Venture Ashore reveals three new Alaska trips

February 6, 2023 No Comments

Venture Ashore is offering three new tour experiences, further extending the company’s portfolio of experiential shore excursions for the first time in the Alaskan region. 

Part of the company’s “Essential Collection,” these expertly curated itineraries are designed to give great value at an affordable price, featuring the highlights of Alaska including a trolley tour of Ketchikan, a Skagway Yukon sled dog experience led by former Iditarod mushers, and a whale-watching cruise with an up-close visit of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier.  

Curated trips

Venture Ashore’s “Essential Collection” excursions provide individually curated compilations of the must-see and do experiences in top cities around the world, maximizing cruise guests’ time ashore at a great value with multi-port package discounts in destinations from Barcelona to Venice and Cape Town to Cartagena.  

“The demand for affordable shore excursions in Alaska has never been higher and that’s why we expanded our portfolio and designed these experiences as an absolute must-do with our on-the-ground teams. Savvy cruise travelers can now experience the best Alaska has to offer in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan with our Essential Collection experiences and take advantage of great value with our multi-port packages,” said Rinat Glinert, chief operating officer, Venture Ashore.  “We are looking forward to kicking off the year by delivering our guests the best itineraries at the best prices with the best opportunities, including seeing salmon streams, waterfalls, rainforests, and beaches—all in just one state!” 

Venture Ashore is part of the portfolio of brands under City Experiences, a leading provider of world-class experiential travel offerings.  Through its vibrant, personally curated offerings and personal connectivity, City Experiences delivers guests with an amazing experience, all provided through their own unmatched Crew and expert Tour Guides.  

Earlier this year, nine new Venture Ashore experiential tours from WALKS and Devour Tours were added to the “Essential Collection,” ranging from offerings available in Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Civitavecchia, Rome and Venice, Italy. 

About Venture Ashore

Venture Ashore offers a wide range of tour offerings to satisfy a variety of groups, interests and budgets.  Parties of 12 or more can take advantage of a dedicated groups service, with a team of personal specialists to support a seamless experience from start to finish for a unique and tailor-made itinerary.  Venture Ashore also offers extensive private tours and features small group tours, varying by destination and demand, accommodating up to 25 people or as few as 6.  Venture Ashore provides guests with a worry-free travel experience with more flexibility and generous policies such as full refunds provided up to 24 hours prior to the excursion, 24/7 customer service and a “back-to-ship” guarantee.

City Experiences is a leading provider of world-class experiential travel offerings, redefining how guests see the world with expanded one-of-a-kind travel experiences across major global destinations.  Part of the Hornblower Group, a global leader in experiences and transportation, 

City Experiences delivers a vast array of water and land-based experience offerings in top cities around the world including Barcelona, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, Paris, Rome, and San Francisco, amongst others. 

Experiences are available at ventureashore.com/essential-collection.

 

Viking adds a new ship for Seine River sailings

February 1, 2023 No Comments

Viking will welcome a new Viking Longship purpose-built for the Seine River to its fleet in 2025.

Sailing Viking’s popular eight-day Paris and the Heart of Normandy itinerary, the new ship will be identical to the four Viking Longships for the Seine which were welcomed to the company’s fleet in 2022, the Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid and Viking Skaga. 

All five ships are built specifically to navigate the Seine River and bring guests to the heart of Paris with an exclusive docking location at Port de Grenelle, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.

Popular cruises

“The Paris and the Heart of Normandy itinerary continues to be popular with our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We are excited to expand our offerings in this region and welcome even more guests on board to explore this incredible part of the world rich in history and culture.”

Hosting 168 guests in 84 staterooms, Viking’s Seine Longships feature an Aquavit Terrace, a wide variety of stateroom choices, and onboard solar panels, as well as Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic. The Viking Longships on the Seine are equipped for shore power to reduce reliance on fuel while in port, and leverage hybrid technology with large-scale battery packs.

