. Where else can you enjoy the historic and romantic experience of crossing the Atlantic on a beautiful ocean liner while experiencing the healthy lifestyle offered by Canyon Ranch?

Gallery: Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Cunard's Queen Mary 2

Canyon Ranch SpaClub on the Queen Mary 2

Tags: awards-main, canyon ranch, Canyon Ranch Cooking, canyon ranch spa, cruise, cruise ship, cruises, cunard, Cunard Cruise Line, CunardCruiseLine, luxist-awards, ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, spa, spa treatments, transatlantic, transatlantic crossing

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Sea Cloud Cruises Wins the Luxist Award for Best Summer Cruise

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

Sea Cloud's luxury cruise to Turkey and Greece

Some 2,500 years ago, the warm waters between Greece and what is now Turkey were filled with the warring fleets of Persia's King Xerxes and his Greek foes. These days, the ships sailing through the Aegean are of a much more peaceful variety-none more majestic than the vessels of Sea Cloud Cruises, the winner of the Luxist award in the best summer cruise category.

One of Sea Cloud's most popular itineraries takes guests from Athens through the Greek Isles to Turkey and back again. The eight-day trip includes stops at Delos, an entire island designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; Rhodes, where the Palace of the Grand Master still stands; and Bodrum, the Turkish town that was once home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the original seven wonders of the world.

Gallery: Sea Cloud Cruises

Cruising the Greek Isles and Turkey with Sea Cloud

Tags: awards-main, cruise, cruise ship, CruiseLines, cruises, greek islands, luxist-awards, Sea Cloud, Turkey, winners-summer-travel

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Mediterranean Cruise Aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is a nominee for best cruise ship.

Taking its name from Mary of Teck, grandmother of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is a regal ship indeed. Of all its voyages, the Mediterranean Medley is perhaps the most fitting of royalty---no surprise, then, that it's a Luxist nominee in the best summer cruises category. In January, the Queen Mary 2 won the Luxist Awards Readers' Choice Award for Best Caribbean Cruise Line.

The twelve-day trip departs from Mayflower Pier in Southampton, England and begins with three days at sea en route to the soaring spires of Barcelona. After a full day in Spain, the ship chugs to Monte Carlo for a day of James Bond-esque diversion before heading down the Italian coast from Rome to Naples. On the tail end, stops include Gibraltar and Lisbon before returning to the U.K.

Gallery: Mediterranean Luxury Cruise aboard the Queen Mary 2

Tags: awards-main, Cruise, Cunard, luxist-awards, Mediterranean, Queen Mary 2

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The Yachts of Seabourn's Fabled Far East Cruise

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Want to explore the bustle and beauty of Asia without spending half your time in confusing and crowded foreign airports? Then take a long look at The Yachts of Seabourn's Fabled Far East Cruise, a Luxist nominee in the best summer cruise category.

The 24-day itinerary begins in Bangkok, Thailand and ends in Kobe, Japan, with stops in five cities along the Pacific coastline. The first week includes stops in Vietnam's sprawling Ho Chih Minh City and bustling port of Da Nang before chugging over to Hong Kong, where shore excursions include a helicopter ride and high tea at the Peninsula Hotel.

Gallery: The Yachts of Seabourn

The Yachts of Seabourn (The Fabled Far East Cruise)

Week two starts with a journey to mainland China's seaside city of Xiamen; the trip continues with two days in Shanghai, the "Paris of China," and wraps up with a day on the Yellow Sea. The third week takes visitors to South Korea, first to the mountain-backed city of Mokpo, then to Jeju, a volcanic island formed from eruptions nearly 2 million years ago. The trip ends with stops at Nagasaki, Kagoshima and Kobe, Japan.

The Fabled Far East cruise takes place on the Seabourn Pride, a boat that boasts both a restaurant and spa. Best Available Fares per person, based on double occupancy, start at $11,400 for wait list spot, while the brochure fare is $22,800. Fares go all the way up to $32,800 for a wait list spot in a deluxe owner's suite (the stated brochure fare is $65,600), not including airfare.

Vote for the Summer Cruise that you think is the best of breed. The winner will be announced on September 1st.

Tags: awards-main, best cruise, best summer cruise, China Construction Bank, China cruise, Cruise, Far East Cruise, Hong Kong, luxist-awards, The Yachts of Seabourn

Cruise the Greek Isles and Turkey on the Sea Cloud

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Some 2,500 years ago, the warm waters between Greece and what is now Turkey were filled with the warring fleets of Persia's King Xerxes and his Greek foes. These days, the ships sailing through the Aegean are of a much more peaceful variety-none more majestic than the vessels of Sea Cloud, a nominee for a Luxist award in the best summer cruises category.

