Jetsettersblog

Viking River Cruises marks its 15th anniversary in 2012, and is planning its biggest year yet. Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises was established with four Russian river cruise vessels and a company name to honor the Vikings that first traveled by longship to explore Russia’s waterways. Today, Viking owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of river vessels, and 2012 will see the launch of six new Viking Longships as well as the completion of its Russian fleet refurbishment.

Since entering the North American market in 2000, Viking River Cruises has expanded to operate in the six regions of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. “Every year I am proud of our company’s milestones, but this is certainly a special anniversary in Viking’s history,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking River Cruises.

Designed by maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, the six new Viking Longships will accommodate 190 passengers and feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, the largest real suites in Europe, and more full-size rooms and full-size verandas.

On March 21 in Amsterdam, Viking will christen four of the Longships — Viking Njord, Viking Odin, Viking Idun and Viking Freya.

The christening will mark the first time in history that four cruise ships will be christened at once.

After departing from Amsterdam, the Viking Longships will sail Viking’s most popular European itineraries including the 15-day “Grand European Tour,” eight-day “Romantic Danube,” eight-day “Danube Waltz” and 10-day “Tulips & Windmills.”

Two more Viking Longships — Viking Embla and Viking Aegir — will make their debut in July and August, respectively.

And given unprecedented demand, Viking is reviewing its newbuild program for 2013 and 2014.

Also new for 2012 is an enhanced Russian offering. With the launch of Viking Rurik (formerly Viking Peterhof), this year will mark the completion of bow-to-stern refurbishments of Viking’s owned and operated Russian fleet. To commemorate the transformations and to honor Viking’s heritage, the ships have been renamed Viking Rurik, Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar and Viking Truvor.

In addition to multiple itinerary updates, new for 2012 is an eight-day program, “The Glories of the Hermitage,” which features exclusive access and private tours at the museum and the launch of a Russia-focused microsite.

Trafalgar is offering two ways to visit Holland’s Floriade, a once-a-decade event that features 100 exhibitors of horticulture and a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theater and visual art from all over the world.

The 2012 event will be the sixth year of the expo, which will be held in Amsterdam, April 5 to Oct. 7, 2012.

Trafalgar’s eight-day Best of Holland trip, from $2,225, includes nights in Amsterdam, two in Groningen and day trips to Apeldoorn and Volendam, with a canal cruise, a visit to a cheese farm and a trip to the Rijksmuseum, as well as a day in Venlo for the Floriade with included passes from Trafalgar. Trafalgar’s 11-day Best of Holland, Belgium & Luxembourg At Leisure trip, from $2,725, also gives clients the opportunity to experience a full day of Floriade.

They’ll have a Be My Guest dining experience with a local family in Bruges, and will visit an 18th century homestead with Marc Nyssen, who was born and raised on the farm.

Trafalgar is encouraging clients to book their 2012 summer Europe vacations early, offering up to $1,000 per couple savings when booked and paid in full by Dec. 1, 2011 for travel between April 1 and Oct. 31, 2012.

Trafalgar Tours was established in 1947 and provides guided vacations to Europe, Britain, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America and China. Trafalgar’s vacations include first class hotel accommodations; luxury transportation by motor coach, rail or cruise ship; outstanding cuisine; and daily included sightseeing and optional excursions, both with expert local guides, and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar’s tour directors, who share their insider’s view and reveal hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks. For more information, call 800-854-0103 or visit www.trafalgar.com  

European Waterways has launched its 2012 hotel barge cruising season with a brochure that features the newest addition to its fleet, the 12-passenger Panache, and new onboard amenities.

European Waterways’ vessels cruise in France, Italy, Scotland, England, Ireland, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

The company offers agents 10 percent commission on all of its cruises and whole-boat charters for groups of up to 20 passengers.

Every six-night cruise features escorted excursions, lunch and dinners onboard, meals at select fine dining establishments, an open bar stocked with top-quality wines and spirits, the use of bicycles and spa pool, and local transfers to/from the barges upon arrival and departure.