Sailing roundtrip from Paris, guests on Viking’s Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary explore Giverny and visit the beautiful gardens and charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked; trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen; walk hallowed ground at Normandy’s American Military Cemetery and World War II beaches; and savor Normandy cuisine. This eight-day voyage along the Seine River celebrates history, art, food and customs in the country’s most dazzling urban and pastoral settings.

Luxury cruise line partners with Rocky Mountaineer for Alaska journey

January 18, 2023 No Comments

Luxury cruise line Cunard is offering guests the opportunity to experience the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train when they sail through Alaska on Queen Elizabeth this summer.

Guests will be able to extend their Alaska voyage with either a four-night pre-voyage train experience or a three-night post-voyage package, depending on the sailing date. The three-night Rocky Mountaineer tour takes guests on an eastbound journey from Vancouver to Calgary, while the four-night train tour goes the opposite direction and gives guests an additional day of sightseeing in Banff, where the highlight is an impressive trip on the Banff Gondola.

Rocky Mountaineer pre- and post-cruise tours

  • The three-night post-voyage tours starts at $2,850 per person based on double occupancy, available on two Japan to Alaskavoyages (Q318A, Q319) and four Alaska voyages roundtrip out of Vancouver ranging from 10 to 11 nights (Q323, Q324, Q325, Q326).
  • The four-night pre-voyage tour starts at $3,250per person based on double occupancy, available on three Alaska voyages roundtrip out of Vancouver ranging from seven to 10 nights (Q321, Q322, Q323).

Panoramic views

Guests travelling on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train – the only passenger rail service on this historic rail route – will experience expansive glass-dome windows and luxurious coaches. Breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes and winding canyons are offered from all angles.

Renowned for its GoldLeaf Service, Rocky Mountaineer offers an onboard dining room where guests can indulge in culinary delights inspired by the region with a new 2023 menu as well as full complimentary bar service.

Queen Elizabeth’s summer in Alaska will be a season full of adventure and discovery, with the onboard Insights program featuring experts from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, TV personality Bear Grylls, and famed explorer Mensun Bound, to name a few.

Other highlights on Queen Elizabeth include the bespoke Alaska Afternoon Tea, the elegant Ice White Ball and a new dining concept called Frontier, which offers a taste of Alaska.

 

Here’s a look at some of National Geographic’s best 2024 trips

December 30, 2022 No Comments

National Geographic Expeditions, which offers travellers unparalleled access to global destinations through the lens of knowledgeable National Geographic Experts, launches the first phase of its 2024 travel portfolio, including the complete river cruise lineup.

In collaboration with AmaWaterways, three National Geographic Expeditions-chartered departures will offer an in-depth exploration through Europe’s historic waterways, all with the ease and leisure of luxury river cruising.

Additionally, the guided travel company announced early 2024 dates for its Signature Land category, as well as the lineup for 2024 Private Expeditions.

European River Cruising 

National Geographic Expeditions invites travelers to become immersed in the beauty, charm and rich history of Europe with a cruise showcasing the highlights and hidden gems along the Danube River, Rhine River and scenic waterways of Hollandand Belgium.

With knowledge at the heart of the experience, both a National Geographic Expert and a National Geographic Photography Expert accompany travellers on each departure. These experts are renowned storytellers with a close connection to National Geographic whose specialties include writing, photography, history, geography and more — and their unique insights help form a travel experience that enlightens and inspires like no other.

The 2024 lineup features three sailings:

  • Holland and Belgium in Springtime by River Cruise (April 15): This art, floral and architecture-focused departure sends travelers on a journey through the iconic waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands, with stops at the famous windmills of Kinderdijk, a Floralia flower show at a historic Belgian castle and the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.
  • Rhine River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam (Sept. 12): Offering bike rides, walking excursions and even tasting tours, this itinerary explores the romance and timelessness of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a taste of Germany’s Rheingau wine region, and photographers will learn from the National Geographic Photography Expert during a special on-deck photo workshop to capture images of the scenic Rhine Gorge.
  • Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise (Dec. 7): This sailing invites cruise passengers to explore charming Christmas markets from Budapest to Nuremberg. Travellers will also discover lesser-known holiday marketplaces within Vienna and Salzburg and visit Vienna’s Museum of Natural History. There, visitors will meet with National Geographic Explorer Ludovic Ferriere for a behind-the-scenes look at the meteorite exhibit he curated.

