5 Reasons Why A Luxury River Cruise In Europe Might Be Perfect For You

 I recently had the chance to experience a 5 star European river cruise for the first time and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Stepping aboard the ‘Space-Ship’ like boat that was docked in Amsterdam, I was about to glide through Amsterdam’s remarkable network of canals, in river cruising luxury – if you want to explore European destinations at a gentle pace, river cruising is certainly one of the best ways to do this. Imagine yourself sipping sparkling champagne, whilst listening to nothing but the calm, gentle sounds of the river lapping against the bows.

Here are five reasons why a luxury river cruise might perfect for you.

1. Location, location and even more locations…

Rather than staying in one resort for a week or spending all day at sea, your cruise will take you too many different towns, cities and countries, where you can discover new cultures and sample the tradition and cuisines. You will drift through gorgeous towns and villages, visiting beautiful cathedrals, churches and pretty cafes. Docking stations are always close to the city or town, so you will never get lost or have to endure long transfers when experiencing the different places.

2. Smaller ships = more personal attention

Whilst large ocean liners can accommodate thousands of passengers in one voyage, river cruises tend to be a lot smaller and more intimate. With regular social interaction at meal times it’s easier to make friends on-board, and staff can pay more attention to you than they would with more passengers to assist. Various ships, depending on the operator, have a personal butler service. This means you can enjoy room service on the balcony (cocktail in hand) and take full advantage of other luxury services, such as having your clothes freshly laundered each day. Guests can also expect the evening entertainment on-board to be inspired by the culture of the port they have visited that day.

3. Luxurious surroundings

Holiday operators are now investing more money, into expanding their ships and equipping them with deluxe furnishings. Modern river boats contain restaurants, WiFi, spas, open bar, a gym, butler service, balconies and even a swimming pool – all within 50 feet of your door. My recent luxury river cruise contained a fully stocked mini-bar each day, at no additional costs.

4. Gourmet food and service

Not content with a run-of-the-mill buffet? Look no further than a luxury river cruise – you can sit down, relax and order your food without having to lift a finger. Buffet breakfasts are the norm but the evenings, after a long day sailing and exploring the cities, you can tuck in to a multi-course gourmet meal. There are also extensive wine lists, with fine red wines from France and fruity white wines from Italy – The professionally trained waiters will pour you whatever you like, when you like.

To say the food on board a luxury river cruise is ‘quality’ would be an understatement! The chefs prefer to choose home-made dishes from the country they are docking in that day, so you can experience the food culture from country you are in – anything from Hungarian Goulash to Danish cheese platters

5. Relaxation and rejuvenation

A luxury river cruise will have a spacious, cosy lounge area so you can sit back and enjoy a cocktail whilst taking in the magical views of the river banks. You can unwind on your private balcony or mingle with other guests over canapés. River Cruising is all about going at your own pace, and that doesn’t matter if it’s relaxing on the deck taking in the sights, or having a few drinks over dinner with friends.

Over 130,000 British travellers took a River Cruise in 2014 – a six percent increase on the year before, with Europe being the most popular destination. With an abundance of food, wine and luxurious amenities at your fingertips, it isn’t difficult to understand why river cruise holidays have become so popular in recent years.

Contributed by Colin Matthews , Managing Director at Travel Club Elite. A Luxury Travel Blog

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Top 3 Whale Watching Destinations In South Africa

South Africa is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Every year from June to November, thousands of travellers from around the world congregate along the southern shores to spot the gentle giants of the deep – often more than willing to withstand cool winter days further chilled by the ocean breeze.

But you don’t have to stick to the rocks and beaches with your camera on full zoom. There are plenty of ways to see Southern Right, Humpback, and Bryde’s whales closer, be it on a whale watching cruise, a flight overhead, or even by sea kayak. If you dream of seeing whales lobtailing, breaching, and playing with their young, these are the best whale watching destinations to head to in South Africa.

Walker Bay

Stretching from the towns of Hermanus to Gansbaai, Walker Bay has become the whale watching hotspot of South Africa. Hermanus plays host to the annual Whale Festival in October and the cliffs of De Kelders is the place to be to see mother whales cuddling with their young from September to October. Do a sea kayak expedition with Walker Bay Adventures, see baby whales up close with Ivanhoe Sea Safaris, or simply keep an eye out for whale tails from the harbour.