New this year is the “Barging and Biking” option. This complimentary option provides clearly marked maps with suggested routes and backpacks containing a boxed lunch for bikers who want to explore the countryside and villages along the way. Some barges also carry tandem bicycles.

Bookings are open for the specially priced spring cruises and all 2012 cruises. Prices start at $3,230 per person or $23,400 for full-boat charters. For more information, call 877-879-8808, email sales@gobarging.com  or visit www.gobarging.com

eWaterways, the small ship travel expert, will feature four naturist cruises to Croatia in 2012 on a fleet of motor powered sailing ships.

There are two different itineraries for the naturist cruises, both of which offer opportunities for guests to go clothing optional while on-board with clothes only required when in port and during meal times.

The Kvarner Bay Island Hopping Naturist Cruise is a round trip sailing from Opatija where holidaymakers can enjoy day trips to tranquil islands and secluded beaches for snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing.

In the evenings, guests can enjoy the local culture, explore inland dining options and enjoy tours of the picturesque towns and villages.

The nude cruise includes a stopover at Krk, the Adriatic’s largest island and visits to other picturesque islands such as Rab (“the island of love”), Zadar and Losinj.

The eight-day cruise departs on June 16, 2012, and Aug. 25, 2012, with prices starting at $745 per person (including daily breakfast, lunches, and taxes).

Flights, transfers and optional tours are not included but can be arranged by eWaterways.

The Dalmatian Island Hopping Naturist Cruise starts and ends in Split offering a true “back to nature” experience for cruisers in the Adriatic waters off Croatia’s coastline. Activities include skinny dipping on the daily agenda and the option of snorkeling, cave exploring, hiking or even white water rafting on the Cetina River. Departing from Dalmatia’s capital Split, the cruise ship travels to at least two islands per day, including Korcula, Lastovo, Komiza and Starigrad. The eight-day cruise departs on June 9, 2012, and August 18, 2012, with prices starting at $619 per person (including daily breakfast, lunches, and taxes). Flights, transfers and optional tours are not included but can be arranged by eWaterways.

For more information, call 877-217-4083 or visit www.ewaterways.us

IN Condé Nast TRAVeler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for RIVER CRUISE Lines

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises wins Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards Number One Spot for River Cruises. This is the first time Condé Nast Traveler has had a separate river cruise category due to its increasing popularity, and Uniworld is honored to be their readers’ top choice with a very high score 90.3. The Readers’ Choice Awards reflect the combined opinions of 28,876 discerning Condé Nast Traveler readers and are a unique and trusted source of advice globally.

All award-winners are listed in the magazine’s November 2011 issue, and on their website.

“We are extraordinarily proud of this accomplishment as Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award is one of the most prestigious honors recognizing the best-of-the-best in the travel industry,” said Guy Young, President of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

“We work very hard to give our guests the best possible vacation experience on our beautifully and uniquely designed ships, and it is gratifying to know that our efforts have been recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.”

This latest award comes just weeks after Uniworld received multiple awards in the UK to include the “Best Dining” award from readers of Cruise International magazine and “Best Cruise Line” at the Guardian and Observer Readers Travel Awards 2011.

“Our ships are beautiful but, in my view, these accolades are achieved on the back of the fantastic service delivered on board our ships. And for this I am truly grateful to our highly trained staff in Europe and other destinations where we operate who work so hard to meet or exceed the high expectations of our guests, “ said Young.

Uniworld has and will continue to invest heavily in its ships and in its service infrastructure. On the horizon, Uniworld will launch the new 30 stateroom River Saigon in January 2012 on Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong River. Then in 2013, they will launch another luxury ship, River Orchid, on the Mekong, and the S.S. Alexandra on the Danube.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection , the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. It is the only luxury river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received the number one spot in their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

For more information, please contact your preferred Travel Professional or call Uniworld at 1-800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com .’

