Posted by David Porter on April 14, 2017 · 4 Comments
When considering a European river cruise, does direction matter? Should you go upstream or downstream?
We get this question all of the time. And, until our recent river cruise with AmaWaterways on the Rhine River, I didn’t have a strong opinion, one way or the other.
However, I now feel that there are a few things to consider when deciding which direction to take when considering your European river cruise.
I wouldn’t say that these are make or break for one direction or the other, but it might sway your decision one way or the other.
The River Rhine has a strong current that generally runs 10mph +/- from Switzerland down to the North Sea. The Rhine’s name comes from the Celtic word renos, meaning raging flow.
Now, please know that this strong current is not perceptible as you’re sailing the river, but it does lend to a few things to consider:
- If you’re sailing against the current, the ship’s engines are going to be working hard to combat the current and you’ll get a little more vibration on the ship from the engines. This vibration isn’t enough to create an unpleasant experience, but it will be noticeable when you lay your head on the pillow at night. And, the closer you are to the engines, the more perceptible the vibration is likely to be. We were on the top deck and while we never felt any water movement, you could feel the vibration of the engines. Again, not enough to bother our sleep, but it was noticeable.
- Secondly, the current creates time considerations for the cruise line, and subsequently, your shore excursions. If you’re fighting a 10mph upstream current then it is going to take you longer to reach your destination, or the ship’s engines will have to work harder. Alternatively, if you’re sailing downstream, with a 10mph current, then you’re either going to really boogie down the river, OR, the captain can practically coast the ship downstream. It you’re a total geek about these things, you can go to marinetraffic.com and actually see the ships live on the river as well as their current speeds. If you go to that link and hover your mouse over the individual ships, you’ll see that the ships going upstream on the Rhine are sailing at roughly 5 knots where the ships sailing downstream are sailing at generally 10 knots. So, the downstream is faster and smoother. As you consider this, you should know that the captain isn’t going to flash you by all of the castles if you’re flowing downstream, he’ll just be able to smoothly coast by.
- Lastly, because the cruise lines know that you want to spend time in each of the cities, most of the sailing will be done at night. But, depending on your itinerary, and the distances that you’ll be traveling between ports, you just might find yourself enjoying greater sailing times if you’re going upstream.
When I asked our cruise director about all of this, he said that sometimes, flowing downstream allows them to have a little more time in port. However, if you’re one inclined to want more actual sailing time, then you might want to consider the upstream route.
In closing, I wouldn’t make a big deal out of this, but Carol and I did notice that we spent quite a bit more time sailing on this particular cruise then we have experienced in the past. Some of this was the itinerary and some of this was fighting against the current. I enjoyed the additional relaxing time sailing, where Carol would have preferred to spend more time in port.
Again, don’t go crazy with all of this. The ship is capable of fighting the currents and getting you to your destinations on time. It’s just that the ship will have to work harder to get you there if you’re going upstream. Make sense?
To learn more about AmaWaterways, CLICK HERE.
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Posted by David Porter on March 29, 2017 · 2 Comments
Why We’re Sailing With AmaWaterways River Cruises
While our young travel agency has vibrant and growing channels in private land journeys, small group land journeys, hotel + air packages, and ocean cruises; we had no idea when we started our agency that river cruises would represent nearly half of our annual sales.
As our name implies, our target market is the luxury baby boomer traveler, and these folks simply love river cruising.
What’s not to like? You’re floating in a luxury boutique hotel on the world’s greatest rivers, you only unpack once, and you get to walk off the ship in the heart of some of the world’s greatest cities.
It is our objective to personally travel aboard all of the major river cruise lines, and further to sample the various rivers and regions available. So far, we’ve sailed with Viking River Cruises twice and once with Uniworld.
We’ve enjoyed a Christmas Markets cruise on the Danube, and we’ve sailed both the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine regions in the south of France.
Up next, the River Rhine with AmaWaterways.
When folks call us to inquire about river cruising, they will often ask us which is “best”. Well, different strokes for different folks. Right? We don’t all drive the same brand of automobile, and river cruising is no different.
Some of them cater to the 4-star crowd. Some of them cater to the 5-star crowd. And, some of them even call themselves 6-star. Some of them have beds that you can’t wait to get out of in the morning, and some of them have beds you may never want to leave. Some of them have wonderful cuisine, while some of them have cuisine that will blow your mind. Some of them are truly all-inclusive, while some of them are not quite all-inclusive.
Therefore, while we know these river cruise lines very well, there’s no better way for us to know them than to sample their various experiences. After all, it’s my strong opinion that we should all be looking for amazing experiences and not necessarily “the best deal”. Right?
Chef’s Table
So, here’s a few of the reasons that we decided to make AmaWaterways our next river cruise experience:
- We’re going to be sailing AmaWaterways newest ship (released in 2017) the AmaKristina. Fingers crossed that everything will work well on her maiden voyage.
