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An independent luxury travel agency owner in New Jersey continually takes shots at Regent Seven Seas Cruises on his blog and, to a lesser degree, other cruise lines that are NOT Seabourn. While any travel agent is entitled to his or her opinion, why doesn’t this agent blog about the recent issues on Seabourn Cruise Line? Two particular incidents occurred on Seabourn Cruises that were not addressed on that agent’s cruise blog, but have been... Read More →

For the last 50 years, American tourists have been prohibited from visiting the Communist island nation of Cuba. But, recent policy changes by the President have resulted in a limited number of tour licenses granted by the US Treasury Department. Cuba travel tours by Tauck are only available from September through December, 2012, and would need to be booked by calling Key Traveler. Key Traveler guests will also receive additional savings from our Key Rewards... Read More →

So you missed seeing six of the fabled Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (you can still visit the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt). Sadly, though, legendary sites such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Colossus of Rhodes are no more. Don’t despair. In 2001, an organization called New7Wonders (www.n7w.com), based in Zurich, Switzerland, began an initiative to name a new group of 7 wonders. Two hundred finalists were chosen and people... Read More →

The Galapagos Island Archipelago, about 621 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, consists of 15 major volcanic islands, 3 smaller islands and dozens of small rocks and islets. These islands have appeared over millions of years, and some have disappeared. The two “youngest” islands are, in fact, still being formed due to volcanic activity. Many of the islands have little or no vegetation, giving them an eerie, lunar landscape. The first confirmed visitors... Read More →

Have you ever wondered what the real deal is with discounts on cruises and escorted tours on the Internet. Up to 75{625323b24af37c24f5a97fddb81c67dba8bd357996214eb0318c02ab7c1b66cd} Off! 2 for 1 Fares! Up to $4,000 Off! Free Airfare! What does all this really mean? First, I’ll deal with 75{625323b24af37c24f5a97fddb81c67dba8bd357996214eb0318c02ab7c1b66cd} Off. Off what? Some travel companies and travel agencies publish a brochure rate that is inflated to purposely show a huge discount. For example, a brochure rate is listed as $10,000... Read More →

May 11, 2012 — I am one lucky Travel Professional: As members of Oceania Cruises Connoisseur Club, my partner and I were invited to the Christening voyage of Riviera. From the moment I got my first glimpse of the newest Oceania ship, I sensed the Riviera sailing was going to be an extraordinary experience. We boarded the ship in Monte Carlo, and the boarding process was as smooth as the seas we were about to... Read More →

Some travelers like to choose a travel destination and spend a good amount of time there, to immerse themselves for several days or more in a particular city and, after seeing the highlights, live for a while like a local. On the other hand, some people prefer to get more destinations out of their vacation dollar by cruising. They will perhaps have time only for a few important highlights in a city, but in most... Read More →

Ask almost anyone what’s on their travel bucket list and you’re likely to get the same answer: an African safari. This exotic land has captivated explorers for ages, yet today’s travelers can traverse the sweeping terrain while suffused in modern luxury. On an African Safari, stealthy hunters with cameras can bag an elephant or a lion from the safety and comfort of an up-to-date vehicle. Or they can view The Great Migration in all its... Read More →

Culinary Discovery Tours March 29, 2012 – Along with the unveiling of the new Oceania Riviera in May 2012, Oceania Cruises is expanding its culinary programs by introducing new Culinary Discovery Tours on Riviera and her sister-ship, Marina. As with other Oceania shore tours and excursions, these are unique to the port. The difference is that the focus is on food and cooking. On these tours, small groups of Oceania guests will accompany a master... Read More →

March 27, 2012 — Oceania Cruises’ eagerly anticipated new ship, Riviera, successfully completed sea trials on March 26. The twin sister of Oceania Marina endured three days of functional evaluation on the Mediterranean Sea under countless variations of ocean conditions and internal technical settings. She passed the test with flying colors. Riviera’s Captain, Luca Manzi, was thrilled with the ship’s performance. The ship “handled perfectly,” he said. Technicians and engineers from the Fincantieri Sestre shipyard,... Read More →

March 27, 2012 — Prague is old, even from a “modern” standpoint. Evidence of colonization dates to the Paleolithic Age, and the earliest communities arose around the 9th century. Yet, like so many European cities, especially after World War II and the Cold War, the old has become new as economies and governments stabilize and tourists rediscover the past. I began my AMA Waterways “Romantic Danube” cruise (Prague to Budapest) with a three-day pre-cruise extension.... Read More →

March 23, 2012 — In 2011 and 2012 one of the most successful segments in the travel industry has been – and continues to be – river cruising. According to Cruises Line international Association, river cruise growth in Europe, China and Russia has exceeded that of ocean cruises over the past 10 years. As evidence, consider that while so many industries are struggling to stay afloat, river cruise lines are expanding. Viking will introduce 10... Read More →