Posted by David Porter on May 9, 2019 · Leave a Comment
AmaWaterways’ Revolutionary Ship, AmaMagna, Welcomes First Guests on the Danube River
CALABASAS, CA – (May 9, 2019) – AmaWaterways today released highly anticipated images of its revolutionary new ship – AmaMagna – celebrating her arrival as she set sail on an inaugural voyage from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary.
The brainchild of AmaWaterways’ president and co-founder Rudi Schreiner, AmaMagna surpassed guests’ expectations on embarkation day with the highest level of luxury and generous personal space of any ship on the rivers.
Book AmaWaterways with Roaming Boomers Travel and We’ll Take 5% off of AmaWaterways’ Best Offers!*
“Dreams are fueled by an individual’s passion but usually accomplished through the creativity and hard work of many,” said Schreiner. “This ship represents a labor of love for so many people who contributed groundbreaking ideas, as well as a lot of hard work that was done by the team to bring my dream project to reality.”
At an exclusive Oktoberfest welcome event in Vilshofen, Captain Jan de Bruijn, Cruise Manager Dragan and Hotel Services Manager Guido greeted AmaMagna’s first guests, many of whom were loyal AmaWaterways cruisers anxious to be among the first to experience the newest member of the family. Equally excited were first-time river cruisers like Barry Blake, traveling with the High Country Charity Foundation/Elk River Club group from Minnesota, who remarked “WOW! The ship is beyond believable. We had dinner at The Chefs Table (pictured right) last night…exquisite!”
“The delighted reactions of our guests and travel partners when they embarked on this cruise is genuinely rewarding,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder. “With the choice of four distinct dining venues, five bars, elegant lounges and exceptional accommodations, AmaMagna has been designed for those seeking a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on river cruising. This beautiful ship has a direct appeal to ocean cruisers, who are accustomed to the luxury of expansive personal space and a wide variety of leisure activities during their vacation.”
AmaMagna is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, yet welcomes only 20 percent more guests, allowing generous personal space – with more than half of the 98 staterooms designated as suites measuring between 355 and 710 sq. ft. All staterooms and suites are appointed with stylish décor and natural wood accents. The suites feature full outside balconies, open seating areas and luxurious bathrooms, complete with double sinks and walk-in showers. Six Grand Suites (474 sq. ft.) and an Owner’s Suite (710 sq. ft.) provide even more amenities with separate seating areas and sizable bathrooms complete with spa-like bathtubs.
The ship also provides enhanced entertainment offerings with an onboard cinema and amenities, including a large boutique; an expansive Zen Wellness Studio, complete with a large exercise area offering group classes focused on stretching, cardio and core strengthening and spin classes led by a professionally trained Wellness Host, a juice bar and two massage rooms, along with manicure, pedicure and hair services; and a sun deck with a large heated pool, relaxing whirlpool and sky bar. All sun deck facilities are easily accessible via an innovative pop-up elevator serving all four decks.
Exclusive to AmaMagna, guests may take advantage of a new Concierge Golf Program, providing the opportunity to experience four top-level golf courses in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany while enjoying the magic of river cruising. AmaMagna’s itineraries include the Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube and Christmas Markets on the Danube.
To learn more or to book an exciting river cruise with AmaWaterways, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
*Note: we have purchased 20 future cruise certificates from our friends at AmaWaterways which allow us to offer you a 5% discount off of their best offers. Hurry, we only have 20 of these certificates available.
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Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
Posted by David Porter on May 9, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Virtuoso® Reveals Where Upscale Travelers are Heading this Summer
With $49.5 billion in bookings, our Virtuoso Travel Network is in a unique position to understand the coming and going of luxury travelers.
I find it interesting that this is the first year that my statistics did not agree with the network’s statistics.
As you can see below, the United States was Virtuoso’s #1 destination for the summer of 2019, where we are still finding Europe, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean dominating our business by a wide margin.
Nonetheless, let’s take a peek at Virtuoso’s findings:
The Virtuoso Top 10 Summer Destinations for 2019
- United States
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- France
- Greece
- South Africa
- Spain
- Germany
- Ireland
- Netherlands
Note: each of the 10 destinations above is a link to our Virtuoso travel dreams website. If one of these destinations is of interest to you, click and explore!