Uniworld is a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association

http://www.jetsettersblog.com/blog/2011/10/13/great-safaris-two-for-one-on-african-itineraries/

European Waterways Offers Savings up to $2,000 Per Cabin and 25 % off Charters for Luxury Barge Cruises

What better way to enjoy the beautiful colors of autumn than by sitting on the deck of a floating luxury hotel barge, lulled by the tranquility of the canals and waterways of Europe? For those looking to take advantage of the fall’s cooling weather and colorful scenery, European Waterways, Europe’s largest hotel barge cruise company, has some excellent special discounts on a wide range of cruises through Italy, the wine regions of Burgundy and Provence in the south of France, as well as Scotland and the U.K.

“Autumn is the perfect time to come to Europe,” said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways. “In addition to the comfortable temperatures and the beautiful scenery with the leaves turning every shade of red and gold, you can enjoy great savings off the regular prices of our cruises.”

Making a Great Impression

The Burgundy region of France is one of rolling hills covered in forests of oak, maple and pine, where autumn leaves a unique signature every year. Medieval towns are surrounded by unspoiled countryside and the wonderful markets have stalls brimming with fresh local products cultivated on the fertile fields.

L’Impressionniste, a 12 passenger hotel barge cruising the Burgundy Canal, offers $2,000 off per cabin based on double occupancy and 25% off charter prices on select departures in October. The all-inclusive price features wine tastings at renowned vineyards and tours of the elegant town of Dijon and of the capital of this wine-growing region, Beaune, which is steeped in 2,000 years of history. A gourmet chef onboard and an attentive crew ensure every aspect of the cruise is perfect and enjoyed to the fullest.

In addition to the classic cruise, L’Impressionniste also offers specialty cruises tailored to passengers’ interests, such as a wine appreciation or golf cruise. The recently refurbished L’Impressionniste comes fully equipped with 12 bikes, two mini buses, air conditioning and a spa pool to add extra comfort to this barge cruise experience.

The Midi Region & Provence in the Fall
Provence truly enjoys the temperate climate of the Mediterranean. Rich in culture and history, Provence and its beauty have been the inspiration for many of the world’s great literary and artistic figures, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Vincent van Gogh. In the Midi, a delightful region in the southwest of France, European Waterways’ relaxing cruises include tours of Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence, and the ancient Roman city of Narbonne. Provence cruises in the fall feature visits to Avignon and its Palace of the Popes, as well as to Arles, home of van Gogh.

The 8-passenger hotel barge Anjodi, specifically built for the 300 year-old Canal Du Midi, boasts a sun deck with spa pool and a comfortable saloon, perfect for relaxation after a day of gentle cruising and sightseeing.

October travelers can receive $1,000 off the cabin price on the Anjodi, based on double occupancy, while those looking to charter the entire barge for a late fall cruise in sunny Provence can save 25% off the whole boat charter price.

Living “La Bella Vita” in Italy
In Italy, life is lived to the fullest. Living “the good life” is easy aboard European Waterways’ spacious 20-passenger hotel barge “La Bella Vita,” which cruises the historic Po Valley from Venice to Mantua. The six-night trip allows passengers to explore the Italian countryside, including visits to the home town of poet Virgil and private wine tastings in the cellars of fine local producers.

“Italy in the fall is ideal for travelers looking for a more authentic cultural experience, which is hard to get during the crowded summer months,” Banks said. “The landscape is a canvas of beautiful colors that is difficult to match anywhere else.”

Venice is known for its canals and culture, and both aspects of Italian life are explored aboard La Bella Vita. Along with offering ample space for passengers, cruises feature tours of historic Venice, including its hidden gardens, the Naval Museum, and the Pavilion of Gondolas. Guests also visit Chioggia’s atmospheric fish market. Throughout their journey, passengers enjoy the “tastes of Italy” via the many authentic dishes prepared by the ship’s experienced, onboard chef.

Currently, for October departures, La Bella Vita is offering $1,000 off per cabin, based on double occupancy. Larger parties can charter the entire boat at $10,000 off the regular price.