Throughout each sailing, travellers will also enjoy regionally inspired meals, complimentary wines with every lunch and dinner, wellness facilities, Wi-Fi and spacious suites that are part of every National Geographic Expeditions river cruise experience.

All available departures are listed on the River Cruises page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Early 2024 Signature Land Departures 

Offering endless opportunities to explore the world, National Geographic Expeditions Signature Land trips provide premium, fully planned itineraries that give travellers special access to extraordinary places around the globe, paired with unique opportunities to experience a destination through the eyes of the storytellers from National Geographic.

The early 2024 Signature Land portfolio will span North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, and will feature a blend of tried-and-true traveler favorites and recently debuted itineraries with strong National Geographic connections, including:

  • Inside Japan
  • Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation
  • Borneo Wildlife Adventure
  • Palau: Snorkeling and Kayaking the Pristine Seas

The latest Signature Land departure dates are available on the Signature Land page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Private Expeditions 

Private Expeditions are unique itineraries designed for 1 to 10 travellers in their own private party. These trips are hosted by a private guide, offer more flexibility in travel dates and feature premium accommodations.

In 2024, 27 Private Expeditions are offered, including:

  • Belize and Tikal Private Expedition
  • Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde National Parks Private Expedition
  • Australia Private Expedition
  • Greek Isles Private Expedition
  • Sicily Private Expedition

All 2024 Private Expeditions are listed on the Private Expeditions page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Experiencing meaningful travel 

A portion of the proceeds from every National Geographic Expedition supports a global community of National Geographic Explorers.

Each year, the National Geographic Society awards more than 575 grants to scientists, educators, storytellers, conservationists, technologists and many other changemakers who help define some of the critical challenges of our time, drive new knowledge, advance new solutions and inspire positive, transformative change.

Bookings open to the public on Jan. 12, 2023. The new 2024 travel dates are available on NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Travellers can sail Europe for up to 35 days aboard this cruise ship

December 23, 2022 No Comments

For Holland America Line’s 2024 Europe season, the cruise line is adding several new itineraries that combine regions, increasing the number of voyages of 14 days or longer and enhancing Northern Europe with new departure ports.

From April to November dozens of unique itineraries — ranging from seven to 35 days — will be offered on two of the line’s Pinnacle Class ships, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, along with Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.

The four Holland America Line ships will cover the entire region on voyages designed for cultural immersion. Nine overnight ports and 33 late-night departure cities provide more time ashore while the ships explore the Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, French and Spanish rivieras, Israel, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenlandand Norway.

Highlights 

Highlights of Holland America Line’s 2024 Europe cruising season include:

  • 11 departure cities
  • Nine overnight ports
  • 33 overnight departure cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight)
  • New Northern Europe cruises
  • 14-day Canary Islands cruise
  • 14-day Mediterranean cruises
  • 2024 Barbuda itineraries

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

This cruise line has launched a luxury cruise in the metaverse

December 14, 2022 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises is sailing into the future with the launch of a new virtual experience dubbed, the ‘Wonderverse’. 

In an industry first, travellers will get to “see before they sail,” exploring a hyper-realistic, digital recreation of aspects of their newest ship in Celebrity’s transformational Edge Series, Celebrity BeyondSM, complete with the ship’s artful and inspiring spaces, entertaining signature moments like Celebrity’s famous Martini Bar Flair Show, and the ability to visit top destinations that Celebrity sails to – from Alaska to the Caribbean and Europe to Asia. 

In addition, guests can meet and chat with the line’s key leaders as digital avatars, including President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the inspirational Captain Kate McCue – the first, and still only, American female captain of a major cruise ship, and Nate Berkus, Celebrity’s Edge Series Travel Ambassador and designer of the Sunset Bar on Celebrity Beyond. 

Built in partnership with virtual event platform architects Surreal Events, Celebrity’s Wonderverse is also complete with mini games and activities, entertainment, easter eggs, and much more, all hosted on the web at celebritycruises.com/wonderverse. 