Stay: Harbour House Hotel

Harbour House Hotel is located above the Old Harbour. The Lookout Terrace infinity pool is a town icon as it overlooks the ocean and you can experience the tangible excitement of passers-by in search of a breaching whale while floating on a lilo. The Pavillion pool bar invites guests to relax and savour a sundowner.

Knysna

You won’t be finding any whales in the calm waters of Knysna lagoon, but jump aboard an Ocean Odysseyboat cruise (Knysna’s only permitted close encounter whale watching operation) and head through the famous Knysna Heads. You’ll find that the ocean on the other side is a whale’s playground.

Stay: Head Over Hills

Head over Hills is an exclusive retreat on the famous rocky cliffs of the Knysna’s eastern head. You can’t ask for better whale watching views as the Indian Ocean is spread out below your feet. Luxury features include private balconies, jet baths, and log fireplaces to warm up after a wintery day outdoors.

De Hoop Nature Reserve

Situated at the meeting place of 3 different whale migration routes, De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the world’s top spots for land-based whale watching. Flights over the marine reserve to see the whales from above can be arranged with African Wings and De Hoop Collection.

Stay: De Hoop Collection

De Hoop Collection has a wide range of accommodation, from basic camping cottages to a luxury manor house. All accommodation is self-catering, but the Fig Tree Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can enjoy a tasty meal that you don’t have to cook yourself.

Travellers who don’t want to make the trip up the Cape Whale Coast will be happy to know that, although not as guaranteed, whales are often spotted around Cape Town, particularly in False Bay on the South Peninsula.

Contributed by Marcel Van de Ghinste, a Director at TravelGround. A Luxury Travel Blog

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A New Generation Of Luxury River Cruises In Asia

Much of southern Asia covers largely tranquil, jungle-clad regions brimming with ruined temples, exotic wildlife, peaceful village communities and winding waterways that have served traders and fishermen for centuries. Despite tourism being firmly established, large parts remain hidden and sheltered; and the life-giving waterways invariably provide the most enjoyable – and sometimes the only – route into untrodden areas.

With authenticity now being as high, if not higher, on the agenda of luxury travellers as fine dining and first-class facilities, demand for off the beaten track experiences – that elusive sense that one has seen or done something few others have – is at a premium; and this has given rise to a new trend for river cruises on some of Asia’s most atmospheric waterways. Journeys along the Irrawaddy, Mekong, Red and Brahmaputra Rivers respectively provide the opportunity to revel in both the buzz of uncharted waters and the slower pace that river cruising necessarily involves; while being indulged with attention, excellent cuisine and superior comfort along the way.

Chindwin River, Myanmar – RV Kalay Pandaw
Launched September 2014

Though infrastructure has improved a great deal since Myanmar ‘opened up’, there are still vast swathes of the country that remain difficult to reach. The RV Kalay Pandaw is a charming colonial-style river cruiser with just five cabins – ideal for taking you to the heart of the peaceful Chin State. Travelling between Mandalay and Yangon, the voyage takes in traditional villages, pagodas, teak monasteries, forests and crumbling colonial towns; as well as providing the opportunity to visit Mawlaik – where colonial employees of the Bombay Myanmar Trading Corporation would convalesce after months extracting teak from the forests – and Sittahaung, the starting point for a troubled trek over the mountains to India for the British personnel fleeing the conflict with the Japanese in 1942.

Tonle Sap River, Cambodia – Aqua Mekong
Launched October 2014

The Tonle Sap is the lifeblood of Cambodia; without it, the magnificent Kingdom of Angkor would never have existed. Beginning in southern Vietnam, Aqua Expeditions’ five to seven day journeys are a wonderful way to cross the border into Cambodia and take in the leafy capital Phnom Penh and the sights of Angkor, with the chance to paddle through floating markets, visit silver and copper workshops, climb mountains, and explore forests bursting with birds and tropical flora. The Aqua Mekong has 20 suites split over two decks – some with daybeds from which to admire the view – as well as a river-view gym, plunge pool, spa rooms and cabanas on deck.

