River Cruising In European Luxury

For couples who are looking for a modern, sophisticated atmosphere and excellent European itineraries, five- star luxury Amadeus Waterways cruise ships are hard to beat on the rivers of Europe.Accommodation is generous with large Junior Suites onboard, well equipped gyms and delicious food. The standards of the boats themselves are more than maintained by the quality of service on board, which is consistently excellent.

AMA Waterways cruises has recently added brand-new river cruise ships – MS Amadante, Amacello, Amalegro and Amadagio – four of the most elegant ships on European rivers. Cruises on the great European rivers, including Danube river cruises and rhine river cruises are popular because of the variety of landscapes and the stunning scenery that rolls by, but cruising on a luxury river cruise is also a perfect way to see the small towns and villages along the banks of those rivers.AMA’s ships have state-of-the-art amenities and are tastefully decorated with comfortable cabins and excellent facilities.

In addition to cruising the traditional waterways of Europe, Amadeus Waterways Cruises also offer a new cruise from Provence to Spain on board the MS Swiss Pearl and a fascinating Russian Waterways cruise on board the MS Tolstoy. The MS Swiss Pearl has been one of Europe’s most beautiful river cruise ships and has recently started on the Rhône and Saône rivers in France. As you would expect, given the gastronomic traditions of the French, the food is sumptuous with breakfast buffets including a rich assortment of breads and pastries and regional specialties, homemade soups, gourmet entrees and desserts with unlimited wines from France’s great wine regions.

Luxury cruises that take in the impressive views and history of river routes between Moscow and St Petersburg come no better than the MS Leo Tolstoy, the most luxurious cruise ship ever built for Russian rivers. The Leo Tolstoy was originally designed for high ranking Kremlin officials and to host foreign dignitaries. Today, she is still one of the top ships in Russia, with luxurious decor, large, well-appointed cabins and elegant public areas.

Tags: AMA waterways cruises, European river cruises, Luxury cruises, rhine cruises, rhine river cruises

Cruising the UK

For most of us, it’s the romance of the Caribbean that springs to mind when you suggest a cruise holiday and the prospect of sun, tropical islands and beautiful beaches certainly makes the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico the number one choice for many first time cruisers. Some hardier types are drawn to the icy majesty of a cruise to Alaska, while others prefer the Mediterranean cruise with itineraries that cover Italy, Greece and the Greek islands.For most of us, the world cruise remains a “one of these days” pipe-dream, provided we retire early or win the national lottery.

River cruises are a great way to see the European continent, with packages covering the Danube, the Volga and, most popular of all, the Rhine. Certainly, very few river cruises can match the spectacular scenery between Bingen and Bonn as the Middle Rhine flows through the Rhine Gorge with its fairytale castles and vineyards towering on top of the steep gorge banks.How many of us have considered cruising the UK instead?  Britain and Ireland have scenery that is just as spectacular as that found in Europe, or anywhere in the world for that matter.  It’s true that the weather (or rather its unpredictable nature) is the only element that lets’ the UK down, but a luxury cruise around the British Isles can be rewarding as well as relaxing. The popularity of the recent BBC TV programme “Coast” showed that there is a demand for exploring the romantic and exotic on our doorstep, so why not do that in 5 star comfort and style aboard a modern cruise ship?

Many operators have packages that take in the Channel Islands, as well as the Isles of Scilly and Ireland where guests can enjoy the beauty of Waterford and the “craik” in Dublin.These same cruise programmes often include trips to the stark beauty of the Hebrides and the Western isles as well as the Orkneys and Shetland before sailing on to Edinburgh and the world-class city that is London.So next time you think of booking a cruise holiday, don’t discount the sheer variety of landscapes and holiday experiences you could enjoy closer to home.

Tags: cruises, Luxury cruises, rhine river cruises, river crusies

Splendour on the Seven Seas

Cruising is the preferred holiday option for those who enjoy luxury, relaxation and the variety of the seven seas.Incidentally, around the time of the tales of Sinbad and the Arabian Nights the “Seven Seas” would have been the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, the Red Sea (including the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea), the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic sea and the Arabian Sea.In fact, there are over 100 bodies of water called seas of one sort of another, but after the Europeans discovered America , the phrase “Seven Seas” largely referred to The Pacific, Atlantic, Indian and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s the expanses of Ocean in the modern definition that Regent Seven Seas Cruises plies.The fleet of vessels operated by this company are definitely for those who like the amenities and variety of public spaces that a larger ship provides, but also want the luxury and exemplary service you get on a 6-star vessel.  The 50,000-tonne Seven Seas Mariner for example certainly provides that.  The world’s first all-suite, all-balcony ship capable of accommodating 700 guests, it boasts ocean-view suites with private balconies and the first Le Cordon Bleu restaurant at sea.  Her sister ship, the Seven Seas Voyager,  is equally well appointed as is the 490 guest Seven Seas Navigator.

For luxury cruises in the South Pacific, The Paul Gauguin (smallest ship in the Regent fleet carrying just 320 guests and a crew of 215) sails the waters of French Polynesia. As befits the area the ship cruises, she is a warm and friendly vessel with an intimate ambiance and without the breadth of facilities found on other Regent cruise ships.  Even so, the Paul Gauguin is one of the best ships to ply the waters of the South Pacific with guests enjoying a casual dress code appropriate to the Polynesian destinations, food inspired by a two-star Michelin French chef and plenty of water sports opportunities even when at anchor with  her own retractable marina.

Tags: cruises, Luxury cruises, pacific cruises, regent seven seas cruises