Blog – Avid Cruiser Cruise Reviews, Luxury Cruises, Expedition Cruises

Exploring The Marvels Of The Marquesas On The Aranui 5

Julie L. Kessler February 27, 2023 No Comments

One hundred eighteen islands and atolls comprise French Polynesia with five distinct archipelagoes: the Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral, and Gambier islands, so choices abound. Going off the beaten path a bit offers up profound beauty that’s wedded to the indelible Polynesian spirit. Coupled with resplendent snorkeling, scuba diving, and cultural experiences makes travel here unforgettable.

Variety Cruise’s New French Polynesia Itinerary

Julie L. Kessler February 26, 2023 No Comments

The Greek family-owned Variety Cruises, known for its small sailing ships of less than 72-passengers that sails Greece, West Africa, and Mediterranean destinations, in January commenced with two new itineraries in French Polynesia. To this end, Variety brought over its 150-foot, two-masted motorized sailer, the 20-year-old Panorama II, from Greece to Tahiti’s capital, Papeete. This was accomplished not by sailing it there, but far more eco-friendly, it was shipped on a float-on, float-off, super yacht transport vessel.

Luxury Antarctica Expedition With Seabourn

Mike Louagie January 21, 2023 2 Comments

Loyal Seabourn customers will feel right at home on Seabourn Venture, while at the same time experiencing a fully fledged expedition. For those new to Seabourn and looking for a combination of an ultra-luxurious floating boutique hotel and a state-of-the-art expedition, Seabourn should definitely be on your list.

Viking Cruises Names Neptune, The Newest Member Of Viking’s Ocean Fleet

Julie L. Kessler January 10, 2023 No Comments

On January 8, 2023, in the Los Angeles World Cruise Center, Viking Cruises named it newest ship, the Neptune, immediately prior to its departure to Honolulu continuing its 138-day epic world voyage. Starting in Fort Lauderdale a couple of weeks ago, the world cruise will end in London in May after visiting 28 countries and 57 ports with overnight stays in 11 cities.

Polar Raid: Off The Ship In Greenland For Three Days In The Wild

Mike Louagie December 3, 2022 1 Comment

Belgian writer and photographer Mike Louagie recounts a challenging adventure. In Greenland, he and a few others left the ship for two nights to pull sleds, camp and remain vigilant for polar bears. Several times it became so challenging that he thought of turning back. What pushed him onward?

First Look: Silversea’s New Silver Endeavour & The Antarctica Bridge

Julie L. Kessler December 2, 2022 No Comments

Last month, Julie Kessler traveled to Antarctica, courtesy of Silversea Cruises, for the christening of Silver Endeavour. Silversea acquired the new ship following the demise of Crystal Cruises. Here’s her report.

First look: Viking Cruise’s New Purpose-Built Polaris

Julie L. Kessler November 10, 2022 No Comments

The newest ship to voyage the White Continent is Viking Cruise’s new Polaris. Built in 2022, this 666-foot length, 30,150 gross ton ship, specifically built for remote outposts is a Polar Class 6 ice ship. It was named in Amsterdam late last month, then repositioned via Madeira, Portugal. It arrived at Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, sometimes called, “the end of the world.” Here in late October, I embarked for Polaris’ inaugural voyage to Antarctica, courtesy of Viking Cruises. This voyage had the added panache of being the first ship of Antarctica’s season.

Twenty-Four Hours At 25Hours Hotel Copenhagen

Julie L. Kessler October 9, 2022 No Comments

For an incredibly cool, hip, and colorful hotel in Copenhagen’s heart, 25Hours Hotel Copenhagen is a real gem.

The Test Case Of Brittney Griner: An Important Lesson For All International Travelers

Julie L. Kessler August 11, 2022 No Comments

When traveling the world it is critically important to be mindful of and respect local laws. If not, the result may be that the contents of your toiletry bag gets you free lodging. In jail. Julie L. Kessler reporting.

First Look: Oceania’s Nautica Gets A Nearly $100 Million Makeover

Julie L. Kessler August 5, 2022 No Comments

Oceania’s Nautica underwent a nearly $100 Million facelift with top-notch designers making this perfect size great ship chic and sleek. Our writer Julie L. Kessler reports from the Mediterranean.

Oh Wow! Silversea Snaps Up Endeavour

Ralph Grizzle July 18, 2022 No Comments

Today from Monaco, Silversea Cruises added the former Crystal Endeavour to its fleet. Renamed Silver Endeavour will enter service in November 2022, replacing Silver Explorer from the 2022/2023 Antarctica season—including the ship’s highly popular Antarctica Bridge sailings.

U.S. Ends Testing For International Air Travelers, Effective This Weekend

Ralph Grizzle June 10, 2022 No Comments

One minute after midnight tomorrow, the U.S. removes one of the most challenging aspects for its citizens traveling abroad: the requirement to test negative for Covid-19 one day before returning home.

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