Brahmaputra River, India – MV Mahabaahu
Launching March 2015

Of all of India’s national parks, Kaziranga is probably the most difficult to reach – which of course makes it particularly magical; and the wonderful wildlife of Kaziranga, which includes tigers and rhinoceroses, is just one of the reasons to explore India’s little-visited Assam region. As you sail the great Brahmaputra, there’s the chance to spot eagles, kingfishers, dolphins, otters and buffalo along the riverbank, exploring by boat, jeep and elephant back. Cultural encounters include meeting the Mishing people who inhabit the world’s largest river island, as well as visiting the famous Assam tea plantations and exploring the satras (cultural centres) unique to the region.  MV Mahabaahu is a 46-berth vessel with a pool and an especially luxurious ‘spa’ deck with Jacuzzi, sauna and treatment room.

Halong Bay and Red River, Vietnam – MV Angkor Pandaw
Launching June 2015

Vietnam is a country of two halves, with both buzzing modern cities and wilderness. Pandaw’s northern Vietnamese  expedition begins by sailing around the instantly recognisable karst landscape of Halong Bay, before making its way north through emerald green rice paddies and rolling mountains to Mai Chau in the far north-west. Along the route, you can try your hand at traditional Vietnamese folk painting, hike along the riverbank into beautiful mountains, or visit villages of traditional stilt houses. The RV Angkor Pandaw has 16 spacious cabins, each finished in teak and brass, and the delicious cuisine comes courtesy of a local master chef.

Mekong River, Laos – RV Laos Pandaw
Launching November 2015

One of Pandaw’s smallest vessels, the RV Laos Pandaw has just 10 staterooms, meaning an intimate and extremely peaceful atmosphere. An 11 day voyage starting in the capital, the journey through Laos ticks off the charming UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang before winding its way into the stunning, rural north of the country, where you can head off into the jungle to meet small Khmu and Hmong communities and explore forgotten temples and trading towns. Eventually, the boat will arrive in Chiang Kong, the jumping off point for the mesmerizing and infamous Golden Triangle, where Laos meets its neighbors, Myanmar and Thailand.

The most difficult task seems to be choosing a country – but that’s all set to change: Pandaw plans to introduce a new voyage sailing the entire length of the Mekong, from China through four countries to Cambodia, making it possible to experience the nuances between various countries from the comfort of one vessel, without the need for endless flights or unpacking and repacking bags.

Contributed by Melissa Matthews, Director of Operations at Red Savannah. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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New York City In 10 Exciting Tours

As the song made famous by Gerard Kenny goes – ‘New York, New York, so good they named it twice’, New York is truly a city that is unique in so many ways and there really is no other like it in the world! A city that has many a song written about it.  This bustling, big metropolis is home to immigrants from all over the world, immigrants who have brought with them over 800 languages and various cuisines. Everything in New York City seems larger than life. ‘The Big Apple’, so to speak, and it has a lot to offer to every visitor to the city. Here are some exciting ways to take it all in:

1.- Wine, jazz and the New York City lights

How about a chilled out view of New York City by night over fine wine and jazz? Just the way to see this wonderful city. The Bateaux New York offers you a tour like none other. Dress up in your finest, step aboard a luxury vessel, covered by a climate controlled glass dome, and it is  smooth sailing along the waters with breathtaking views of the lights of New York City. This three hour cruise takes you around Ellis Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge as you sit at your table feasting on gourmet cuisine and listening to some great jazz. Its a treat for the senses. There are two out door decks to step out into if you would like to feel the breeze in your hair while you drink in the awesomeness of New York City by night.

2.- Intimate sailing tours

Tribeca Sailing only takes small groups of up to 6 on tours over the New York Harbor. The smallness of the group makes the experience more personalized, intimate and memorable. The Tara is sailed by a very experienced Captain who provides wonderful service to acquaint you with Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty with verve. An ideal tour to take if you are a group of friends or visiting New York City with your family. It’s a great trip to be on if you plan to propose to your girlfriend, for they do charter trips for two. Exciting, huh?