Log into adventure

Once logged in to the Wonderverse, consumers will move from space to space, enjoying immersive, interactive content throughout, as they learn more about the ship and the destinations they can sail to on Celebrity Cruises.

The journey begins with a user-controlled tender game to the iconic Magic Carpet, where participants will have a chance to create their own personalized avatar.  Participants will then be transported to the Resort Deck, where they will be greeted personally by Captain Kate, on hand to help answer questions and can explore the ship from there. 

From there, visitors can also experience some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations in the Wonderverse, including the Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier in Alaska; the whitewashed beauty of Santorini, Greece; the bright lights of Japan’s capital city of Tokyo and the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji; and the white sand beaches and clear Caribbean turquoise waters of St. Lucia, all before reuniting with Nate Berkus at the Sunset Bar, where they’ll have the opportunity to ask him a series of questions about the stunning ship and breathtaking destinations. As part of the experience, guests will be able to easily access a portal for immediate bookings. 

A world of wonder

A next generation ship, Celebrity Beyond goes further than ever-imagined possible for a cruise ship, giving guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the everyday — while connecting with the wonders of the world around them. 

Inspirational design from the world’s leading architects and interior designers, fine dining experiences from Michelin starred chefs, world renowned wellness partners, exquisite art, cutting-edge entertainment and luxury brand retailers, along with Celebrity’s uniquely intuitive service, Celebrity Beyond shatters every preconceived notion of the cruising experience, representing the epitome of a relaxed luxury resort at sea.

For more information on all Celebrity Beyond sailings, visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-beyond. 




American Airlines adds comfortable lay-down seats

November 16, 2022 No Comments

With new deliveries of its Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, beginning in 2024, the airline will unveil new Flagship Suite premium seating and a reimagined aircraft interior for its long-haul fleet.

Flagship Suite seats will offer customers a private premium experience with a privacy door, a chaise lounge seating option and more personal storage space. Customers will enjoy tailored luxury in their private retreat in the sky in American’s premium cabin.

“We are enhancing the customer experience across their entire journey with American,” American’s Vice President of Customer Experience Julie Rath said. “The arrival of new long-haul aircraft and the customized seat design of the Flagship Suite seats will offer customers a truly private premium experience on our long-haul fleet.”

American was the first U.S. airline to debut long-haul Premium Economy seats in 2016, and in response to customer demand, the airline is adding even more Premium Economy seats to its long-haul aircraft. The new custom-designed Premium Economy seat creates more privacy and doubles the amount of in-seat storage space.

With the introduction of new interiors on its long-haul aircraft, premium seating on American’s long-haul fleet will grow more than 45 percent by 2026. American’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft will have 51 Flagship Suite seats and 32 Premium Economy seats, and the airline’s Airbus A321XLR aircraft will feature 20 Flagship Suite seats and 12 Premium Economy seats.

Members of American’s award-winning AAdvantage loyalty program can earn miles through everyday activities such as shopping and dining that they can use for award tickets to experience American’s new Flagship Suite seats when it debuts in 2024.

Refreshing existing aircraft

American will also be retrofitting its aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, to include Flagship Suite seats. These 20 aircraft will be refreshed with the new interiors starting in late 2024. American’s aircraft will feature more premium seats than its current design, with 70 Flagship Suite seats and 44 Premium Economy seats.

American will also retrofit its Airbus A321T fleet to align those 16 aircraft with the rest of its A321 fleet. American will continue to offer lie-flat seats on its transcontinental routes departing New York and Boston along with its Northeast Alliance partner, JetBlue Airways, providing travelers with a premium experience and the opportunity to arrive refreshed after a cross country flight.

Celebrity Cruises unveils new ports and destinations

November 14, 2022 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises has announced its most ambitious season of sailings ever, with nearly 500 sailings for the 2024-2025 season that send the line’s fleet of 16 relaxed luxury ships, including Celebrity AscentSM, the fourth ship in the highly acclaimed Edge SeriesⓇ, to more than 250 destinations in 70 countries.