Virtuoso Top 10 Analysis
As Americans plan their summer getaways, some are opting to stay closer to home and explore their own country, putting the United States in the number-one slot. The scenery and diversity of national parks appeal to families and adventurers alike when the temps warm up. Europe, always a favorite, claims eight spots in the Top 10. History, culture, cuisine and abundant luxury offerings make Europe a preferred option for upscale travelers. Notably, Spain moves up three places from last summer, as it offers better value compared to other spots in Western Europe. South Africa’s winter season offers excellent viewing conditions for safaris as well as peak whale watching.
To learn more about our travel agency services, or to book a fun adventure at one of these or other exciting destinations, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
Data is sourced from Virtuoso’s U.S. travel agency members and includes travel for June, July and August 2019.
About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,000 travel agency partners with 20,000 elite travel advisors in 50 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with over 1,800 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies, and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. More than (U.S.) $26.4 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
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Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
Posted by David Porter on May 9, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Saint Bénézet’s Bridge, the Bridge of Avignon
When enjoying a river cruise on the Rhône, we highly recommend that you consider spending a few extra days in Avignon.
Carol and I just returned from our second river cruise on the Rhône this time enjoying the luxury and hospitality from the fine folks at Uniworld River Cruises.
I shot this photograph of the Bridge of Avignon (aka The Saint Benezet’s Bridge) from the Rocher des Doms (Rock of the Cathedral) looking down over the Rhône. The smaller photograph (right) is a view from the same spot looking the other direction down the river.
Note: click the photographs for larger views.
“Listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the Saint-Bénézet Bridge attracts more than 300,000 visitors per year. Of the bridge itself, there only remains the four famous arches and the Philippe le Bel tower on the Villeneuve-lès-Avignon side, and of course, the famous song that is known around the world. In the Middle Ages, the Saint Bénézet bridge was part of one of the most important pilgrimage routes between Italy and Spain. It would become essential to the pontifical court, which settled in Avignon in the 14th century. Very soon, the Cardinals moved to Villeneuve to escape the pollution of Avignon, at the time described by the poet Petrarch as the “most foul and stinking city on Earth”. The bridge was at that time the most direct link between the many residences that the Cardinals had built and the Popes’ Palace situated inside Avignon’s city walls.” (via Agvigon Tourism website)
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Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
Posted by David Porter on May 3, 2019 · 3 Comments
Note: click photos for larger view
Carol and I are just home from a fabulous river cruise with our friends at Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection sailing from Avignon to Lyon in France.
I shot this photograph with my iPhone as the S.S. Catherine docked in Lyon and the picture to the right is Carol studying up on our itinerary just as we stepped into our stateroom.
I will be writing several articles highlighting our experience over the coming weeks, but for now, let me give you 639 words describing our first impressions:
- First impressions when you step aboard are mind-boggling and near sensory overload. The Uniworld ships are not only floating 5-star luxury hotels, but they are also floating works of art. The colors, decor, sheer beauty, and careful attention to detail are immediately noticeable. From the moment you step aboard, you know that you are going to have a remarkable luxury experience.
- The staff was professional, attentive, and simply the best. If you are a luxury traveler, then you know what it is like to enter a luxury resort where the whole staff is highly trained to meet your every need and to create an “experience” for you. Attentive is one thing, but creating an experience is another thing altogether. Uniworld gets that in spades. Bravo!
- The food and beverage offerings on the ship were outstanding as well. The staff was trained to quickly know our names, and each and every one of them bent over backward to assure a fabulous dining experience. Again, attentive is one thing, creating an experience is another. Bravo Uniworld. No cold eggs for breakfast on your ship and the local cuisine offerings available each night were beyond delish.
- We enjoyed a French Balcony Stateroom. The room was very well designed, gave us both ample space to move about the room, we didn’t have to be a size-zero ballerina to take a shower. The heated floors in the bathroom were a nice touch, and the mattress was the best I’ve experienced on a river cruise ship.
- As we walked around the ship, the sheer volume of original artworks hanging on the walls was more museum than a cruise ship. They don’t have to do that. Right? But again, it adds to the experience.
