Beyond our wildest dreams, Carol and I have become one of the top booking Travel Advisors for ocean and river cruises in the nation.
As we contemplate the future, one of the areas we think will be of great interest to our clients is exploring the world on the new wave of luxury expedition ships coming down the pike.
These 200-person floating luxury hotels come equipped with ice-rated hulls and the latest technological gear to safely take passengers to the world’s most remote destinations.
Think about it: have you in your wildest dreams considered floating in a luxurious expedition ship across the Northwest Passage? Well, you can today, and in a few more years, you will have many more options available.
The photograph of this polar bear was taken by a fellow Virtuoso travel advisor on one of these recent expedition journeys. I know that I want to get my camera lens on one of these marvelous creatures! 🙂
Here a recent press release from Seabourn about their upcoming line of ultra-luxury expedition ships:
SEATTLE, March 13, 2019 – Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line, announced today that it will name its first new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship Seabourn Venture, paying tribute to the remote destinations visited by the brand’s highly successful expedition and Ventures by Seabourn excursion programs and the fascinating places yet to be explored in the future.
Seabourn began offering expedition experiences during its first sailing to Antarctica in 2013 led by a highly qualified, world-class expedition team and those itineraries have been offered every season since. The success of the Antarctica program opened the door for similar optional experiences under the name Ventures by Seabourn featuring Zodiacs, kayaks, and guided hikes offered on Seabourn ships in a number of desirable destinations around the world, including Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, South America, and Northern European destinations such as Norway and Greenland.
“The name Seabourn Venture is an exciting step in the process of launching even more immersive voyages designed specifically for the expedition traveler who dares to go beyond the norm in terms of destinations and experiences they seek,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “Combined with the team of 26 experts that will bring the expedition experience to life, we are going to draw on our pedigree to deliver breathtaking experiences and I know Seabourn Venture is going to create lifetime memories for the adventurer that wants to go farther, into more remote destinations than they may have ever seen before, in true Seabourn ultra-luxury.”
Seabourn Venture is scheduled to launch in June 2021, with a second yet-to-be-named sister ship slated to launch in May 2022. Both ships will be designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and will include a plethora of modern hardware and technology that will extend the ships global deployment and capabilities. The new ships, which are being built by T. Mariotti, will be a brand new innovative design, created specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition traveler, and will include many features that have made Seabourn ships so successful. A new and exciting offering will be two custom-built submarines carried onboard, providing an unforgettable view of the world beneath the ocean’s surface. The ships will also be designed to carry a complement of kayaks and 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all onboard guests at once, which will allow for a truly immersive experience. Each ship will feature 132 luxurious oceanfront veranda suites. More details and full-color renderings of the ship and its interior spaces will be released in the months ahead.
Specific details about itineraries and booking availability will be released in Spring 2019. The first ship is currently planned to sail in the Arctic in late summer 2021, with a full summer season in Antarctica to follow.
Both expedition vessels will feature an onboard crew that will include outstanding and well-traveled expedition teams comprised of highly regarded wilderness experts, scientists, historians and naturalists. During each sailing, team members regularly interact with guests, providing keen insight to deliver a rich holistic travel experience. These fascinating, accomplished experts are also part of the Seabourn Conversations program, providing in-depth insights into the history, ecology and culture of the places they visit. Their valuable insights are offered both in formal presentations on a variety of topics and in more casual conversations over meals or at leisure.
Seabourn continues to represent the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel with intimate ships offering key elements that set the line apart: spacious, thoughtfully appointed suites, many with verandas and all 100% ocean front; superb dining in a choice of venues; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times; award-winning service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home on board. The ships travel the globe to many of the world’s most desirable destinations, including marquee cities, more than 170 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and lesser-known ports and hideaways.
Well, I’m sold. How ’bout you?
To see a listing of Seabourn’s current cruise listings, CLICK HERE. Be sure to also check out our complimentary VIP Virtuoso Voyages Perks on many of their cruises.
For pricing, or booking information about a fun Seabourn ocean 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.