The new offerings include first-ever homeports for some of Celebrity’s Edge Series ships; new year-round offerings in Europe, with new ports; new overnights and double overnights; and new experiences across the rich cultures of every region while basking in the fullness of the Celebrity cruise experience. 

Highlights of the new 2024-25 season include:

  • Year-round sailings with more than 40 different itineraries in Europe, along with  overnights in 11 of the world’s most popular cities from Lisbon, Portugal, to Istanbul, Turkey, and Reykjavik, Iceland; and brand-new ports of call including Pauillac (Bordeaux), France; Brindisi and Trieste, Italy; and Kavala and Volos, Greece; Cel
  • The Edge Series ships deployed to new regions of the world with Celebrity Edge sailing to Alaska roundtrip from Seattle; and Celebrity ApexTM sailing from London to the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle, the latter a destination Celebrity hasn’t visited since 2014;
  • Year-round sailings from Asia, including an entire summer of sailings from Tokyo, Japan 
  • New 3-night Caribbean itineraries, complemented by sailings up to 12 nights from four departure ports – Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

“For our 2024/2025 season, we wanted to take our offerings to new heights – all in celebration of our fourth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Ascent, sailing its inaugural season in 2024,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “There’s truly no better way to see the world’s best places than on the world’s best places where our guests are treated to the accommodations and amenities of a Celebrity ship – a luxury hotel, Michelin-quality dining, and a world-class luxury spa retreat all in one with the world just steps away.” 

A European season like no other

With seven ships, including three Edge Series ships – Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity, BeyondSM, and Celebrity Apex – Celebrity Cruises expands on its legacy of award-winning European itineraries with 153 different sailings visiting nearly 100 destinations.  

For the first time ever, an Edge Series ship will homeport outside of London, with Celebrity Apex hosting more Norwegian Fjord sailings than ever before, including a new, 12-night Norwegian Fjord and Arctic Circle itinerary.

Celebrity Ascent will embark on its inaugural European season with itineraries visiting culturally rich cities throughout Spain, Italy, France and Greece; while Celebrity Beyond will embark on 10- and 11-night itineraries to Greece, Istanbul, Naples, and more. Additional itinerary options include sailings throughout Scandinavia, along with special sailings to Egypt and Israel.

Homeporting in Tokyo (Yokohama) from April 2024 to October 2024, the newly revolutionized Celebrity Millennium will sail 12-night itineraries, immersing guests in the physical and cultural beauty of Japan from the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji, to the quiet temples and bamboo groves of Kyoto, with each sailing including overnight stays in Osaka. Special sailings immerse guests in the country’s renowned summer festivals culture including Golden Week in May.  

Following its season in Japan, Celebrity Millennium will join Celebrity Solstice providing guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural offerings of Southeast Asia on 11- to 14 night sailings visiting 32 destinations across Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and more from September 2024 to April 2025.

Roundtrip from Seattle, Celebrity Edge – the first Edge Series ship to sail to Alaska – will take guests on 7-night itineraries to the pristine Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier, complete with breathtaking views and gushing waterfalls, with stops in Victoria, British Columbia, and Ketchikan. Joined by Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Solstice, together, they will offer 57 sailings and an array of 6- to 8-night itineraries from May to September 2024.

For the 2024-25 season, eight Celebrity ships, including three Edge Series ships – Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Apex – will offer itineraries ranging from 3-night weekend getaways to longer 12-night voyages. Itinerary offerings include:

  • Celebrity Ascent – making her Caribbean debut with rotating 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries, visiting the picturesque ports of St. Thomas and St. Maarten, or the historic Georgetown, Grand Cayman and the unique landscape of Labadee, Haiti, where beachside meets mountside;
  • Celebrity Beyond – sailing 10- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean, visiting St. George, Grenada; St. John’s Antgua, St. Maarten, and more. For those looking to check off a bucket list destination, Celebrity Beyond will also take guests to see the modern marvel that is the Panama Canal;
  • Celebrity Apex – transporting guests on a 7-night itinerary to some of the most sought-after destinations in the region including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Labadee, Haiti; Key West, Bimini, Bahamas; St. Kitts, Tortola, and more;