3. An authentic look at NYC 

See New York City with a New Yorker, like a New Yorker. Customized private tours conducted by seasoned New Yorkers who take pride in their city bring historic places, artistic areas and popular cultural hangouts alive for you. Whatever your interests are, whatever your whims might be, a customized tour gives you the best experience of New York City that you could wish for, and yes, this is certainly the best way to see and remember your visit! Visit each place and learn all the stories behind them, the good and the bad, stories only a die hard New Yorker would be privy to. It is way better than pouring over guide books and trying to absorb dry facts, don’t you think? A customized tour with Custom and Private Tours takes you to the pulse that makes this city throb.

4. A bird’s eye view of NYC

Want a completely different perspective of New York City? Well, how about a hovering over it? HeliNy offers you tours by air – a helicopter, an eloquent pilot and a sweeping tour over the city. If you’ve never seen the iconic Manhattan skyline from the air, this tour is certainly worth it. You can’t beat the exhilaration of soaring through the air by day or night to take in the world’s favorite city. There are rides to suit everyone, lasting from 12 minutes to 30. An ideal tour if you are strapped for time, but would yet like to get a feel of the City or even if you’ve seen NYC in every which way, but this one.

5. Shop hop at designer boutiques

Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of retail therapy? Make that exclusive retail therapy in New York City and it is one that is hard to resist. Styleroom offers you a shopping experience like no other. What would you say if you could visit boutiques of famous designers and were able to buy the newest fashions at discounts? Yes, it is possible! Karen Parker O’Brien makes it possible when you sign on to her tour – Styleroom, with 20 years of experience in the fashion world and her exclusive contacts. Each shopping tour is personalized with Karen accompanying you and helping you choose what suits you best. Shopping couldn’t get more satisfying or better than this.

6. An unforgettable trip by inflatable boat

This is an adventure tour, and is run by New York Media Boat Tours. It’s a tour with an exciting difference. You get to zip around the New York Harbor in an inflatable boat that is designed and approved by the US Navy, a boat that is used by the CNN news crew to cover breaking news. Now, how tempting is that?! Take this tour to spend an hour and a half of adventurous sightseeing. If you are into photography, the photography excursions give you three hours of unusual photo opportunities at ship graveyards, industrial canals, bridges etc. Certainly a rather unusual way to see New York City. These exclusive trips are guaranteed to be worth every minute.

7.- Limo and cocktails – a New York night out

Take Me Out gives you a taste of the New York City night life from the luxurious comfort of a limousine. Experience the lush life in an unforgettable way. No queues to contend with, just expect to be picked up in a Limo,  settle into your  seat, sip on an exotic cocktail specially shaken up for you and be prepared to live it up. Take Me Out is Ori Mor’s brain child, one that he started in 2012 and has turned into a roaring success. This VIP tour takes you to the most exclusive and secret night spots in the city, a three hour trip of fun and glamor.  Prepare to be surprised and delighted. So don your glad rags and see what New York City has got to offer!

8. A walkabout to talk about

And so, this is a wonderful way to get to know the city that never sleeps – by taking a walking tour. Gotham Walking Tours is a private company that makes it fun, informative, interactive and very inviting. Lina Viviano, a highly acclaimed Harvard graduate and licensed tour guide, has  just the tour lined up for you. With her deep rooted passion for New York, she can take you weaving through China Town, Lower Manhattan, Little Italy, Central Park or wherever your interests lie.  Lina guides you through this city with its many historical buildings, eclectic architecture and takes you to local places known only to a native New Yorker. She also introduces you to the food culture that is so unique to NYC, that should warm the cockles of a foodie’s heart! Yet another intimate and memorable way to see New York City. Experience New York City as a traveler, and not just as another tourist.

9.  May the food be with you

Why not consider taking a gastronomic trip through New York City? Visit the many delicious eateries, get to learn the historic origins of each food. New York City being a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, you will find an offering of every sort of cuisine in the Big Apple. Foods of New York Tours promises you an off beat experience, giving you tantalizing glimpses into the ethnic food culture of the average New York resident. And really, its not just about the food, it is a blend of the cultures, the history, the architecture and the various influences that have brought into existence the quintessential New York City food.

