Latest Travel Articles

Friday, February 26, 2010

Escorted tours have changed drastically over the years...more comfortable coaches, better itineraries and more free time to allow you to explore on your own.  If buses are not for you, tour operators also offer river cruises, train tours or hosted city stay.

Booking through a tour operator is an excellent value - they negotiate packages in bulk, and pass on the savings.  You pay one price for hotel, transportation, several meals & sightseeing tours, as well as the services of a tour guide and driver.  You know exactly what your out-of-pocket expenses are, so there are no surprises.  The only surprise is how much you will learn and enjoy the your knowledgeable guides, and the friends you will make along the way.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Travelers are realizing that river cruises offer comfort, convenience and variety. The ship is both a hotel and a means of transportation. You don't have to get up early like you do when on a traditional tour or cruise to see the sites. Your ship will be in a new and exciting place every day. Ranging from picturesque villages, breathtaking riverbanks with castles, colorful fields with windmills or vibrant capitals, every day will be a unique experience on your European waterways cruise.

Over the years, we have found that consumers desire more choices when traveling. Cruise lines responded with open dining, tour operators with more leisurely trips, but until recently, the river cruise industry did not offer the choices that seem to attract new clientele. Now the newer river cruise ships with modern decor, larger cabin options and added amenities have helped the river cruise industry experience considerable growth in a short amount of time. In the age of technology, we also find more clients asking for WiFi, which is not available on many of the older ships. You now travel in more style and comfort than with the older riverboats. Staterooms are spacious and most include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with French balconies. You can enjoy fine linen on your hotel-style beds, flat screen satellite TV and radio, safes, hairdryers and many other amenities that make you feel at home. On many ships you even have the convenience of elevators.

From the time you arrive to your first destination you are escorted, guided and waited on by English speaking staff. Once you unpack you are ready to enjoy your wonderful adventure. From medieval castles, to Monet's Giverny gardens or perhaps Egypt's Mysterious Nile, you will not only be awed by the sights but you will also have qualified tour directors and specialist to guide you during your excursions. Many ships also offer theme departures that provide you with a unique opportunity to experience a destination focusing on its music, food and wine, to enrich your subject knowledge by including expert presentations, special concerts and top chefs.

All meals on board are carefully chosen to give you the variety of the region you are visiting along with many of your favorites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily. The meal presentation is outstanding as is the service. You can also enjoy the complimentary wine with dinner along with coffee or tea. After dinner you will be pleasantly surprised by the on board entertainment provided by both local entertainers and the crew.

It is small ship cruising at its best. It provides you with the opportunity to experience history, art and culture unhurried and at a relaxed pace. Rather than having to take a bus to see the sites, in most cases you walk right off of the river cruise and you are already in the center of it all.

River Cruise Sites : Avalon Waterways | Uniworld River Cruises | River Cruises 
 

Friday, February 12, 2010

Asia mesmerizes visitors with its ancient alleyways, bustling colors and magnificent relics from a culture that dates over 6,000 years. This ancient past has not been overtaken by modern buildings, but rather many cities offer both. See skyscrapers & modern architecture, & not far away, visit amazing shrines, monasteries and temples. Walk the Great Wall of China. Walk through a Zen garden. Shop in a modern mall, or visit local markets. Participate in time honored traditions such as a tea ceremony or dance the night away at a modern nightclub. Eat at a stylish five start restaurant, or join the locals for exotic food cooked with Thai, Malaysian or Indian spices. Need transportation? Depending on what Asian city you are visiting, you may see cars, bicycles, rickshaws, a high speed bullet train or even an elephant.

Popular tourist sites in China include the Forbidden City in Beijing, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Popular cities to visit in China include Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Popular cities in Japan include Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Visit highlights such as the Golden Pavilion Temple, Mt. Fuji and Todaiji Temple, which is home to the largest bronze Buddha in Japan.

Singapore and Thailand have also become popular destinations for those traveling to Asia.

Traveling on a land tour is the best way to cover various cities in Asia. Tour operators offer packages as short as eight days which would visit just two cities such ash Beijing combined with Shanghai or Hong Kong. These packages are more basic and include just hotel accommodations, transfers and some sightseeing, with a lot of free time. Tour operators also offer more comprehensive tours of two weeks or more that cover at least four major cities in Asia with more inclusions, but still plenty of time to explore on your own.

If you feel that touring is not right for you, then you may want to consider a Yangtze River cruise or a cruise of Asian countries onboard a mainstream cruise line such as Princess, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America or Royal Caribbean.