About European Waterways
European Waterways is Europe’s largest all-inclusive luxury hotel barging company, offering vacations in nine countries and carrying thousands of passengers a year. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the company designs, builds, owns and operates a private fleet of luxury hotel barges with exclusive cruises in France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. Pioneers in hotel barging, they were the first company to operate a hotel barge on the Upper Nivernais Canal in Burgundy, and the “real” Loire Valley through Chenonceau. They are also the only cruise company offering barge cruises in Scotland and in the Venetian lagoon and River Po valley, as well as the first company to offer an Avignon-to-Amsterdam 6-week trans-Europe cruise, a 1,000 mile journey along Western Europe’s inland waterways.

For more information, pricing, cruise schedules and a copy of their new brochure, contact European Waterways at 1-877-879-8808 or visit their website http://www.gobarging.com.

Herman & Almonte Public Relations (HAPR) is a full service, independently-owned agency located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, the country’s media hub. Our clients represent a broad spectrum of industries that include travel, tourism development, entertainment, hospitality, technologies, cargo transport and logistics. Trade associations, cultural events, and not-for-profit organizations are also part of our client mix.

Brendan is “Taking You Personally” With Upscale Products in Gold Customized Travel ~

Brendan Vacations, the Ireland Specialists and a leader in providing unique and memorable customized vacations, has just added hundreds of new 4- and 5-star hotel properties to their Customized Gold program in Europe.

When you call Brendan to customize your vacation to Europe, you will find that Brendan’s already excellent choices are now even better, giving you a selection of over 3000 hotels across Europe.

Brendan knows it’s all about you, the customer – everyone has different travel needs and expectations. By “taking you personally,” Brendan ensures its highly trained hands-on team focuses on old fashioned service, taking care of each and every guest, one by one, detail by detail.

According to Nico Zenner, Brendan Vacations President, “Travelers are more particular now about where they stay and what amenities they expect when they travel.

They are more savvy and demand more from their destination providers. Brendan Vacations is delighted to be adding so many more luxury hotels and room types to our already outstanding customized Gold Program.

Brendan makes “taking you personally” more than just a motto, and I’m confident that travelers will find their customized vacation lives up to every expectation.”

The new upgraded European hotels include such outstanding properties as the Pulitzer Hotel in Amsterdam, Scribe Hotel in Paris, Intercontinental de la Ville in Rome, Ritz Madrid, Westin Europa & Regina in Venice, and the Hyatt Regency Churchill in London.

A Brendan Gold Customized Vacation offers the epitome of comfort, class and style. Brendan has hand-picked accommodations and sightseeing options to bring independent travelers unsurpassed excellence, classic elegance and singular service.

Brendan Vacations understands that no part of your vacation is insignificant, and they will help you design a unique itinerary, down to the smallest detail.

Many of the sightseeing options are private or small group (no more than 12 guests), so your explorations are more personal. In most locations, Brendan Vacations offers private airport or port transfers (where appropriate), so travelers don’t have to waste valuable time waiting for other passengers or “making the rounds” of hotels that are picking up and dropping off.

For more information on Brendan Vacations’ Customized, Locally Hosted, Boutique or Escorted Vacations, please call Brendan Vacations at 1 (800) 421-8446 or visit

www.BrendanVacations.com for complete details.

About Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations, the Ireland Specialist, is a leading US tour operator offering a wide selection of Guided, Customized, Locally Hosted and Group travel options. Established in 1969, and true to its Irish roots and traditions, the company’s portfolio now includes over 800 packages and 10,000 hotels in Ireland, the UK, Europe, Egypt, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Mexico, South and Central America. With high quality products, friendly service and competitive pricing, Brendan Vacations believes in “Taking You Personally” and offers memorable experiences for every client. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Brendan Vacations is a respected brand of The Travel Corporation and employs over 100 travel professionals. A satellite office in Ireland contracts product and manages inbound traffic for cruise lines, incentive houses, meeting planners and tour operators. Brendan Vacations is a founding member of USTOA and other professional affiliations include ASTA, PATA, OSSN and NTA. CST#208450320.