10. Hang out with a Museum Hack

A museum, you say? I bet what comes to your mind as you yawn is ‘ ah, booooring’. But not with theMuseum Hack. Their museum tours are anything but boring! A tour with a difference, a guide customizes each tour, weaving tales around the exhibits, bringing each one to life with facts, trivia, gossip, scandal and what have you (un-highlights, as they are referred to). The stories are wild, wacky, strange, sexy and narrated by appropriately wacky guides, making for a museum trip that leaves you thirsting for more. Has this piqued your interest?

Contributed byCarmen Anderson, Founder of Here and There Without a Care.

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5 Recommended Superyacht Honeymoon Destinations

 

Set sail with the one you love and experience memories that will last forever on board your own luxury superyacht charter. Imagine watching the sun rise and fall over the glittering ocean, sipping chilled Champagne on the sun deck, indulging in a personal massage and dining beneath the stars, feeling the sway of the tide beneath you. A honeymoon charter aboard a superyacht can offer the ultimate when it comes to tender romance and divine destinations. If you and your betrothed are looking to truly get away and discover paradise on earth, take a glimpse at these gorgeous honeymoon destinations to melt your heart.

Anguilla

Those dreaming of a Caribbean island escape without the crowds, the casinos and the cruise ships can find a breath of fresh air in authentic Anguilla. Charming villas litter the coastline, coral waters lap gently against white washed sands and everywhere you turn there is a mellow vibe to greet you. Days glisten endlessly on the horizon, and you can spend your hours together indulging in ultimate pampering sessions, relaxing with a grilled lobster and champagne picnic in a secluded cove or feeling the thrill of wakeboarding or jet skiing around the coast. A moonlit walk on the sands and listening to the sweet Caribbean sounds with a cocktail in hand is the ideal romantic end to another perfect day in paradise.

Exumas, Bahamas

Imagine walking hand in hand on silky white sands surrounded by tiffany blue waters backed by emerald green. Exumas in the beautiful Bahamas is a kaleidoscope of colors and a precious place to whisper sweet nothings beneath a flood of midnight stars. With world class resort accommodation, the chance to explore underwater caves, giggle at the local swimming pigs and hop on your superyacht adventure around the numerous cays and coves that grace this tropic of cancer gem, you will discover the true meaning of sheer delight.

Turks & Caicos

Charter your luxury superyacht into the heart of the Turk and Caicos for a honeymoon to sweep you off your feet. Sophisticated cottages dot the waterfront offering seclusion for candlelight dining; royal spa resorts will leave you refreshed and ready for the stream of activities on offer should you feel adventurous. From helicopter tours to scuba diving, bright coral reefs to deserted beaches, the Turks and Caicos are more than a honeymoon destination; it is an unforgettable adventure beyond the fringes of perfection.

Aegean Islands

Myth, magic and the sound of the sirens is alive and well on the gorgeous white and blue Aegean Islands. Mediterranean inspired honeymoons can deliver all of your dreams and more, and this makes it a first-class superyacht destination for newlyweds. Santorini is a must see spot with its hidden turquoise and gold coves, its glistening white wash buildings and its volcanic rich sands. Healing hot springs, shady olive groves and ancient ruins pepper the island of Lesbos and are a short sail away on your luxury superyacht. Mykonos will ignite the romance all over again with its twinkling harbor nights, blushing sky and vivid shades of nightlife.

Lipari Islands

Laced in history, evoking the sweet senses of Sicily and with world class swimming spots, the Lipari Islands are a decadent choice for a fabulous honeymoon destination on your superyacht charter. Dramatic carved cliffs, midnight blue waters and local dishes to tempt and delight will ensure romance on these lavish isles. Sink down into a soft, mineral rich mud bath, snorkel the rich rocky corals and sit beneath the shade of staggering volcanoes for a beautiful stay in the Aeolian Islands.

Contributed by Carl Sputh ,the Captain of MYStarfire.  www.aluxuryblog.com

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6 Top Luxury African River Cruises

Luxury boat cruises on peaceful rivers are not what many would imagine for an African holiday, this is one of Africa’s hidden luxury experiences. Africa is blessed with amazing and powerful perennial rivers, and although not exactly the sight one envisions when they think of Africa, several large and luxurious cruise liners are offering world class river cruise holidays with a magical blend between world class luxury and African hospitality.