Additional sailings include:

  • Celebrity Edge returning for her second season Down Under, embarking on a selection of 3- to 14-night itineraries starting October 2024 and running through April 2025. 
  • Setting sail to the Galapagos aboard one of the brand’s three uniquely intimate and stunning ships – Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xpedition or Celebrity Xploration – on six or seven-night itineraries carefully curated to ensure wanderlust travelers experience all this extraordinary archipelago offers. Every sailing includes an option to extend the experience on land.
  • Celebrity Equinox embarking on her inaugural season in South America, including a 14-night itinerary exploring the beauty of Patagonia, Argentina and Antarctica, as well as taking in a tango show or surfing the beautiful beaches of Montevideo, Uruguay.
  • Celebrity Eclipse making her Northeast debut, sailing to Canada and New England; Greenland and Iceland; and offering 7-night Bermuda itineraries from the New York area.

Ritz-Carlton’s upscale yacht collection sets sail

October 28, 2022 No Comments

Envisioned to perfectly blend the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton resorts with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, Evrima, the first of three custom-built yachts from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, set sail on October 15, 2022, with a voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Nice, France, delivering highly tailored getaways for travelers seeking to wholly immerse themselves in the culture of each destination. 

“We are thrilled to introduce The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and usher in an exciting new chapter for this beloved brand,” said Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President for Luxury Brands, Marriott International. “The Ritz-Carlton has long been rooted in innovation and service excellence, guided by a commitment to be at the forefront of delivering transformative travel experiences. As we continue to evolve our legendary brand, we could not be more excited to give our guests the opportunity to experience The Ritz-Carlton in a new way.”

An exclusive experience at sea

Unveiling unique itineraries and immersive experiences, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection carves out an exclusive space within the industry while exemplifying the brand’s forward-thinking approach to luxury hospitality. Stopping at both intimate and signature ports of call, most voyages range from 7 to 10 nights, with no two journeys alike so that guests can combine itineraries without repeating a destination. Depending on the season, Evrima visits the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Destinations along the way range from Spain’s Balearic Islands and coveted havens along the French Riviera, to the aquamarine shores of Aruba and the tropical coastlines of Costa Rica. The intimate size of Evrima also allows unique access into some of the most sought-after ports of call, delivering yacht-style cruising in destinations such as Mykonos, Saint-Tropez, and St. Barts.

The specially designed yacht measures 190-meters and can accommodate up to 298 passengers. The onboard experience reflects the sublime comfort and legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned, with one of the highest staff and space ratios at sea. The design of the yacht’s 149 suites is one of the many tone-setting elements. In addition to offering a high percentage of large suites, Evrima also features several innovative two-story loft suites, a unique duplex accommodation. All rooms feature a private terrace and floor to ceiling windows, resulting in some of the most airy and expansive guestrooms at sea. Through a blind wall, select suites also have the option to be combined into larger, open-concept spaces, allowing for more flexibility when selecting accommodations. All suites feature the luxurious amenities that visitors expect from Ritz-Carlton properties around the world, including a king bed, double vanity bathroom, luxury linens, and more.

Travellers aboard Evrima can access the following:

  • curated menu of ESPA and 111SKIN spa treatments
  • a sauna and steam room
  • watersports from the yacht’s marina
  • an infinity pool
  • a fitness studio
  • a breadth of dining options

Enriching entertainment on board includes intimate performances by in-house jazz and classical musicians, discussions led by renowned experts, and partnerships with local arts and music communities. Families exploring the world together can enjoy a dedicated space on board for Ritz Kids. The Ritz Kids programming, tailored for young guests between the ages of four and twelve, has been crafted to appeal to children’s curiosity and innate love for discovery, with an emphasis on marine conservation.

In each destination, guests can choose from a selection of unique experiences within The Shore Collection that align with their interests or utilize the services of the Concierge Ashore to customize their own private tours. Experiences on shore range from a guided tour in a world-class museum with its curator and visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site, to yoga on a private beach, zip-lining through a rain forest, truffle hunting, and more. By working with local guides who were selected for their insider knowledge and subject matter expertise, guests enjoy a singular journey. On select itineraries, guests can deepen their experience mid-voyage through an overnight tour, promising an unforgettable and uniquely immersive cultural experience, before rejoining the yacht at their next destination.