Collette Vacations launched a new Europe tour featuring Floriade 2012, a horticultural expo that occurs every 10 years. Collette’s 11-day Dutch & Belgium Delights will operate April through October 2012. Collette is offering an early booking savings of $100 per person on both tours. In addition to Floriade, the Dutch & Belgium Delights program includes a stop at the historic Waterloo battlefield, site of Napoleon’s final defeat; a visit to the Battle of the Bulge Museum in Bastogne, site of one of the epic battles of World War II; and a visit to Gen. George S. Patton’s grave in Luxembourg.

Additional highlights of this tour include a visit to Keukenhof Gardens on select dates; a walk through Bruges with a local resident, a city famous for its breweries, canals, chocolate and medieval architecture; a tour of Brussels featuring the Royal Gardens and Castle and Grand Palace; a cruise of the castle and vineyard-lined Moselle River; and a candlelight cruise on one of Amsterdam’s canals. The tour includes a three-night stay in the Belgian Ardennes Forest in the resort village of Spa, as well as cultural experiences, such as a visit to one of Amsterdam’s diamond-cutting artisan workshops. With a price of $200 per day, the tour visits Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. Floriade takes place in a 165-acre park in the city of Venlo, outside of Amsterdam, near the Dutch and German border. Floriade event organizers are projecting about 35 million visitors and over 100 exhibitions.

The Dutch & Belgium Delights with Floriade included starts at $2,299 per person double, land only. Collette Vacations is a tour operator based in Pawtucket, R.I., that has been in business for more than 90 years. The company offers 125 programs to destinations on all seven continents, including small group tours, family vacations, educational travel, train journeys, river cruises and vacations that feature a Collette Foundation site visit. For more information, call 800-340-5158 or visit www.collettevacations.com

AmaWaterways has released a 128-page brochure detailing its offerings in 2012, the company’s 10th anniversary. In 2012, the line will operate nine vessels in Europe, all featuring French balconies or twin balconies, and amenities such as complimentary in-room Internet, ship-wide Wi-Fi and guided bicycle tours.

Popular European itineraries commence in the spring with “Tulip Time” cruises in the Netherlands and Belgium. The new 164-passenger twin balcony AmaCerto will make its debut with a departure in April. Making its debut in France in the spring is the AmaDagio, marking the first time an AmaWaterways vessel will operate on the Rhone River.

The 2012 brochure also details a number of new programs and distinctions. For example, all AmaWaterways vessels in Europe are members of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the only river cruise line to hold that honor. Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is a gastronomic society that dates back to the Middle Ages.

The brochure also details cruise departures that include a visit to the Floriade World Horticultural Expo, an event taking place every 10 years in the Netherlands.

Also new for 2012 are “Culinary Delights-Bites and Sights” walking tours that explore the culinary heritage of Europe.

Additionally, the brochure includes an overview of the line’s specialty cruises, including “In Celebration of Wine” cruises on the Danube, Rhine and, for the first time, the Rhone River in France. Details about the 2012 “Jewish Heritage” cruises are set forth as well, including itineraries, dates and prices.

Beginning in 2012, the line will offer its Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia itineraries under a new “AmaVoyages” product line. AmaVoyages consist of river cruises and land programs that are separate from the AmaWaterways experience in Europe.

The brochure includes descriptions, dates and prices for the “Russian Waterways” program on the newly redesigned AmaKatarina, and the “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” program featuring Mekong River cruises on La Marguerite and the new AmaLotus.

For more information, call 800-626-0126 or visit www.amawaterways.com

Romantik Hotels added a new property in Luxembourg, the Romantik Hotel Chateau de Schengen, Luxembourg. On June 14, 1985, the city of Schengen hosted the famous convention of the same name. The Romantik Hotel Château de Schengen and its baroque park is located on the banks of the river Moselle, 18 miles from Luxembourg City.

The castle’s tower dates to the 13th century, and one of the most famous guests was Victor Hugo, whose drawing of the castle tower still adorns a Crémant de Luxembourg. Colorful rooms with precious fabrics, voiles, trompe l’oeil and wall paintings by different artists create a charming environment. The restaurant Am Schlass, designed with a love for detail, offers regional products and offers an expert’s choice of Luxembourgish wines. For more information, visit www.romantikhotels.com/Schengen