Our sailing trip in the Greek Islands

 

It has been such a busy year in the travel world, that I have been negligent in posting any blog articles about my own travel this year. My trips have been amazing - and I particularly wanted to share some insight into a unique sailing trip that I did with a small group of friends this summer. We took a 10 day sailing trip on the "Star Flyer", which is one of the beautiful "Star Clipper" tall mast ships. If you like adventure - this cruise line may be of interest to you.

The decor on our Star Clippers ship was reminiscent of the legendary era of sailing ships with a traditional decor with teak decks and lots of brass - but with modern amenities. The ship is 379 feet long with just 166 guests on board. The decks were quite spacious - and the sails were absolutely magnificent. We enjoyed wonderful food on board and great service!

One of the features that I really liked is that Star Clippers ships run on high quality, low sulphur gas oil. They were the first ship in the world to be awarded the "International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate".

Star Clippers offers many different itineraries - our particular trip started in Venice and then we sailed down the coast of Croatia, visited 4 different Greek Islands, and finished in Athens. If you would like more information on Star Clippers please contact me - I would be happy to tell you more about our incredible experience!

Have you been to Primland Resort? (Did you know it's PET friendly?)

I had the pleasure of spending a couple of nights at Primland Resort, which is now an Auberge Resort, in late November. My stay was nothing short of absolutely spectacular! 

Nestled just 90 minutes away from the Piedmont Triad in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this resort is a wonderful weekend getaway. Even better, you can also take your furry family members! Jackson and Charlie had a great time!

Primland is situated on an 12,000 acre estate in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. The views are absolutely amazing. There are different types of accommodation, including the main Lodge and tree houses. We stayed in one of the cottages since they are "pet friendly", and it gave us lots of room to spread out. Jackson and Charlie loved it! In addition to the spacious sitting room, there were two bedrooms on either side with gorgeous decks. We loved relaxing on the deck and enjoying the incredible views.

This resort is popular year round with lots of available activities. Golfers will love the picturesque course, which looks quite challenging. It is ranked as one of the top 10 courses in the US by "Golf Digest". There is a spa in the main building, as well as a fully equipped gym, tennis courts and daily yoga classes. Kids of all ages love the indoor swimming pool. The hot tub is perfect for a relaxing end to the day. We had an amazing time horseback riding, as you can see in the photo. You can try your hand at archery, axe throwing and shooting.  Adventurous guests will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing and all-terrain driving. One of the most unique features is their on-property observatory for star gazing!

Then there is the FOOD that was fabulous! There are different farm-to-table dining options, including fine dining in their Elements restaurant, a more casual pub style option and a family-friendly option called Stables Saloon, which features southern style cuisine and country music. We ate at all the restaurants and loved them all. Here is a photo of our meal at Stables Saloon that everyone really enjoyed.

Please contact us if you would like more information. Pick a weekend to make memories at Primland Resort. We are now part of the Signature Travel Network, so we can often get some additional amenities for our clients. For example, each guest can enjoy the Signature Travel Full Breakfast with a daily $100 resort credit, per room, per stay.

Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship Prima

 

I was fortunate to be able to experience the beautiful new Norwegian Cruise Line's "Prima" on an inaugural sailing last November as part of our Cruise Planners convention, and I'd like to share my experience.

Overall I thought that the ship was amazing with a modern design - it is visually appealing with soft restful colors. The cabins are very nice and spacious. There is lots of outdoor seating on this ship and relaxing areas to kick back and read a book - the observation deck is really lovely.

I would NOT say that this ship is a good fit if you are cruising with young children - but teenagers will love the high tech fun with their virtual game zone. This ship even has a go kart area - but please note it is very popular and does require reservations! We all enjoyed the food - and the Hudson main dining room is absolutely gorgeous! This is a picture of what I ordered for lunch with was absolutely yummy!

If you are interested in cruising on the NCL Prima and have questions - please reach out to us as we would be happy to help you!

Where am I going next?

Knowing that I love to travel, I am often asked "so where are you going next"? 

I am finally going to tick Greece off of on my own personal "bucket list"! Greece is a place I have ALWAYS wanted to go to since I first started traveling, and I am finally making it a reality next July. Of course there are LOTS of different options, but I have chosen to do a sailing trip with amazing Star Clippers.

So why Star Clippers? I have long been fascinated with this16-sail Tall Ship, which is inspired by the legendary 19th century Clipper ships. These ships are known for their tradition and romance but with the comforts and amenities of the modern era. This beautiful ship boasts teak decks, mahogany railings and polished brass. They operate on high-quality, low Sulphur gas. Star Clippers as a company has been around for more than 30 years. They sail in various places around the world, including the Caribbean, Central America, Panama, and across the Mediterranean. 