Learn more about Asia tours and cruises

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

Viking Danube and Viking Sky are sister ships specially designed to be both swift and versatile. These spacious vessels accommodate 150 guests each; because they can sail on a variety of rivers, they are ideal for our longer itineraries. Travel through the heart of Europe in deluxe, big-ship comfort.

Reception/Lobby

The upper deck lobby area is your information center during your voyage. Your Program Director’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a public address system to announce events; there are also restrooms and an onboard boutique.

Sun Deck

Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past castles, towns, villages, trees and vineyards. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair. Seating just aft of the bridge is covered with a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge. The Sun Deck also features an unheated swimming pool (14 ft. x 28 ft. x 3.28 ft.) perfect for a refreshing dip. This deck is accessible to the upper deck via stairs and chair lift.

Restaurant

The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. It features panoramic windows, so you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It accommodates all guests at a single seating. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals. The restaurant is accessible to the upper deck via staircase and elevator.

Observation Lounge/Bar

The observation lounge is a terrific place to meet friends before and after meals. It boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables, sofas and a bar area with barstools; there is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket. The lounge has a projector and screen installed in the ceiling, so slides can be shown, and there is a stereo system and dance floor.

Library

The library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.

Spa Facilities

Complete relaxation is yours in this onboard mini-spa facility, available by reservation. Enjoy private use of the sauna, whirlpool and solarium (tanning bed).

 Category A

Features

• Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
• Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
• Panoramic window 3.28 ft. x 6.56 ft. (can be opened)
• Private bathroom with shower
• TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
• Individual climate control
• Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 5.25 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
• Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
• Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
• Converter in the bathroom outlet
• TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Category B

Features

• Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
• Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
• Panoramic window 3.28 ft. x 6.56 ft. (can be opened)
• Private bathroom with enclosed shower
• TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
• Individual climate control
• Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 5.25 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
• Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
• Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
• Converter in the bathroom outlet
• TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Category C

Features

• Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
• Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
• Panoramic window 3.28 ft. x 6.56 ft. (can be opened)
• Private bathroom with shower
• TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
• Individual climate control
• Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 2.62 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
• Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
• Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
• Converter in the bathroom outlet
• TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Category D

Features

• Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
• Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
• Panoramic window 6.56 ft. x 1.64 ft. (cannot be opened)
• Private bathroom with shower
• TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
• Individual climate control
• Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 2.62 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
• Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
• Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
• Converter in the bathroom outlet
• TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Category E

Features

• Stateroom size: 154 sq. ft.
• Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
• Panoramic window 6.56 ft. x 1.64 ft. (cannot be opened)
• Private bathroom with shower
• TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
• Individual climate control
• Hotel style bed 6.56 ft. x 2.62 ft. x 1.31 ft. (can be separated)
• Height under bed for suitcases: 0.92 ft.
• Closet space: 2 closets, each 2.95 ft. x 6.23 ft. x 1.80 ft.
• Converter in the bathroom outlet
• TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Browse our River Cruise selection

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

Seeing the Galápagos Islands on board the M/V Santa Cruz goes beyond the concept of traditional cruising, evolving into an expedition approach in order to authentically discover and explore the natural wonders of this region. The M/V Santa Cruz is built to luxurious standards and encourages an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.

The 44-stateroom M/V Santa Cruz features a Jacuzzi and an observation platform for dolphin and whale watching on the top deck. Each ship's dining room, lounge, and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room. All staterooms are outside and feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hairdryers, and safety deposit boxes. The M/V Santa Cruz accommodates 88 passengers.

The M/V Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, including superb service, expert crew, the most knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides, and menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes.


Ship Amenities

• Expedition Team of Naturalists
• Non-smoking interiors
• Lounge and bar
• Library (including reference books and videos on the Galápagos Islands)
• Observation area for whale or dolphin watching
• Jacuzzi and solarium
• Complimentary wine with all onboard dinners
• Open seating throughout dining rooms for all meals
• Breakfasts and lunches with a selection of Ecuadorian specialties
• Resident physician

Deck Plans

Reconstructed: 1998; Length: 72.35 m.; Crew members: 52; Staterooms: 44 





Staterooms

Main Deck Standard Cabin - 124 sq. ft. (11 x 11 ft.)

Upper Deck Standard Cabin - 124 sq. ft. (11 x 11 ft.)

Boat Deck Standard Cabin - 124 sq. ft. (11 x 11 ft.)

Boat Deck Standard Plus Cabin - 156 sq. ft. (10 x 15 ft.)

 


Learn more about Avalon Waterways river cruises