River cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments of the cruise industry, and it’s no wonder:  River cruises give you a more intimate and diverse experience that you just don’t get on the bigger ocean cruises.  You get to experience cities and port that bigger cruise ships can’t get to, which allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

A great way to think about river cruises is as a land tour – only on a boat.  The focus is much more on your ports of call than on activities on the ship.  In fact, you’ll probably spend more time in each port than you do on the ship, and, unlike ocean cruises, some – or even all – of your on-shore excursions are included in your overall trip pricing.  Since river cruise ships are smaller, they have access to more ports, many of which are closer to the town center – so you get a better look at typical life than the touristy attractions you usually see with ocean cruising.  You’ll even get an opportunity to try some local activities such as cheese making, brewing beer, or learning to cook the local cuisines.

Some things to keep in mind before deciding if a river cruise is right for you:

• You won’t see a lot of young children on board.  Since a river cruise ship is much smaller, the entertainment options (including kid-friendly activities) just aren’t there.  While children are welcomed, you may want to think twice before bringing your young children.
• Disability-friendly facilities may not be available.  River cruises tend to be a bit more active than ocean cruises, and many ports you will be visiting may not be handicap accessible.  If you have mobility or other health restrictions, you may want to check before scheduling your trip.
• Choosing when you go is just as important as where.  Because you are on rivers and smaller bodies of water, access will depend on the season.  Heavy rains or shallow waters could make it difficult for ships to pass under bridges or through locks, which may change your itinerary.

Here are some the best rivers to cruise:

1. Danube River (Germany, Hungary Austria)
2. Rhine River (Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands)
3. Rhone River (France)
4. Volga (Russia)
5. Elbe (Germany, Czechia)

These are all wonderful destinations.  Your experiences and ports of call along the way will vary significantly from cruise line to cruise line, so do your homework, find those places that you would like to visit along each river and then contact Luxury Destinations Concierge to help you plan out your perfect river cruise!  Give us a call at 805-236-4437 to get started.

Are you planning your first ocean cruise?  I’m sure you are very excited and at the same time wondering what to expect.  Here are my top 5 things to consider as you embark on this great adventure:

1. Take advantage of all the onboard activities.  Yes, you are on an ocean cruise, and probably thinking about lounging by the pool or going ashore to explore the various ports on your itinerary.  There is so much more to do on board that you don’t want to miss out on the fun.  Everything from rock climbing walls, to full-scale Broadway shows, and all kinds of other activities for all family members.  Each day you’ll receive a schedule of activities, so plan accordingly and don’t just sit by the pool!
2. Check out the Excursion options.  Every time your ship docks in port there will be an opportunity to explore your surroundings.  Before you go on your cruise, check to see what options are available.  In many cases, cruise lines allow you to book your excursions ahead of time, but if you decide to join an outing at the last minute you should be able to sign up on board.  If you aren’t sure if you are physically up to the challenge, don’t worry – most excursions are rated on physical difficulty and will give you restriction guidelines, allowing you to judge whether the excursion is right for you.
3. Choose the right cruise.  Not all cruises are created equal, so make sure you do your research.  Some cruise lines are geared more towards families and multi-generation vacations (think Disney Cruise Line), while others may have a younger adult feel – lots of night live and “party” atmosphere.  Of course your destinations are most important, but keep in mind the typical demographic that the cruise line attracts.  It could make or break your vacation.
4. Be aware of extra costs.  While cruises tend to bill themselves as “all-inclusive”, that usually means your room, your meals and most of the onboard entertainment.  There are some things that you should watch out for that will hit your wallet, though, including:
   • Beverages.  Cruises typically offer coffee, tea and water as complimentary – anything over and above that will be billed to you.  Cruise lines are notorious for charging high prices for alcoholic beverages and soda, so be careful when ordering that next round!
   • Additional Dining Opportunities.  While most food is included in your booking fees (including room service!), there may be opportunities for a special dining experience that will cost extra – and be well worth it!
   • Gratuities.  This is an interesting additional cost to your trip.  Most cruise lines have a per diem gratuity added to your overall bill, which takes away some of the guesswork about whether to tip waiters or room stewards.  My suggestion here is to make sure you don’t double-tip (unless, of course, the service was that good!).
   • Entertainment.  While most entertainment is included, there has been a recent trend to add a “cover charge” to some of these events.  Just keep this in mind as you choose what show or event you attend.
5. Get travel insurance.  This probably ranks up there with making sure that you choose the right cruise.  Getting a refund because of a family emergency is extremely difficult, especially when most cruise lines offer $0 refund if cancelled within 30 days of your trip (which negates the meaning of “emergency”).  Travel insurance will also help with medical emergencies during your trip and a lot more.  Bottom line:  for your own peace of mind, get travel insurance for your trip.