The particular ship that we are sailing on has just 166 guests on board. There are several different itineraries, but what I am going to experience actually starts in Venice and sails down the coast of Croatia with several different stops on four different Greek Islands. The trip finishes in Athens, Greece. These ships can sail right into the smaller ports that the big ships cannot access.

A fun fact - they were the first ship to be awarded the "International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate." In addition to exploring all the fascinating ports we will visit, I am also looking forward to partaking in some of the water sports that are available right off the back of the ship!

If you would like to know more, please contact us for further details!

Have you experienced a Sandals vacation?

Many Caribbean islands are just a short ride from Miami! Jamaica is a 90-minute plane ride from Miami, and the Bahamas are just 45 minutes away. A chance to experience sun, sea, sand and the Caribbean ambiance is well worth the trip! Just picture yourself strolling in the ocean breeze.

Looking for some excitement on your beach vacation? Try scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding or a boat tour to the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean! These - and more water sports - can easily be accessed through most of the all-inclusive Sandals resorts in the Caribbean. Not to mention the unlimited cocktails! 

Planning a honeymoon or milestone anniversary? I would recommend an Over the Water Bungalow. It comes complete with fully retractable walls in the main living areas, spa-style baths, infinity-edge plunge pools and outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs. Enjoy the ocean views from the bedroom with glass floor windows at the foot of your king-size bed!

How would you like your own private villa in the Bahamas? Fowl Cay is a private island with only six uniquely beautiful villas spread across a private 50-acre retreat in the secluded chain of Exuma. This magical place has no neighboring hotels, no passing ships and no crowds. Just peace and quiet!

Would you like to learn more? CONTACT ME to help you plan a trip for any of the amazing Sandals resorts!

Cruising the Rideau Canal

Interested in a different way to travel?

I want to tell you about personal cruising. Several companies rent boats in a variety of sizes. Boats range from one to five bedrooms, many with their own bathrooms. You pilot the boat and relax from the upper deck. Routes include England, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Scotland. 

One of my clients recently returned from a trip on the Rideau Canal. This canal was built in 1832 and is 126 miles in length. This trip is spectacular because it offers a combination of canals and huge lakes. Most of the locks are still operated in the original way with chains and pulleys. The trip starts and ends at Smith Falls, which is a charming Canadian town.

The family of seven rented a four bedroom boat for a week. After the safety course, they entered their first loch. The group had to navigate the waterways and decide where to moor for the night. Thankfully the boating company provided a detailed map.

Highlights of the trip included a stop in Westport, which has some nice local restaurants and a vineyard just over a mile from the harbor. Perth is known for its delicious food and great array of shopping. The favorite spot for swimming and kayaking was Colonel By Island. Many boaters love this location to moor in open water for the night.

Contact me for details about this type of adventure trip. I can provide pricing for flights, transfers and boat costs. Be sure to practice your parallel parking before you go!

Our villa experience in Algarve, Portugal

After having to re-schedule twice due to COVID, we finally were all able to meet up in the beautiful Algarve area of Portugal. We rented a magnificent villa in Albufeira, which is a former fishing village. It is situated in the southern part of Portugal in the popular Algarve region. This stunning area is just a half hour drive from the Faro airport. 

This region is well known for its beautiful beaches and nice weather year round. It is a major holiday destination as many Europeans from northern Europe flock here to escape the winter weather and enjoy a round of golf with family and friends. 

We enjoyed being able to all stay together in one place, but our spacious villa allowed everyone to have their privacy with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The home had an open kitchen and a huge dining/family room. We had many delicious meals in the big outdoor area. As you can see in this photo, the pool was the perfect place to relax. The grounds were absolutely beautiful!

There were several restaurant options, many within walking distance. There was also a local shuttle service available. I would highly recommend some time on the beautiful beach. There was an elevator down to the beach area. We had a great meal at the fun restaurant right on the beach. 

There is lots to do in this area, such as boating excursions along the coastline to see the caves and watch the dolphins. You can rent a catamaran to visit the stunning beaches. The area boasts many gorgeous golf courses. For those who enjoy adventure, kayaking and scuba diving excursions are available. The "Old Town" is fun to visit with cobbled streets and traditional white washed houses.

Contact us to plan your own villa experience. It's great for a vacation or family gathering.

Magnificent River Cruising in Provence, France

I am so excited to tell you the tale of the dynamic dozen. There were 12 of us that travelled together on a river cruise in Lyon through the Provence area. I would highly recommend spending a few nights in Paris before cruising. This gives you time to adjust to the time zone and explore the delights of the French capital.

When in Paris, make time for a stroll around the enchanting Luxembourg Gardens. These gardens were designed in 1612 by Marie de Medici in memory of her childhood in Florence. The Eiffel tour provides the perfect backdrop for photos!

"Paris is always a good idea!" Our pre-cruise hotel extension included a tour of the city by motor coach as well as a cruise on the charming Seine River. We then traveled by train to Lyon to embark on our river cruise. 