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
Coming Soon: A Valid Travel ID Driver’s License or a Federally Issued Passport Will be Required to Fly Domestically
We have discussed this issue quite a bit over the past few years. But now that most states are compliant or have waivers from the federal government toward compliance, it seems that a final deadline just might be in the offing.
Here the latest from the Homeland Security on this issue:
“Starting October 1, 2020, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft. This is what we call “card-based” enforcement. The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport. The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a Federal facility (such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian) nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents other than documents from non-compliant states (such as a U.S. passport or passport card).”
Bottom Line: On October 1, 2020, you will not be able to board a commercial aircraft for domestic flights unless you have one of these compliant Travel ID Driver’s Licenses or a federally issued passport.
With regard to children, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.
What to do: Unless you want to carry your passport to fly domestically, you should reach out to your state’s motor vehicle division about applying for one of these Travel ID Driver’s Licenses. Here in Arizona, it costs $25 to get one.
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
Remarkably, the world’s luxury cruise ship fleet is set to double in the next eight years as 43 new ships are currently on order.
I suppose one might wonder why they are building all of these ships. Well, the answer is really pretty simple:
There are 80,000,000 baby boomers retiring at a rate of 10,000 every day.
This demographic enjoys the “unpack once” ease of an ocean or river cruise.
Carol and I have made it our goal to personally sail on all of the luxury ocean and river cruise brands. And by luxury, we define that as 4-star and up. Furthermore, we tend not to care for ships with more than 1,000 passengers.
We sailed on one of those floating cities once and I wanted to jump overboard after the first day.
So far, Carol and I have sailed with Crystal Cruises (twice), Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises. This photograph is one that I shot while sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises last summer.
So, want to know who is building all of these ships? Take a peek at this list from the folks at Cruise Industry News:
Wow. Quite the list. Right? Which one is on your bucket list?
And to book your next ocean or river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request form (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
Viking River Cruises: Valentines’ Sale NEW: Cruise from $2,999 per person, plus FREE Air* BONUS OFFER! $200 shipboard credit per stateroom*
For details, or to book one of these fabulous offers, 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: click images below for a larger view.
Offer Details: Offer valid on bookings made from Feb 1 to Feb 15, 2019. Cruise from $2,999 per person based on Jul & Aug 2019 departures of Rhine Getaway; Danube Waltz; Romantic Danube; Lyon & Provence; Chateaux, Rivers & Wine in categories E & F; other departures/itineraries may be higher, please call for details. Complimentary $200 shipboard credit per stateroom is based on double occupancy. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Viking all-inclusive air with transfers available. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional restrictions may apply. Book by Feb 15, 2019; pay in full by Mar 31, 2019 or within 90 days of departure, if earlier. Offer expires Feb 15, 2019.
Air Offer: FREE Economy air based on Jul-Aug 2019 departures of Rhine Getaway; Danube Waltz; Romantic Danube; Lyon & Provence; Chateaux, Rivers & Wine. Other departures/itineraries may be higher, please call for details. Air prices are per person based on cruise or cruise tour check-in date and include transfers. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change until full payment of air is received. Click here to learn more about airline baggage allowances and fees. Air offers valid on all N. American gateways except Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City. Ask for Offer FB-AIR. Offer expires Feb 15, 2019.
New 161-Day Voyage Visits Six Continents and 75 Ports, Including Viking’s First-Ever Call on Hawaii
World cruises have been around for decades. However, with 80,000,000 baby boomer travelers at or near retirement, world cruises are more popular than ever.
And, if a 161-day cruise just doesn’t seem to fit your lifestyle, there now exists “grand cruises” which are generally 45-90 days in duration.
2020-2021 Viking World Cruise Itinerary Map – Flat Spread
Los Angeles (January 8, 2018) – Viking® today announced its new 2020-2021 Viking World Cruise, which will span 161 days, six continents and 75 ports, with overnight stays in 13 cities. Setting sail on December 14, 2020, from Miami, the itinerary will include six new ports of call for Viking, including Honolulu and Nawiliwili, marking the company’s inaugural visit to the Hawaiian Islands.