- Uniworld is an all-inclusive river cruise line. Unless you’re buying special bottles of wine, getting a massage, or perhaps taking a demonstration cooking class in a renowned French culinary school as we did, you will be hard pressed to spend a dime on a Uniworld river cruise. Even the gratuities are included.
Carol and I are asked all the time, “what is the best river cruise line?”. Well, there really isn’t a quick one-shot answer to that question. As we see it, we have divided our recommended river cruise lines into 4-star, 4.5-star, and 5-star river cruise lines.
Uniworld is our trusted and go-to 5-star river cruise line.
As I said at the top of this article, I will be sharing more about our experience sailing with Uniworld. For now, please know that Uniworld is highly recommended.
PLUS, when you book with Roaming Boomers Travel Services, we have a nice $200/person shipboard credit to share with you on top of Uniworld’s best offer.
For more information, or to book a luxurious Uniworld river cruise, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
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Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
Posted by David Porter on May 3, 2019 · Leave a Comment
The Top 10 Spring Travel Destinations for 2019 According to Virtuoso
I shot this photograph on Butterfly Beach when Carol and I visited the Four Seasons Resort – The Biltmore Santa Barbara back in 2015. You can read more about that at this link.
I share this with you because luxury travelers stayed closer to home for their Spring Break travels in March and April.
Here’s this from our Virtuoso Network:
Global luxury travel network Virtuoso® is revealing the around-the-world locations where upscale travelers plan to spend their spring breaks this year, including destinations showing renewed strength following down periods. Hailed as a leading trend forecaster, Virtuoso has examined its warehouse of $49.5 billion in transactions to showcase the top destinations for March and April. With holidays occurring deeper into April this year, the prolonged spring travel period will allow visitors to enjoy warmer temps in many of these must-have destinations.
The Virtuoso Top 10:
The most popular destinations for spring travel based on future bookings.
- United States
- Italy
- France
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Israel
- Japan
- Australia
- Spain
- China
The Top 10 analysis:
Americans are staying closer to home this spring, seeking the sun in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando. Eternally desirable Europe holds four spots on the list; Italy and France exhibit year-round popularity. U.S. travelers are benefitting from a favorable exchange rate against the euro and pound, and spring’s shoulder season is ideal for enjoying the continent minus the summer crowds. New Zealand and Australia beckon families this time of year with their pleasant temperatures and abundance of active experiences. As the birthplace of major world religions, Israel holds great appeal as an educational family destination, with spring a peak season due to Easter and Passover celebrations. Travelers wanting to see Japan’s famed cherry blossoms are heading there in increasing numbers, as the country is also the top emerging destination of 2019, according to the Virtuoso Luxe Report.
Carol and I have grown to become one of the top individual booking agents in the United States. We’ve got clients traveling in all ten of these countries, and with our relationship with Virtuoso and Cadence, we are uniquely qualified to help you plan a trip-of-a-lifetime.
To explore how we might help you plan your next travel adventure, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 for a no-obligation consultation. Or, use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.
Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
The Roaming Boomers
At an exclusive Oktoberfest welcome event in Vilshofen, Captain Jan de Bruijn, Cruise Manager Dragan and Hotel Services Manager Guido greeted AmaMagna’s first guests, many of whom were loyal AmaWaterways cruisers anxious to be among the first to experience the newest member of the family. Equally excited were first-time river cruisers like Barry Blake, traveling with the High Country Charity Foundation/Elk River Club group from Minnesota, who remarked “WOW! The ship is beyond believable. We had dinner at The Chefs Table (pictured right) last night…exquisite!”
AmaMagna is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, yet welcomes only 20 percent more guests, allowing generous personal space – with more than half of the 98 staterooms designated as suites measuring between 355 and 710 sq. ft. All staterooms and suites are appointed with stylish décor and natural wood accents. The suites feature full outside balconies, open seating areas and luxurious bathrooms, complete with double sinks and walk-in showers. Six Grand Suites (474 sq. ft.) and an Owner’s Suite (710 sq. ft.) provide even more amenities with separate seating areas and sizable bathrooms complete with spa-like bathtubs.
