CELESTYAL ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF NEW SHIP

Celestyal, the award-winning Greek owned cruise line, has acquired a new 1,260-guest ship. Originally built as the Ryndam for Holland America Line and more recently operating for P&O Australia, the vessel will undergo an extensive, approximately $21 million refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul before entering service. Chris Theophilides, CEO said,. “In addition to her expansive open decks, numerous bar and dining options as well as spacious public areas and staterooms, the Celestyal Journey will provide our guests with a …

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Viking Fjorgyn Seine / Normandy River Cruise, a Fabulous Adventure

Paris, the City of Light, entices with its lively Joie de vie, remarkable architecture, art, fashion, food, and history. Imagine strolling the banks of the Seine, exploring the world-class museums, or sipping coffee at a sidewalk café. The Viking Seine/Normandy River Cruise starts and ends in Paris but makes noteworthy stops in picturesque Normandy. Guided excursions include Rouen, the capital of Normandy, the port city of Honfleur, immersion into Impressionist art, a day devoted to WWII history …

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Preparing to Sail on a New Viking River Cruise Ship ~ Fjorgyn ~ the Norse Goddess of the Earth

I am very excited to meet and explore one of Viking Cruises’ new ships, Fjorgyn – the Norse goddess of the Earth. She was built in 2020 exclusively for cruising on the Seine River. As we all know, the pandemic sidelined cruising until recently. She holds a maximum of 168 guests (in my opinion – the perfect size) with a crew of 46. The Fjorgyn is 410 feet long. She docks in Paris at an exclusive dock …

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Riviera River Cruises Review ~MS Jane Austen~ The Seine, Paris and Normandy

Paris called to me with its iconic sights, outstanding museums, fantastic architecture, and fine French food and wine. No wonder it is one of Europe’s main draws. When I read the Riviera River Cruises itinerary that starts and ends in Paris, with stops in Normandy, I knew it was for me. I’d visit wondrous destinations in Normandy I’d longed to see:  the Rouen Cathedral, Bayeux Tapestry, and the D-Day landing sites. Plus, I’d get to revisit Monet’s …

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MS Jane Austen Sailing ~The Seine, Paris and Normandy / Preparing for My Riviera River Cruises Adventure

I last visited Paris in June 2016 and cherish many fond memories. The City of Light ranks high on many bucket lists for its iconic sights, outstanding museums, fantastic architecture and fine French food and wine. You can’t go wrong. I couldn’t be more excited to be heading back to Paris, where I will start and end an eight-day Riviera River cruise on the MS Jane Austen, on the Seine and Normandy rivers. The Riviera itinerary enticed …

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Our Sailing Cruise on a Maine Windjammer, The Lewis R French

As a Floridian, I looked forward to escaping the hot, humid summer weather and enjoying cooler New England temperatures and refreshing breezes. My Maine Windjammer Cruise brought those and much more. My boyfriend and I flew to Bangor, Maine, rented a car, and spent two days exploring Acadia National Park and the Bar Harbor area. We hiked from a sand beach, maneuvered across fields of boulders battered by the sea, then up to Otter Point with its …

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Getting Ready for a Maine Windjammer Cruise

When I think of Maine, I envision lobsters, lighthouses, rocky coasts, and, well …more lobsters. Yes, indeed; I’m looking forward to tasting those scrumptious shellfish in every possible way: lobster eggs benedict, lobster rolls, lobster chowder, lobster mac & cheese, lobster salad, lobster tails, and of course, whole boiled lobster. My travel companion, John, and I will fly from Florida to Bangor, Maine, and pick up a rental car. We plan to spend two days exploring Acadia …

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Celestyal Cruises New Onboard Dining Experience

My favorite Greek cruise line, Celestyal Cruises, is introducing a new, signature Greek menu and dining experience for guests. The culinary experience arose from a collaboration with Diane Kochilas, one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator, and co-producer of My Greek Table, the highly acclaimed cooking and travel show airing nationally on Public Television. Kochilas is also the author of more than 18 cookbooks on Greek-Mediterranean Cuisine, a …

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Cruising is Back in Alaska ~ Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas 7-Night Alaska Inner Passage

After a slow start in early 2021, cruising returned in Alaska this past summer and will be in full swing come Spring 2022. Many Americans are still hesitant to make European plans and instead are choosing Alaska. And why not? The 49th state offers pristine wilderness, wildlife, glaciers, and fascinating small towns. I just returned from a Royal Caribbean cruise on their mega-ship, Ovation of the Seas. The  7-night tour of Alaska’s Inner Passage started and ended …

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Celestyal Cruises … Spectacular 7-Night, 3-Continent Cruise

Re-publishing from January 8, 2020: ABOARD THE CELESTYAL CRYSTAL­_A 7-night cruise to three continents with stops at dream destinations sounded thrilling. I’d start in Greece and have a chance to see the Sphinx, pyramids of Giza, Israel, Cyprus, Rhodes and Turkey. I was ready! Despite my high expectations, Celestyal far exceeded them. Each day and country connected me with very different cultures, traditions, stories, events, and sights – – all bonded by common themes of history and …

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