The yachts of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter. For more information, click here.

 

This luxury barge has teamed up with one of the oldest champagne houses for a river cruise like no other

October 7, 2022 No Comments

Belmond is launching a luxury barge, part of its unmatched French collection: Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne.

Debuting in May 2023, Coquelicot will take guests on a cinematic journey of Champagne in partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house. Featuring three spacious cabins with ensuite facilities, an indoor salon with a champagne bar, and an extensive outdoor deck, Coquelicot will set a new standard of sophistication for slow-paced sailing in France. Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat is available for week-long private charters starting from €82,000 (approximately $79,500).

Designed by successful French duo, Humbert & Poyet, Coquelicot, formerly the Hirondelle barge, will boast three double cabins with marble ensuite bathrooms and an indoor lounge with a champagne bar – stocked with a curated selection of the guests’ preferred labels. The vessel’s top deck will be the social centre for guests to unwind as they meander the calm waterways. Framed by potted local herbs and indigenous wildflowers that root the space in the locale, the deck features two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area to enjoy a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers.

To complement the ever-changing views and create an intimate sanctuary on the water, the barge’s interiors and exteriors will capture the essence of Champagne, with nods to the region’s hues and character. Local fabrics in earthy tones and raw materials will honor Champagne’s agricultural heritage, while fluted walls, decadent interiors and pieces of art will pay homage to the land’s glorious present. Coquelicot’s namesake, the red poppy, will be found in subtle references such as the hand-cut red marble side tables and the tone-on-tone hand-painted petals that line the hallway, while the lounge’s skylight is a celebration of Champagne’s water mapping legacy.  

Elevating the river barge journey, Belmond has partnered with Maison Ruinart to offer exclusive access to the first established House of Champagne with a private tasting lunch by Chef In Residence Valérie Radou and guided tours of the historic Taissy vineyard to discover the brand’s latest sustainability initiatives. Guests will disembark Coquelicot for unrivaled access to Taissy vineyard, which has been referenced as early as 1733 in the Maison’s archives. Immersed in the hillsides of the Champagne region, Maison Ruinart, in partnership with Reforest’Action and the University of Reims, launched a pioneering viti-forestry project in 2021 to preserve and regenerate forests in order to restore biodiversity. Also dotting the grounds is a new art installation by German visual artist Nils-Udo, a pioneer of land art. A technical tasting of iconic Maison Ruinart cuvées, led by a Maison Ambassador, will conclude the morning experience in the vineyard.

Back on board, Belmond guests will be treated to a private five-course tasting lunch by Maison Ruinart’s Chef In Residence Valérie Radou and Coquelicot Head Chef. It will be the first time Maison Ruinart’s Chef will be cooking a private ‘four hands’ lunch outside of Maison Ruinart. A true lesson in French art de vivre, this dining experience includes five seasonal dishes inspired by regional cuisine and paired with prestigious cuvées such as Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Dom Ruinart Rosé. Framed by the idyllic landscape and in the comfort and privacy of their own luxury boat, guests will delve deep into the world of Maison Ruinart, as their ambassador reveals the story, characteristics and technical aspects of each bottle.

Personal Guest Experience Executives will help craft customized itineraries depending on guest preferences. Whether an art-focused tour of Champagne, a historic voyage through the mighty castles, an active adventure on two wheels or a series of epicurean visits to Europe’s most celebrated and most secret wine producers, guests will have the liberty to design their own journey and marvel at the region’s treasures at their own pace. Alternate an al fresco soirée on the top deck with an off-board Michelin-starred restaurant experience or a less inhibited dinner in one of the quaint villages scattered across the region. The all-inclusive journeys include table d’hóte meals, complimentary beverages, all planned excursions escorted by a private guide, and transfer from Paris to the barge. Helicopter transfers from Paris are also available upon request.