Are you ready to book your ocean cruise?  Let Luxury Destinations Concierge help.  Give us a call at 805-236-4437.

Oh, the places you can go on a cruise!  There are so many ocean cruise packages out there with enough destinations to make your head spin!  So, how do you choose?  It probably comes down to a matter of where you want to go and what you want to see.  From the Antarctic to the Mediterranean, from St. Petersburg Russia to the Amazon, there are adventures waiting.
Here are our top 3 choices:

1.  The Caribbean.  If you are looking for fun in the sun, a Caribbean cruise may be for you.  Whether you just want to relax and enjoy a little beach time reading a book and sipping a tropical drink, or you want an adventure exploring the water and the islands, the Caribbean offers something for everyone.

When planning your trip to the Caribbean, make sure to check out the port of call where your cruise will stop.  These are our favorites:

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten.  If you want a little old-world flair, Philipsburg on St. Maartin (the Dutch side of the island) is the place to be.  You can indulge yourself in shopping or enjoy the mix of Dutch, French and Creole cuisine.  Or, if you are looking for a perfect beach day, head over to Maho Beach.
• Roatan, Honduras.  Found in the Western Caribbean, Roatan has the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean – the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.  Take a snorkeling or kayaking expedition to explore the colorful coral and marine life.
• St. Kitts.  Located in the West Indies, St. Kitts is steeped in history, being one of the oldest settlements in the Eastern Caribbean. Here, you can explore the old town square, take a hike in the jungle wilderness and even explore dormant volcanoes.

1. Alaska.  Alaska is one of those places that ranks high on many people’s list to visit, and there is no better way to see Alaska than by cruise ship!  Just watching the spectacular scenery from the deck of your ship is a treat.  Here are our must-see stops for any Alaskan cruise:

• Glacier Bay.  So you can’t really get off the boat and explore here, but it is a great way to see glaciers up close and marvel at their beauty.  If you’re lucky, you’ll also catch glimpses of humpback whales, brown bears and mountain goats!
• Sitka.  Looking for a little history?  Sitka was once the capital of Russian America, and that heritage is still visible at the onion-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral or the Russian Bishop’s House in town.  Take a stroll through town to see the variety of shops offering native handicrafts as well.
• Juneau.  As the 2nd largest city in Alaska, Juneau is a fairly active city, where you can take a trip to Mendenhall Glacier, ride the Mount Roberts Tramway, or just enjoy some time in the city center.

1. The Mediterranean.  If you are looking for a combination of history, culture and the great outdoors, a Mediterranean cruise may just be the ticket.  Known as the Cradle of Civilization, the ports around the Mediterranean Sea will offer you a glimpse into our past, and amazing memories to savor.  Here are just a few stops you should make part of your Mediterranean adventure:

• Athens, Greece.  Once the heart of Western civilization, Athens is a mix of modern and ancient world.  Whether it’s going to the Acropolis and Parthenon or exploring some of the city’s unique shops and restaurants, you won’t run out of things to do in Athens.
• Rome, Italy.  If you are going to the Mediterranean, you can’t miss the heart of the Roman Empire.  There is so much to do and see in Rome – from the Vatican to the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain and more.
• Barcelona, Spain.  Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and was a crucial Roman port.  It still is a bustling city, steeped in history and renowned for its architecture and beaches.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia.  One port of call on the Mediterranean that is a little off the beaten path is Dubrovnik.  It is a quaint, historical town with spectacular beaches and clear blue waters.  Oh, and if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, this is where it is set and you can actually take a “Game of Thrones” walking tour!

Whether you are planning your next cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska or the Mediterranean, Luxury Destinations Concierge is here to help.  Give us a call at 805-236-4437 to start planning your cruise of a lifetime!