SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE
INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS p 3-6
DISCOVER: AVALON WATERWAYS
p 7-10
STAY: HOTELS 7. PULITZER AMSTERDAM 8. JUMEIRAH FRANKFURT 9. ARIA HOTEL BUDAPEST 10. LA VILLA FLORENTINE
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES 11. CANYON RANCH CHAMPION / LENOX, LENOX, MA 13. INTERCONTINENTAL MARSEILLE HOTEL DIEU, MARSEILLE, FRANCE 15. LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS
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HELLO TRAVELERS Avalon Waterways is putting a new twist on river cruising. Its Active Discovery cruises are designed for travelers who like to relax by taking the world by storm. Shore excursions are fast-paced with a lot of physical activity or with a deep dive into local culture. The Activity Discovery sailings are on two European rivers, with a third coming next year. Ports visited are not the ones you’ll find on a typical river cruise, allowing for exploration a little farther afield and away from the crowds but right in the heart of the adventure.
DISCOVER AVALON WATERWAYS
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With more and more ships hitting the rivers of Europe every year, it can be difficult to tell the difference between cruises. Several cruises stop in the same ports, and some cruise lines even use the same name for itineraries. With its new Active Discovery itineraries, Avalon Waterways is setting itself apart. With an emphasis on pace and immersion, the sailings target a customer who wants a different type of river cruise, one with more choice and opportunities to see the ports and towns in a unique and engaging way. The revamped itineraries began last summer on the Danube, expanded to the Rhine this year and will hit the Rhone in 2019. “It’s not about age, it’s about lifestyle and a mindset,” Avalon business development manager Lori Nojaim said. “People who wouldn’t normally take a river cruise because it might appear too sedate for them and want to experience Europe in a different way, engaging way – this river cruise is for them.” Examples of the new approach to the traditional river cruise include a biking tour through Vienna or Prague, or a painting class in Amsterdam. 3
“You can choose a completely different experience each day, depending on your mood and interests with our excursion program Avalon Choice,” Nojaim said. “One day a guest may choose a classic sightseeing tour of a” must see” site, the next day a canoe excursion, the next an interactive cooking class. It’s entirely customizable to them and a really unique way to experience the rivers.” Discovery excursions take a hands-on approach to cultural exchange, from wine tastings to cooking classes to paintings. “One day we went out to purchase ingredients, went to a bakery and baked the bread that was later served on the ship,” Nojaim said of her own Active Discovery adventure.It’s not just the activities that are different, however. A comparison of Avalon’s Romantic Rhine and Active Discovery on the Rhine itineraries shows just two ports in common, plus the starting point of Amsterdam. The Active Discovery cruise fits 11 stops in between Amsterdam and Frankfurt, while the Romantic Rhine has fewer stops over a longer distance, disembarking in Basel.
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“The ports are closer together, and there are a lot of overnights” in cities, Nojaim said. “You could have done a Rhine cruise before then come back and do this and have a completely different experience.” Delving deeper into the new style, Avalon will add an Adventure Center on its fleet wide Suite Ships in Europe next year, with an Adventure Host on hand to recommend the best hiking and biking spots for those who want to go off on their own for a day. The forthcoming Avalon Go app will afford passengers more freedom to choose from recommended shops and restaurants, with local weather and tips on exchange rates and local customs.
“It’s all about giving our guests choices so they can make their cruise their own,” Nojaim said, “whether you want to go active one day and do discovery-type things the next, then have a classic sightseeing tour too … The chef will even pack you a picnic lunch to enjoy as you explore a town.” Be it an ascent of the Rhine Tower with sparkling wine in Dusseldorf or a guided hike in Heurigen, Austria, you’re sure to happen across an experience on Avalon’s Active Discovery you won’t find on any other river cruise.
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STAY
INSIDERS CLUB Pulitzer Amsterdam Lose yourself in the Pulitzer Amsterdam, a labyrinth stretching through 25 historic canal houses and between two of Amsterdam’s most iconic canals. It’s easy to spend your Dutch days wandering the many passages, relaxing in the pleasant garden courtyard or perusing the walls adorned with quirky pieces from the hotel’s impressive modern art collection. Yet just beyond its doors lie the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace and other city must-sees. The 225 residential-style rooms come in all shapes and sizes; book one with a canal view. Delightfully surprising dishes make Restaurant Jansz a foodie favorite.