I could write paragraphs on the small ship. It was absolutely lovely. It was fabulous to watch the views from our personal balcony. The food and wine were superb.

Excursions were included each day. We loved visiting Lyon, Beane in Chalon-sur-Saone, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon and Arles. We explored quaint villages, took a hike through a vineyard and went shopping. Of course, we sampled lots of wine and delicious food!

River cruising has it all! It is extremely relaxing and a super fun way to travel with a group of friends. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact me. I am passionate about river cruising and would love to help plan your own river cruise adventure!

Vacation Time!!

Vacation time is finally here! Dust off your suitcase and find your passport. I'm excited to tell you about some wonderful holiday destinations.

Cruises

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) gave the all clear to cruise lines on March 30, 2022. The CDC began steadily relaxing their guidelines for cruising in direct response to the exceptional record of low transmission rates on cruise ships. Cruising is one of the safest travel options.

There is truly a cruise for every type of traveller!

I would highly recommend a river cruise for those who want a smaller boat experience. The food is delicious with many onboard activities. Explore delightful cities around the world. Relax as you float down the river.

Larger ships travel to destinations around the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. Some lines even offer trans-Atlantic sailings. The hard part is deciding where you want to go!

Resorts

An all-inclusive resort makes it so easy to rest and relax! They offer delicious food, sandy beaches and a variety of fun watersports. Many even have spas so you can pamper yourself. 

You and your partner would prefer an adults-only resort for maximum relaxation. Picture yourself lounging in this gorgeous infinity pool.

Families rave about kid-friendly resorts. Float in the lazy river or shoot down the water slide. Everyone is happy with the food options, especially Mom who gets a break from cooking. Everyone has fun with age-appropriate activities and entertainment.

It's time to pack your suitcase and make some memories. Give me your travel dates, and I will take care of the rest. I would be delighted to plan your next vacation.

We offer so much MORE than just cruises!

 

Cruise Planners specializes in cruises - especially river cruises - but we are full service travel advisors. It's our pleasure to help you plan that special trip, no matter what you have in mind!

Are you interested in going to Europe but have no idea where to start? We can customize a memorable vacation specific to your needs with flights, accommodation, trains, rental cars, private transfers and fun excursions. Tell us what you are thinking, and we can make it happen for you. All we need to know is when you want to travel, and we will take care of the rest!

Family travel or outdoor adventure? There are many magical National Parks across the States. We also recommend Alaska, Hawaii and Costa Rica. Wherever YOU'D like to visit, we can put together amazing adventures everyone will remember for a lifetime. Hiking, biking and kayaking are ideal ways to explore these stunning destinations.

We can also help if you are planning a honeymoon or destination wedding! We love planning trips for a milestone birthday or anniversary. Let us take the stress away from planning. We can put together an memorable experience that you have always dreamed about! CONTACT US for an incredible vacation and lasting memories.

Seven Reasons You Should USE a Travel Agent!

The first travel agency was founded in 1841. The growth of commercial aviation in the 1920s supported the growth of this industry. There are approximately 65,000 travel agents in the United States right now. Using a travel agent is more important than ever.

1. EXPERTISE
It is wise to use a financial planner to help with your investments and a real estate agent to assist in finding your next home. When it comes to booking a memorable vacation, you can simplify your life by working with a travel agent. As an expert in planning and logistics, they will do the research for you and give you all the important details for your trip, including required documents and COVID protocols. Plus, they can offer you valuable tips! 

2. DESTINATION KNOWLEDGE 

Travel agents love to travel themselves, so can give you great advice on your desired destination. They are constantly on the lookout for the latest travel information. They are passionate about making their clients travel dreams come true. They can get the answers to all your questions. Travel agents are privy to unique places to visit that you might not even be aware of! 

3. SAVE TIME
When working with an agent, you can save valuable time with the convenience of booking everything in one place. Your travel agent can do it all! They can book your flights, rental cars, excursions, travel insurance and much more! 

4. SAVE MONEY
People misunderstand what it costs to work with an agent! It costs NOTHING - you pay the same as you would if you were to book it yourself. Often your travel agent can actually save you money because they are aware of exclusive deals and current promotions that you may not know about. 

5. TRAVEL ASSISTANCE 

A travel agent is there to answer any questions you might have, and they will "have your back" should any problems arise. With the challenges over the last couple of years, travel has become more and more complicated. Your vacation time is valuable to you, so why not work with someone who can simplify it for you? 

6. DECREASED STRESS 

You want to travel for relaxation and enrichment. Don't stress yourself out with all the last-minute searching. Working with a travel agent can make your trip hassle free and a memorable experience. 

7. RELATIONSHIPS 

Working with a travel agent means communicating with an actual person who has your best interests at heart. You are not speaking with a call center or a virtual bot. Travel agents work closely with their suppliers and can help you with things like special requests, room preferences and dietary needs.

Contact me to plan your next trip without the stress!