ABOARD THE AMADEUS SILVER II — So far, this trip on the Amadeus Silver II has been a breeze. A driver was waiting holding a card with my name when I exited the airport in Basel. My Amras contact had already told me to exit on the French side of the airport, rather than the German one. Many people make a mistake and go out the wrong side so I was glad to be forewarned by Amras. …
When my sister Elaine and I were kids, we would sing in the choir on Christmas Eve at our small Ohio church. A landmark in town, the Bethel Church of Christ was founded in 1866 and was where my family had gone for generations. This Christmas, however, I will be attending Christmas Eve services at Speyer Cathedral in Germany. This amazing place of worship was founded in 1030 and was the burial place of German emperors for …
When I was a kid, the family friend who gave me my middle name (Marie) and braided my hair was from Germany. To keep my squirming to a minimum, Mrs. Schmidt used to regale me with German fairy tales and other stories while she did those taking-forever-to-do braids. Such a place as Germany seemed so faraway and unattainable to a young Midwestern girl. But soon I will be headed to visit the beautiful Germany Christmas markets as …
What is a Christmas Market? The history of Christmas markets goes back to the late middle ages in the German-speaking parts of Europe. The Vienna “December Market” was a forerunner of the Christmas market and dates back to 1294. In many of the charming towns and villages in Germany and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas markets. Medieval in appearance, they are held in the town square and sell food, …
Crystal Cruises is planning a magical winter wonderland holiday with a new Antarctica Christmas/New Year’s cruise. In addition to three days sailing Antarctic waters, the December 21, 2013 Buenos Aires-Valparaíso voyage aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony sails through Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Falkland Islands, Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Chilean Fjords, with multiple excursions to the Antarctic continent. Generous booking savings are available until August 30 for the unique voyage — the only one of its …
ABOARD THE AMAZARA QUEST — Remember that old film? I think it starred Harrison Ford. Or was it a book by Paul Theroux? Our version, on Christmas Eve Day here along the end of the Brazilian coast before we sail into Uruguay, starred the 400+ passengers and officers and crew aboard Azamara Quest. It began early this morning when we opened our sliding door onto the verandah. We were thrilled with a beautiful baby blue summer sky, …
All Things Cruise is dedicated to the joy of travel. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises.