Sailing on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest all-veranda Viking Sun® , this grand voyage will allow guests to explore islands of the Caribbean and the South Pacific; call upon ports in Asia, from Hong Kong to Bangkok; explore countries of the Middle East, including Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Israel; and sail through the Mediterranean before concluding in London. Guests can also choose a shorter, 140-day segment of the sailing, 2021 Viking World Discoveries, which departs from Los Angeles on January 4, 2021, and visits 27 countries and 66 ports.
“With the announcement of our newest World Cruise, we remain firm in our commitment to offer travelers the most immersive and culturally enriching itineraries available,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We are a destination-focused travel company, and it has always been our priority to help our guests connect to the destination. It is evident in everything we do – it is why we offer an included excursion in every port; why we have the most extensive Resident Historian program in the industry; and why our ships are smaller to bring travelers to more intimate ports.”
2020-2021 Viking World Cruise Highlights:
Viking’s newest World Cruise itinerary visits dozens of the world’s preeminent cities in one seamless itinerary. Overnight stays in 13 cities allow World Cruise guests to delve deeper into the destination, and Viking’s Culture Curriculum® offers additional enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment such as Viking’s Resident Historian® program, which provides guests with a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey. Guests will immerse themselves in the world’s rich cultures during included excursions that provide unmatched insight into daily life, as well as Privileged Access® visits to cultural institutions. Highlights of the new 2020-2021 Viking World Cruise itinerary include:
Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii (NEW): The Heart of Hawaii: Guests can enjoy everything from historic landmarks to world-class shopping on the island of Oahu. Soak up the sun along Waikiki Beach’s pristine beaches or visit Pearl Harbor to see where the tragic events of December 7, 1941, unfolded.
Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii (NEW): The Garden Island: Nicknamed Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” guests will explore the lush vegetation and wildflowers of tropical Kauai while in port. Visit the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park, an infusion of beautiful flora and art and home to one of the largest collections of bronze sculptures in the U.S., or follow the footsteps of Captain James Cook, the British explorer credited with the first recorded European contact with the Hawaiian Islands.
Moorea (Opunohu Bay), French Polynesia (NEW): Paradise in the Tropics: This tropical island is famed for its unprecedented beauty and its cuisine is as colorful as its landscape, drawing on influences from both European and Chinese settlers. Guests can take in this idyllic paradise from the water onboard a catamaran or immerse themselves in Polynesian traditions and customs by engaging with locals.
Hue (Chan May), Vietnam (NEW): Palaces and Temples: Discover the ancient Imperial City of Hue, a rich repository of palaces and temples and seat of the Nguyen Dynasty for 150 years. Guests can experience the locals’ morning trading activities during a visit to a traditional food market or explore the crumbling stone walls of the citadel, which holds stories of long-fought battles.
Sydney, Australia: Iconic Harbor: Guests will sail into Sydney’s magnificent harbor, the world’s largest, and enjoy an overnight stay allowing ample time to explore this culture-rich city. Guests can enjoy an insider’s view of Australia’s world-class opera house or experience the natural wonders of the nearby Blue Mountains.
Mumbai, India: A City of Old and New: Formerly Bombay, the bustling city of Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. While in port, guests can learn about the iconic activist Gandhi or enjoy the Hanging Gardens, one of the prized few parks found in the city.
Istanbul, Turkey: Where East Meets West: An overnight stay in Istanbul gives guests more time to experience this historic city that straddles two continents across the Bosporus Strait. Explore a wealth of religious sites such as the spectacular Blue Mosque or the legendary Hagia Sophia, or sample delicious fusion cuisine, combining fresh Mediterranean fare with spices from the Far East and Asia.
London (Greenwich), England: The Royal Borough: Guests will end their sailing in the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, London on the Thames River, allowing easy access to the regal capital’s iconic sights, including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Sounds fun. Right? 🙂
For more information or to book this amazing world cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll 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
Beyond our wildest dreams, Carol and I have become one of the top booking Travel Advisors for ocean and river cruises in the nation.