African Queen

Every inch of this 70 feet, triple-deck catamaran speaks of African luxury. With its Rhodesian teak finishes, you cannot mistake this catamaran as a product of Africa. And if you look out over the Zambezi River with the soothing sounds of a Marimba band playing in the background, you will be moved to a place where time passes slowly, and where days are spent in luxury. Choose between sunrise, lunch or sunset cruises – each accompanied by a menu offering a feast for a king. And if you want to escape the 120 guests on board, the captain’s cabin on the top deck is the ultimate luxury experience on board the African Queen. The African Queen travels on the Chobe River through Botswana and Namibia.

Oberoi Zahra Nile River

The Nile River, with all its majesty and grandeur, needs little introduction. We when talk about river cruising in Africa, the Nile has to take central place. On the Nile, you will find some of Africa’s most sought-after river cruises. Now, imagine yourself on board one of the world’s most luxurious cruises, overlooking Egypt. The Oberoi Zahra cruises between Aswan and Luxor and offers legendary service, including spa treatments, top-class restaurant menus and cabins that will have you wishing you could stay on board forever!

Zambezi Queen

With the Chobe National Park setting the scene, the Zambezi Queen offers overnight cruises, allowing you to enjoy the magic of a sunrise and sunset on the Zambezi River. On this cruise, enjoy some of the best of Africa’s river luxury and wildlife. The Zambezi River is an activity of wildlife and birdlife – the wildlife and bird song will hardly let you forget your African location. The Zambezi Queen cruise starts on the Botswana side of the Chobe River. On board, 14 luxury suites are offered, each enjoying views across the Chobe River with small private decks. Do not be concerned about Africa’s relentless heat – the suites are fully protected against Africa’s summers. And to end yet another sunny day on the Chobe River, watch the sun set from the luxury lounge and bar on board. The Zambezi Queen visits Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe.

Pride of the Zambezi

Enjoy a very intimate river cruise on the northern Namibian side of the Chobe River – on board the Pride of the Zambezi houseboat. The keywords here are cruises tailored to your desires, privacy and flexibility. Each guest is offered the dedicated services of a guide and tender boat, meaning you can explore the Chobe River as you please. The Pride of Zambezi has not excluded any luxury. Its six cabins are all luxury en-suite cabins, with large sliding windows opening up to the sights and surrounds of the Chobe River. The Pride of the Zambezi visits Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe.

Rivers of West Africa

The selection of Mega Harmony cruises offer stylish cruise trips and follow the river routes of epic African explorers. These modern cruise ships are equipped with high-tech, comfortable cabins and luxury cruise spaces for all guests to enjoy. The sunbathing deck is a highlight with views over small African villages. The cruise also offers optional day cruises as well as time available to spend at local fishermen villages and markets. West Africa remains undiscovered by many tourists visiting the African continent, and the Mega Harmony cruises are equipped to show you West Africa from the safety of a cruise liner. With only 25 cabins available, you are assured of small group privacy, away from noisy crowds that can so easily spoil a luxury cruise. On there typical eight-day cruise, the cruise departs from Dakar, Senegal, and set sail for Gambia River.

The Luxury Cruise Company from Cairo

One cannot otherwise but be charmed by the world’s longest river, and the pure luxury offered by the Luxury Cruise Company, and their ultimate river cruise launching from Cairo, Egypt. On this cruise, visit several Egyptian historical sites – something every individual should experience! Cruise the banks of the Nile in luxury while the crew serve you with their bespoke service and entertainment on board. The Luxury Cruise Company has a number of Nile cruise liners, including the Nile Goddess. Their Nile cruises are popular – so be sure to book well in advance!

An African river cruise, whether you opt for the South, North or West, the Chobe, Zambezi or Nile – all will offer an entirely unique experience. There are few things in this world as pleasant as river cruises, and if you add African warmth, charm and hospitality, you are in for some of the world’s best luxury experiences, with the adventure of the African continent at your feet.

Contributed byJavier Luque, Co-Founder and Director of Your African Safari. www.aluxuryblog.com

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