- Our travel agency is a member of Virtuoso®, the world’s leading international luxury travel agency network. And, for the last five years, AmaWaterways has won “Best River Cruise Company” in our network. Clearly, our luxury travel advisor peers are excited about what AmaWaterways is doing. Further, AmaWaterways has garnered an impressive list of other travel awards by prestigious luxury travel voices like Berlitz, TravelAge West, Condé Nast, Travel + Leisure, and more.
- AmaWaterways sails to more than 25 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia, including Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Kenya, Luxembourg, Myanmar, The Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
- AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line member of the invitation-only La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations. It’s also a recently inducted member of La Connétablie de Guyenne – the third oldest vinous brotherhood in Bordeaux. Its award- winning executive chef oversees all menus (including a gluten-free menu) onboard the European ships, incorporating regional wines and locally sourced produce, meats and cheeses when possible.
- Themed Cruises – AmaWaterways offers travelers unique themed cruises unlike anything they have experienced before with themed cruises like Art Cruises, Wine Cruises, and of course, Christmas Markets Cruises.
- The Chef’s Table–This popular dining venue offers a unique menu in an intimate setting (limited seating, reservations required). Guests can choose one night per sailing to dine complimentary in this charming onboard restaurant. AmaWaterways recently launched a true tasting menu as part of the dining experience. The menu features three appetizers, main courses and decadent desserts.
Plus, we’ll get to enjoy Amsterdam (I haven’t been there since my college years), Cologne, Koblenz, the magnificent castles on the Middle Rhine, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Breisach, and Basel, Switzerland.
It’s certain to be a blast, and we can’t wait to share our experience with you! Stay tuned….
To explore the AmaWaterways website, CLICK HERE.
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Posted by David Porter on March 24, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Exclusive Offer: Azamara Club Cruises, Greek Isles + Adriatic
9-nights, Sailing from July 05, 2017 – July 14, 2017
I’ll never forget one of the sales reps for one of those mega-ship cruise lines telling me that “it’s all about the ship”.
I couldn’t disagree more. If that were true, then we’d see cruise ships lined up in trailer park fashion in various ports around the world all competing to have the best ship. Right?
In my humble opinion, it’s all about the destination. Sure, different cruise lines can help you explore various destinations in different travel styles, but for heaven’s sake, I’m going to cruise to see a destination, and the ship is secondary to that, in my mind.
With that said, we think that the above itinerary is one of the hottest Mediterranean itineraries for 2017.
It starts in Athens (go early to explore), sails the most popular Greek Isles (think Santorini), heads up the Adriatic Sea to Croatia and Slovenia (very hot destinations these days), and ends in Venice where you might hop a train over to Tuscany for a few days of wine and pasta.
Come sail the Greek Isles and the Adriatic with us!
Remember when Victor Kiam told us in his 70s vintage commercials that he liked the Remington razor so much that he bought the company?
Well, Carol and I haven’t bought a cruise line, but we are going to sail this wonderful itinerary this summer, and we’d like to invite YOU to come along. Sound fun?
On July 5th, we’re sailing out of Athens with Azamara Club Cruises. To learn more about Azamara Club Cruises, and this itinerary in particular, CLICK HERE.
And, to make it even more fun, take a peek below at the special offers we’ve put together for you on this sailing:
Click to see a larger view.
Note: Unless stated otherwise, all rates are per person, based on double occupancy, cruise only, in USD, and subject to availability. Rates may vary by ship, departure date, and stateroom category. All rates, savings offers and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Savings offers may be withdrawn at any time. Azamara reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice.
This ship is beginning to fill up, and the price is likely to start drifting up as well. So, don’t delay, and call us with any questions you may have.
To come join us on this fabulous cruise, 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.
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Posted by David Porter on March 22, 2017 · Leave a Comment
A Classic Polar Bear Adventure in Churchill, Manitoba with Natural Habitat Adventures
Our affiliation with Virtuoso®, the world’s leading international luxury travel agency network, gives our travel agency access and clout that we might never be able to accomplish on our own.
And, this clout translates into access to the world’s very best travel experiences for our clients.
One example is that we can help you get up close and personal with Churchill’s polar bears during their migration to the Hudson Bay as they wait for the freeze-up and the start of seal-hunting season.
Seeing the Polar Bears of Churchill is Totally on our Bucket List!
Each year, Natural Habitat Adventures brings small groups of 17 folks on 6 and 7 day trips that start in mid-October and extend through mid-November. Natural Habitat Adventures holds one of only two permits that allow travelers to observe the polar bears in such close proximity that you may well be able to smell their breath.
Classic Polar Bear Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Our Churchill polar bear tour begins in Winnipeg. Once a fur-trading post and boomtown for the Canadian Pacific Railway, today Manitoba’s capital is its cultural and commercial center at the eastern edge of Canada’s vast prairies. Transfer to the historic Fort Garry Hotel, grande dame of Winnipeg hospitality and one of the city’s most prestigious landmarks. Meet your Expedition Leader at a welcome dinner and orientation this evening.
Day 2: Winnipeg / Churchill
Fly by chartered plane to Churchill this morning. This hospitable frontier town, originally a Hudson’s Bay Company fur-trading post, is our base for adventure. On the 6-day trip we head to the tundra this evening for our first glimpse of the bears, though we often see them from the bus as we leave the airport, even before boarding our Polar Rover. Our 7-day trip opens with an evening presentation on polar bears and the northern environment by our professional staff of naturalists and scientists.