One of Sea Cloud's most popular itineraries takes guests from Athens through the Greek Isles to Turkey and back again. The eight-day trip includes stops at Delos, an entire island designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; Rhodes, where the Palace of the Grand Master still stands; and Bodrum, the Turkish town that was once home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the original seven wonders of the world.

Gallery: Sea Cloud Cruises

For those wishing to venture farther East, Sea Cloud's Athens-Cyprus trip includes stops at Knossos, island home of the fabled Minotaur; Latakia and Aleppo, one of the world's oldest continually-inhabited cities; and Tartarus, home to the Krak de Chevaliers, a Christian castle from the time of the first crusade. The trip terminates in the Cypriot city of Lanarca.

Both itineraries (which start at $3,995 per person and go all the way up to $7,995 person, not counting an early booking discount of $500) feature one of two ships: the Sea Cloud and the Sea Cloud II. The latter bristles with teak and brass, holds 94 people and is sure to instill envy in any observer-perhaps even King Xerxes himself.

Vote for the Summer Cruise that you think is the best of breed. The winner will be announced on September 1st.

Tags: Athens, Best summer cruise, Cruise, Cyprus, Delos, Greece, Luxist-Awards, mediterranean, Mediterranean cruise, Sea Cloud, Turkey

Oberoi Zahra Luxury Nile Cruiser: Cruise the Nile in Style

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

In the play Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare likens Cleopatra's barge to a burnished throne burning on the water. For modern travelers with an eye for Egyptian opulence, there's no need to look farther than the Oberoi Zahra Luxury Nile Cruiser---a Luxist Awards' nominee in the Best Summer Cruises category.

The eight-day voyages depart from Luxor and terminate in Aswan, or vice versa, giving passengers a taste of 5,000 years of history along the way. English-speaking Egyptologists are always available on board, and one accompanies each group of guests in the small luxury coaches that transport them to sightseeing stops onshore.

Gallery: The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser

Highlights of the trip include stops at the twin temple of Komombo, where one side is dedicated to the falcon god Haroeis, the other to the crocodile god Sobek, creator of the world; the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs from Ramses to Tut are buried; and the West Bank of ancient Thebes.

Perhaps the best part of the trip is the ship itself. The Oberoi Zahra boasts elegant cabins with wide windows, a gourmet restaurant and the only in-boat spa on the Nile. The spa includes four therapy rooms, each with a private shower and steam room-clearly facilities that Cleopatra would have demanded on a modern-day take on her barge.

Reservations can be made online, by email at reservations@oberoigroup.com, or by calling its toll-free line at (800) 562-3764.

Vote for the Summer Cruise that you think is the best of breed. The winner will be announced on September 1st.

Tags: Awards-Main, Best Summer Cruise, Cruise, Luxist-Awards, Luxury Nile Cruiser, Nile River, Oberoi, The Oberoi Zahra

The Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Summer Travel

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Is there an adventure getaway that you think offers an unforgettable experience? Is there a beachside hotel that you believe is superior to all others? Which international summer destination provides the best in luxury, landscape and culture? Can you tell us about a luxury family summer destination that offers an incredible experience for both young and old? Which cruise do you think is the best one to take during the summer months?

If you can recommend what you believe are the best in summer travel, we want to hear from you! The Luxist Awards Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Summer Travel will be awarded based on your nominations and voting.

We're currently seeking nominations for the best-of-breed in the following categories:

Best Adventure Getaway
Best Beachside Hotel
Best International Summer Destination
Best Family Summer Destination
Best Summer Cruise

One nomination per category, please. Submissions can be filed until August 15, 2010. Winners will be announced on September 1, 2010.

Tags: awards-main, beach, beach hotel, best adventure getaway, best beachside hotel, best international summer destination, best luxury family summer destination, best summer cruise, cruise, luxist-awards

Food Network Gets Into The Travel Business

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Events

More and more celebrity chefs have restaurants on cruise ships and chefs often sign up to be guest lecturers on cruises but now the Food Network is taking the idea a step further with a branded "Food Network at Sea" trip that starts on August 22. The first voyage, a seven-night Caribbean journey aboard the Celebrity Solstice, features "Iron Chef" Cat Cora and Aarón Sánchez who stars on "Chefs vs. City."

The cruise will include culinary demonstrations by both chefs, a Food Network VIP lounge and screening room, a dine-around featuring Food Network recipes and a battle of the Celebrity Solstice chefs competition event. Cruise guests can pre-register for cooking classes at sea, the two classes offered will be "Dumplings & Potstickers" and "Crostini & Truffles," which will be offered multiple times throughout the cruise to accommodate all Food Network Travel guests. Fares start at $1,519 per person. More details on Food Network Travel.

[via NY Times]

Tags: aaron sanchez, cat cora, celebrity chef, cruise, food network