The Best Way to Experience the Most Romantic River in Europe
It is extraordinarily charming to cruise any of the rivers of Europe, but they call it “The Romantic Rhine” for a reason – at least three reasons! And on my most recent sailing on the Rhine on a Viking river cruise, I was reminded of why the Rhine is one of my – and many seasoned river cruisers’ – favorites. On 'The Romantic Rhine,' you can see, taste, and listen to a perfect tapestry of Northern European culture. And a river...
New Ships Debut on Two Sensational Rivers: France’s Rhone and the Nile
More and more travelers are tuning in to the charms of river cruising through the hearts of some of the world’s most fabulous destinations. Two new ships have just debuted that will make exploring France’s fabled Rhone River and Egypt’s legendary Nile even more appealing. VIKING ATON With the August, 2023 launch of the Viking Aton, the ocean, expedition and river cruise line now has 4 ships plying the historic waters of Egypt’s legendary Nile River. The new, 82-guest ship is identical to...
Here a Ship, There a Ship, Everywhere a New Ship
August, 2023 may go down in the cruise travel history books, with the launch of an exceptional number of new, ground-breaking ships that inspire us to take to the seas – and give us a glimpse into the direction cruise travel, design, and experiences are heading. Five new ships sailed to sea in the first couple of weeks of the month, ranging in size from 100 guests to 4000! And here’s how they rolled out: EXPLORA INot just a new ship, but...
Ports of Call You Can't Miss in the Eastern Mediterranean’s Newest Cruise Hub
The Mediterranean is full of ancient maritime cultures, but some seaside countries are just recently becoming popular cruise destinations. One up-and-coming cruise hub in the eastern end of this historic sea offers the best of Mediterranean, modern European, and Middle Eastern cultures and lifestyles. Not to mention the spiritual attractions of the home of Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths. And the best news is that more and more cruises are calling in Israel’s ports and also embarking and disembarking from Israel,...
Where do Expedition Cruises Sail? And Where Will You be Able to Go Next?
Many people have heard about luxury expedition cruises to the Antarctic. But there’s a whole world of expedition cruising out there you may never have heard of. Cruise/ travel journalist and expert Lynn Elmhirst sat down with ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s director of expedition development Jen Martin to dispel the myth that expedition cruises only go to Antarctica. WATCH VIDEO ABOVE Jen is the person to ask. She leads the team creating ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s expedition cruise experiences. They are tasked with finding...
Now You Can Cruise on the Tennessee River
Those who love – or would like to try – river cruising close to home can rejoice: there’s a new river to sail on. In the summer of 2023, American Cruise Lines launched a new river route that explores the charming towns of America’s Tennessee Valley. The cruise line, which operates a 17-vessel fleet of river and small ships, has dedicated three of its river ships to its new, 8-day, Tennessee River Cruise itinerary. That includes the newly-christened American Serenade (pictured.) The river cruise...
Crystal’s River and Ocean Ships are Sailing Again, and Here’s Where You Can Find Them
All of the former Crystal Cruises’ ships have now found new homes. The original cruise line is no more, but those who love the ships can still sail aboard favorite river, ocean, expedition and yacht vessels with their new lines. In some cases, their new owners even managed to bring back their original crew so your next cruise… will feel like coming home. Ocean Ships – Re-launching Summer, 2023The original and legendary former Crystal ocean ships sail again beginning in the summer...
Are Cruise Ship Subs Safe? I Just Got Back From Filming on One, and This is What I Know
When five people in a submersible recently died in the pursuit of Titanic tourism, there was an immediate reverberation through the cruise world. I know, because my film crew and I just recently disembarked from a Viking expedition cruise in the Great Lakes, which included underwater excursions to Lake Superior's floor on both of the Viking Octantis' two submersible vehicles. Along with us were a dozen other journalists, who created a message group to coordinate get togethers and collegial camaraderie during the cruise. Shortly...
Is a Luxury Expedition Cruise Right for You? An Expert Explains
Luxury expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing trends in cruising - but who really sails on these voyages? And more importantly, are they right for you? Maybe it's time to dispel some myths about expedition cruising - one of the fastest-growing cruise styles today, with new ships launching every year. I sat down with Seabourn's Jen Martin, who leads the team creating the ultra-luxury cruise line's expedition cruise experiences. They understand who's taking expedition cruises and what appeals. WATCH VIDEO ABOVE Lynn...
Viking Becomes the First River Cruise Line to Sail Year-Round in Europe
Viking has announced a new river cruise itinerary, debuting in December, 2023, making it the first river cruise line to operate year-round on Europe's rivers - which comes with some benefits for travelers opting into river cruising at that time of the year. Viking's new 'Treasures of the Rhine' cruises will allow guests the opportunity to experience Europe’s rich culture during winter, even after the region's famous Christmas markets have closed. In 2022, Viking already dedicated more ships to late November and December Christmas...