Days 3 & 4: Polar Bear Viewing
Uniquely designed Polar Rovers are our mobile means for spending time among the bears. Though they are built to accommodate up to 35 passengers, we take a maximum of just 17, ensuring everyone a window seat. Our Expedition Leaders know the best places to observe polar bears, which congregate in the region each fall as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze, signaling the start of the winter seal-hunting season. As we watch them interact, we’re delighted by their antics and rugged beauty. From the warmth of our vehicle, we may see mothers with cubs, young males play-fighting, or a lone bear ambling over the tundra in solitary majesty. Our knowledgeable Expedition Leader offers interpretation along the way, explaining the bears’ behavior and how they thrive in such a harsh environment. In the evenings, we’ll meet for dinner and presentations on wildlife or local cultures.
Day 5: Explore Around Churchill / Evening on the Tundra
On the 7-day trip we tour historic Churchill, then head out to the tundra for evening bear viewing and dinner aboard the vehicle. During the day we may explore the coast road en route to Cape Merry, where we often see Arctic fox and Arctic hare. Keep a close out for them, as their winter-white coats offer excellent camouflage later in the season when the ground is white. If the skies are clear, our nighttime tundra excursion might reveal one of nature’s most exhilarating experiences—a chance to view the northern lights away from the glare of town. Though never predictable or promised, the auroral display often starts as a pale glow in the northern sky, then the lights begin to flicker and dance in shimmering curtains of color, most typically green but occasionally red. On the 6-day trip (your nighttime tundra journey takes place on Day 2), there’s free time in Churchill or an opportunity for an optional helicopter excursion over the vast expanse of frozen tundra before boarding our flight back to Winnipeg.
Day 6: Churchill—Dog Sledding / Winnipeg
Our return flight to Winnipeg is scheduled to depart in the mid- to late afternoon, to offer as much time as possible for exploring Churchill today. A highlight this morning is an authentic dog sled excursion. We’ll drive just outside town to meet a local musher and his team, spending time with the lively and affectionate dogs before taking turns riding behind them on an exhilarating trot through the boreal forest. If time permits, you may be able to pick up last-minute native-made handicrafts and souvenirs or take an optional helicopter tour over the tundra before we depart. We’ll have a farewell lunch together before flying back to Winnipeg, where we have a final reception before our adventure concludes.
Day 7: Winnipeg / Depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Please note: On the 6-day trip, we have our sled dog excursion on Day 5 and return to Winnipeg that afternoon, with flights home scheduled for Day 6. Occasionally on our 7-day trip, the schedule for the nighttime tundra trip alternates between Day 4 and Day 5. Itineraries may vary slightly, but inclusions are the same.
Group Size Limit
Approximately 17 Travelers
A very important feature of our polar bear expeditions is the limited group size. Nature is always best experienced in smaller groups and it is particularly important on this expedition so that our guests have plenty of room on board the tundra vehicles.
Included
Round-trip flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, accommodations, all meals, dog sledding excursion, cold-weather gear including a parka and boots during your trip, services of NHA’s professional Expedition Leaders and assistants, some gratuities, all activities/entrance fees, evening wildlife and cultural presentations, all taxes and service charges.
Not Included
Travel to and from Winnipeg, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, travel insurance, items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, etc.).
Physical Requirements
Easy
A polar bear expedition with Natural Habitat Adventures requires very little walking. Travelers must be able to walk up/down stairs. Our Polar Rover vehicles, designed to travel over the tundra for polar bear observation, can sometimes offer a bumpy ride. Travelers must be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and slippery surfaces.
Pricing
2017
- 6-Day Expedition Fees
$6195 – $6395
- Single Supplement
$840
- 7-Day Expedition Fees
$6695 – $6895
- Single Supplement
$950
- Deposit
$500
Dates & Pricing Notes
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are given in U.S. dollars.
Potential Bonus: Churchill is also a wonderful place to experience the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). If the skies are clear, you just might get to experience this additional exciting visual feast during your adventure.
What to do?
Of all of the fabulous experiences offered by Natural Habitat Adventures around this world, this is by far their most popular. Therefore, it sells out every single year. So, book now or wait until next year.
For booking information, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235, or use our convenient online information request form (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
Note: all photographs courtesy of Natural Habitat Adventures
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Posted by David Porter on March 15, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Book one of our special Virtuoso group block sailings and receive the following complimentary VIP perks when you book through Roaming Boomers Travel Services:
- $300 shipboard credit per stateroom
- Welcome bottle of champagne
- Plus, 2 complimentary optional tours
AND, this is available to you on top of Viking Cruises best offers on ocean or river cruises. To view the sailings available under this special offer, take a peek below.
For booking information, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235, our use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
Note: click the two files below for larger views…
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To view all of Viking Cruises sailings, click the links below:
For booking information, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235, our 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.
The Roaming Boomers