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Jumeirah Frankfurt Germany’s financial center is buzzing about Jumeirah Frankfurt — and not simply because of its rooftop apiary, home to 40,000 honeybees. This ultramodern hotel is located right in the heart of the city, and the 218 open-plan guestrooms take full advantage of the memorable views. Ember Bar & Lounge offers drinks and snacks from morning until late at night, while the chefs at Max on One work their magic in the show kitchen. The hotel is an easy stroll from top shops along the Zeil promenade, and guests enjoy the Talise Spa plus complimentary access to the neighboring Fitness First gym and pool.
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Aria Hotel Budapest Aria Hotel Budapest turns up the volume on the capital’s cool factor. Melodious sounds echo through the halls of this music-themed hotel, a reimagined neoclassical building near St.Stephen’s Basilica. Legendary artists from Liszt to Louis Armstrong inspire the 49 rooms and suites — most offering a private balcony. Follow the keyboard tile floor (à la the film Big) to the Music Garden Courtyard with its silk velvet sofas and space-age piano; locals and internationals of all ages mingle in the rooftop bar for killer cocktails and views. Experience Harmony Rooftop Yoga and Harmony Spa with heated pool, steam, sauna and Jacuzzi.
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La Villa Florentine Innovative and stylish, La Villa Florentine, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is perched high on a hill and has been constructed from a selection of historic 15th- and 17th-century buildings. Ask for Room 8 or Room 11 for the very best views even the bathrooms have windows. The reception area is housed in the original chapel building, and it’s here you’ll first meet the exceptionally amiable, mostlyEnglish-speaking staff. They’ll point you in the direction for sightseeing and cater to your every whim during your stay. Lounge at the swimming pool or in the hammam, or have a romantic dinner at Michelin-star Les Terrasses de Lyon.
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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Canyon Ranch Champion / Canyon Ranch Lenox Lenox, MA Valid for Travel now Through 13 April 2019 Canyon Ranch is too good to keep to yourself. Share the experience – and accommodations – with your favorite student and you each save 25% on the package rate. A multi-generational Ranch experience – like an unforgettable mother-daughter getaway – is a great way to create a legacy of health. Or, celebrate an achievement! Canyon Ranch wellness resort in Lenox is the perfect place for commemorating a graduation, marking the first step on a new career path, acknowledging college acceptance, or gearing up for a new semester. Great savings and time together is a win-win. A valid student ID will be requested upon check-in. If valid ID cannot be presented, your rate will be adjusted to the best qualifying promotion.
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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Pre and Post Cruises Offer InterContinental Marseille Hotel Dieu Marseille, France Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Dec 2018 Experience Includes: Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability in the next room category available. -Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests -Welcome Amenity: Bottle of water, local fruit plate and biscuits -One Food and Beverage credit of 50 EUR to be used in Restaurant Les Fenetres during guests’ stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full) -One Signature cocktail per person, per stay, at the Capian Bar -Complimentary Wi-Fi for duration of stay -Free access to Spa by Clarins (two saunas, hammam, sensorial showers, solarium, indoor swimming pool, fitness center) -For stays of 3 nights or more, guests also receive a Bottle of Champagne Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability Enjoy a shuttle ride included for any pre or post cruise (Avignon, Arles and Marseille embarkment piers) or from the hotel to the piers for any booking from the Deluxe Harbor View room for a minimum of 2 nights stay
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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Free Airfare Belize and Guatemala Lindblad Expeditions Valid for Travel Now Through 25 May 2019 Book by October 31, 2018 and receive FREE ROUND TRIP economy group airfare between Miami/Guatemala City or save $350 as air credit. Plus, Upgrade to Business Class for just $550. *Tickets will be issued by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that Lindblad’s group flights are no longer available at time of booking, we reserve the right to issue a credit for $350. All offers are valid for new bookings only, subject to availability at the time of booking, and may not be combined with other offers or pre and post-extensions.
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INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE