Travel Professional - Fall Cruise Edition 2022

Going Places

Swap the winter chill for sun-soaked shores and turquoise waters aboard one of our four, gorgeous lady ships — sailing over 40 curated itineraries and visiting over 100 stunning ports across 4 continents.

On every one of our adults-only voyages, Sailors are treated to luxurious inclusions like access to our over 20 always-included eateries (with menus curated by Michelin star chefs), awe-inspiring entertainment, unlimited fitness classes, wifi, and essential drinks. Oh, and we take care of all the tipping, too.

Send your Sailors on the vibrant vacation they deserve — while we take you straight to the bank. Because as part of our drive to be Brilliant To Do Business With, we’re giving you compelling commissions of 16% on voyage fares (with no NCFs), plus 10% on all pre-voyage sales, like airfare, hotel, and shore excursions. Visit firstmates.com to learn more.

130 Queens Quay West, Suite 512

Toronto, ON. Canada M5A 0P6

Tel: 416.365.1500 Fax: 416.365.1504 Toll-free: 1.855.392.8820

www.travelweek.ca

Content copyrighted 2022 by Cruise Strategies Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without express written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this directory, Travelweek cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omission or inadvertent misrepresentations

Publisher

Devin Kinasz/ Ext. 123 dkinasz@travelweek.ca

EDITORIAL

Editor

Kathryn Folliott / Ext. 128 kfolliott@travelweek.ca

Deputy Editor

Cindy Sosroutomo / Ext. 130 cindys@travelweek.ca

ART/PRODUCTION

Graphic Designer

Jonathan Carmichael

Production Manager

Jason Gouveia / Ext. 125 jgouveia@travelweek.ca

IT & Systems Specialist

Zara Martinez / Ext. 132 zara@travelweek.ca

Marketing & Production Specialist Megan Griffith mgriffith@travelweek.ca

SALES

VP Media & Content Strategy

Annie Cicvaric / Ext. 131 acicvaric@travelweek.ca

Business Development Manager Cheryl Babulal / Ext. 127 cbabulal@travelweek.ca

ADMINISTRATION

Accounting

Marie Mercado / Ext 121 travelweek@travelweek.ca

ENVOY

Glen Harwood / Ext. 133 gharwood@envoynetworks.ca

THE CRUISE EDITION

Publishing and Editorial Director

Vanessa Lee, Cruise Strategies Ltd. vlee@cruisestrategies.com

Art Director

Linda Crawley

Editorial Contributors

Diane Tierney, Tim Johnson, Vanessa Lee

Allegra Markham

311 Amber St., Unit 2 Markham, ON. L3R 3J7

Cover: Silver Origin in the Galápagos Courtesy Silversea Travelweek on social media

RIVER CRUISING

Since love is always at the heart of all we do, your clients are sure to get so much more than they could have ever dreamed. Imagine the bluest waters and most pristine white-sand beaches. Sunset views from the privacy of their luxurious sanctuary. Fine dining at the most delicious gourmet restaurants. With the best of everything always included, your clients’ vacation will be a breathtaking journey with unforgettable memories.

Sandals ® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

Silversea’s sizzling collection of cold weather expeditions

Prepare to be dazzled by the 25 immersive expedition voyages recently announced for Silversea’s tion vessel, Silver Endeavour. Ranging in length from six to 18 days and departing from May 2023 through March 2024, these voyages allow guests to explore 116 of the planet’s most beautiful and remote cold-weather destinations across Northern Europe, the Arctic, and Antarctica, including 24 maiden calls for Silversea.

While onboard, guests will enjoy spacious, elegant venues including the spectacular Otivm Spa & Beauty Salon and the Observation Lounge, which will offer 270-degree views of the incredible surroundings.

Says Conrad Combrink, SVP of Expedition, Destination and Itinerary Management: “With state-of-the-art expedition amenities, the industry’s highest space-to-guest ratio, and a leading team of experts onboard, Silver Endeavour will deliver the most enriching experiences for guests in the world’s most remarkable destinations as they journey in unparalleled comfort.”

It’s particularly appropriate that the Godmother of the SilverEndeavour, who will participate in an intimate naming ceremony held in Antarctica, is Felicity Aston, MBE. Aston is not only a celebrated polar explorer, author, television presenter and climate scientist, but is also the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica in 2012, and the first person to traverse the continent by muscle power alone. A recipient of the Polar Medal, Aston was appointed an MBE for her services to exploration.

Silver Endeavour departs on Nov. 21 for its inaugural sailing in Antarctica, a voyage hosted by Combrink that includes an outstanding team of historians, marine biologists, anthropologists, naturalists, filmmakers and more.

Eclipsing all itineraries

Astronomy buff? Plan to sail with PONANT, April 9-24, 2023, on a 16-day voyage to eastern Indonesia, East Timor, and the Kimberley region of Australia, timed to showcase the total eclipse of the sun on April 20, 2023. Aboard will be Smithsonian Journey Experts, Associate Director of Science at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Alex Young and Australian-American historian Craig Benjamin, who will guide guests’ viewing of this spectacular threeplus-hour cosmic event. This is just one of 21 co-branded itineraries being offered in 2023 by PONANT and the Smithsonian Journeys arm of the Smithsonian Institute, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. Smithsonian Journeys is a global leader in cultural travel for diverse audiences, offering unique, expert-led trips on all seven continents for eager world travellers.

PHOTOS COURTESY SILVERSEA

Silver Endeavour

Observation Lounge

Silver Suite

Emerald Cruises launches an extraordinary Wave Campaign

Why not launch a sizeable savings campaign through Dec. 31, 2022? Emerald Cruises has the right idea and offers excellent pricing for future guests with an ‘Explore the Extraordinary’ Wave Campaign. With plenty of travel inspiration across two continents and stellar savings on most of the line’s 2023 and 2024 small-ship river cruises, now is the time to book! If 2023 itineraries appeal, then guests will receive up to free roundtrip air and up to $600 savings per couple, depending on the length of sailing. If paying in full at the time of booking or at least 12 months before sailing, there’s an extra 10% off.

For sailings on Southeast Asia river cruises on the Mekong river, there are savings and a bonus $300 onboard credit, depending on the sailing length. For example, the 21-day Grand Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia is eligible for up to $3,600 per couple savings.

partners with the National Museum of the Great Lakes

Just as the rivers of America are a great source of history and culture, the Great Lakes hold a treasure trove of information worthy of a dedicated lecturer. American Queen Voyages, part of the Hornblower Group, is partnering with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to create a new Lakelorian program for its 2023 Great Lakes season. Kicking off in Toronto in May 2023, the 202-guest  Ocean Voyager and  Ocean Navigator will each include a permanent lecturer on all sailings, holding the title of Lakelorian, similar to the Riverlorian onboard each American Queen Voyages’ paddle wheeler. They will have daily Lake Chats in the Tavern or Compass Lounge to provide information about the town or city in which American Queen Voyages is visiting for the day. The Lakelorian will enlighten guests on the uniqueness of each port in the Great Lakes and be a welcomed storyteller of the region, well versed in its history and with the support of The National Museum of the Great Lakes for expertise.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines expands its 2023 schedule

One of Canada’s beloved travel brands is St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, based in Kingston, Ontario, offering small ship cruising on the mighty St. Lawrence river. As demand increases and smallship cruising becomes more and more popular, the company has responded with an additional cruise date. The Seaway Discovery Cruise is a seven-day voyage that departs on Aug. 19, 2023, from Kingston to Montreal and return, focusing on the historic ports and locks of the St Lawrence Seaway. The charming and delightful Canadian Empress features 32 staterooms with twin fixed beds, private bathrooms, and a river view. The company also takes its health and safety measures very seriously, ensuring every guest can enjoy a relaxing and safe voyage in the heart of beautiful and majestic scenery.

LINDA CRAWLEY

COURTESY ST. LAWRENCE CRUISE LINES

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Scenic announces new Scenic Eclipse Caribbean Collection

The range of itineraries on the Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first Discovery Yacht, has expanded with the addition of its recently unveiled 2023/2024 Caribbean Collection. These sailings will offer guests the opportunity to sail to smaller and more remote ports only accessible to smaller ships. Darby Island, Egg Island and Long Island in The Bahamas, Puerto Rico’s Isla de Culebra, Mayreau in the stunning Grenadine Isles and Isla de Providencia in Colombia are just some of the ports that Scenic Eclipse will visit. Imagine cruising on a yacht that can go practically anywhere, and experiencing a luxurious, inclusive onboard atmosphere. Guests can jump in a

Virgin Voyages – an epic sea change

Virgin Voyages welcomed its second ship, Valiant Lady, earlier this year for a series of sailings in the Med. Its sister, Scarlet Lady, was launched in 2021. Eventually, Virgin Voyages will have four mid-size ships offering cruises for adults only. Calling itself a Lifestyle brand, with guests dubbed as ‘Sailors,’ Virgin Voyages is different – on purpose – with the aim of giving its Sailors a dose of ‘Vitamin Sea’ though a number of exciting ways. Alluring entertainment is part of the onboard experience, and creative dining is offered at over 20 world-class intimate eateries – at no extra charge. Group fitness classes, free Wi-Fi and included gratuities are just some of the other perks of sailing with Virgin. Speaking of perks – the cruise company will introduce a Virgin Voyages Sailing Club rewards program in 2023. And for Sailors who have already cruised on either ship, the perks are already working for them. ‘Sea Blazers’ are those who sailed in 2021, and those who have sailed in 2022 are called ‘Sea Rovers.’ Rewards are varied and include Deep Blue Extras. Stay tuned for more details and a full program rollout.

Un-Cruise Adventures to feature first-ever winter Alaska sailing

In February and March 2024, look for some groundbreaking, seven-night Winter Sports and Northern Lights Adventure Cruises that e skiers a whole new way to boast about their spectacular runs! These limited-edition sailings from Un-Cruise Adventures will provide guests with the unique opportunity to experience winter sports and the stunning northern lights up close and personal, oth in the quaint ski town of Juneau and through the Alaskan outback via cross-country skiing and snowshoeing near glaciers. At the close of day, guests will return to their comfortable small ship where they can enjoy a hot toddy and share stories about the day – all with a spectacular view at every turn. Alaska is the place to see centuries-old glaciers, rarely-seen wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes. Guests awaken daily to a new sport – snowboarding, skating, hiking, heli-rides and more - before cruising to Glacier Bay National Park where the darkest of skies bring colours alive.

COURTESY SCENIC

COURTESY VIRGIN VOYAGES

An Icon is unveiled

Billed as a ‘first-of-its-kind Royal Caribbean adventure where you’ll have the time of your life, multiple times a day,’ Icon of the Seas ushers in the new Icon Class, welcoming 5,610 guests at double occupancy, or 7,600 at full occupancy. Launching in January 2024, the ship has been designed for families of all kinds – more than any other Royal Caribbean ship. Like its Oasis Class sisters, Icon of the Seas features a ‘neighbourhoods’ design that includes Oasis Class favourites like Central Park, Royal Promenade and Suite Neighborhood, in addition to five new areas, each designed for specific types of vacationers. These include one catering to families that love theme park adventures, one for beach resort fans, another specifically for families with children six and under, and more. Icon of the Seas offers 18 stateroom categories, 80% of which can accommodate three or more guests. It will sail year-round, seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami, each visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Sunwing adds Melbourne, Florida to winter lineup

Sunwing is flying to perennial Sunshine State favourites Orlando and Miami this winter with frequent flights from Toronto and Montreal. Now, it has added Melbourne as a third destination in Florida. Known for its family-friendly charm along the south of Florida’s Space Coast, Melbourne offers sun, beach and out-ofthe-world experiences for Canadians, a historic downtown centre, famed mural art, outstanding cuisine choices, street festivals and, of course, great shopping. Miami, known as the world’s cruise capital, welcomes travellers for cruise ship embarkations and vacations in vibrant Miami Beach. Miami is always a popular choice with its wealth of hotels, fabulous restaurants and outstanding nightlife. Multiple direct flights also head to Orlando, which offers fantastic attractions and access to Port Canaveral, also known for its cruise ship departures to The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Florida is calling, and Sunwing can take you there.

Riviera’s fleet of 11 world-class river cruise ships is among the youngest in Europe, and features not only spacious staterooms and suites, but also outstanding cuisine and expert-led excursions to classic sights and lesser-known places. Including its solo traveller cruises, Riviera River Cruises offers 20 itineraries on 10 European rivers and waterways including Christmas Market cruises.

COURTESY

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Riviera River Cruises, the only European river cruise line to offer exclusive departures for solo travellers on which staterooms and suites across the entire ship are available with no single supplement, has announced eight 2023 itineraries for solo guests on the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône and Seine rivers and the Dutch waterways. In addition to its exclusive solo traveller departures, Riviera also offers a small number of staterooms on every departure with no single supplement and has received rewards accordingly.

COURTESY RIVIERA

SET SAIL ON THE MSC SEASCAPE.

Setting sail from Miami, Florida, the MSC Seascape features unmissable leading edge amusement, 13,000 sqm of open decks, a coveted infinity Aft pool and breathtaking glass skywalk Bridge of Sighs. Departures are available on Sundays from Toronto and Montreal.

Book a MSC Seascape cruise package and enjoy the MSC Fantastica Experience which includes:

• Priority choice dining times,

• 24-hour room service,

• Easy Drink Beverage Package and more.

An ocean state of mind

Inspired by the mystical powers of the sea, Ocean Wellness is a concept created for Explora Journeys to foster an ‘Ocean State of Mind.’ Over 1,000 sqm of this elegant ship is dedicated to an outdoor sports court and running track, a luxurious spa, indoor and outdoor wellness areas and contemporary fitness facilities. The Explora Journeys fleet of six ships, two of which are under construction, and two of which will be powered by hydrogen, will be launched between 2023–2028. Using cutting edge environmental and

EXPLORA I will offer 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences with sweeping ocean views. A choice of 11 distinct culinary experiences will be offered in six vibrant restaurants, while 12 bars and lounges, a chef’s kitchen, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment round out a spectacular Explora1 will set sail in July 2023

COURTESY

EXPLORA JOURNEYS

Underwritten by

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife) and First North American Insurance Company. Manulife, Manulife & Stylized M Design, and Stylized M Design and Manulife Premium Protection Plan are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license. © 2020 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Manulife, P.O. Box 670, Stn Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2J 4B8.

Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet expands

Atlas Ocean Voyages has recently relaunched its 2023 April-October cruises, offering 13 new Mediterranean itineraries. Included is its generous ‘second guest sails free’ offer as well as reduced deposits on all of those voyages. Atlas also announced the arrival of its second small ship, the World Traveller, and it, along with sister-ship World Navigator, were welcomed to the fleet at a unique dual naming ceremony at Chile’s Garibaldi Glacier. The beautiful new World Traveller – a stylish yachtstyle vessel – departs for its maiden voyage on Nov. 21 and, after a series of expeditions to Antarctica, will reposition via the Canary Islands to Europe. There, it will sail itineraries highlighting the best of the Mediterranean. Here’s something to get your clients’ hearts racing: sister ships World Navigator and World Traveller will both be docked in Monaco on Grand Prix Race Day, in May 2023, enabling their

COURTESY

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

$495 or receive an air credit of $500 per person. Max value for flight tickets is $1,600pp. Tax and

and conditions, visit emeraldcruises.ca. © EMERALD CRUISES | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | BC CONSUMER PROTECTION #40178.

Dispatches from the GALÁPAGOS

IAM HELD CAPTIVE by the beauty of the Galápagos Islands and the wildlife that inhabits them. It reminds me that one of the reasons to travel far and wide is to see and experience remarkable events, life-changing moments, and, if one is truly lucky, the kind of stuff that gives you goosebumps. The memories we bring home can often be one of the most rewarding aspects of a trip. To finally sail in the Galápagos archi pelago of 21 islands is a bucket-list experience that is now one of my most memorable travel experiences ever.

So, here are my dispatches from the Galápagos Islands and our cruise on the small, luxurious, and impeccable Silver Origin, the first destination-specific ship built by Silversea Cruises, carrying no more than 100 guests. We are sailing the Western itinerary on a seven-day cruise, but we wish we had thought to cruise for 14 days instead to explore even more of these stunning isles.

It’s after dinner, and the only nightcap we need is to sail under an inky, warm, brilliantly starry night through the archipelago. We have come to the small stargazing deck in the company of one of our Expedition Leaders to do precisely that – to star gaze, and it’s incredible. Up ahead is a rare sight – an active volcano on Isabela Island spewing hot red lava up and onto its flanks. As we draw closer to this magnificent sight, everything around us seems darker than dark. And then we look up and see something even rarer as we gently, almost imperceptibly cross the equator. I gaze at the firmament and see the Southern Cross in the southern hemisphere and, at the same time, I look northward and see a more familiar sky – the North Star and Orion. For me, this is undoubtedly a once-in-a-life time moment – a volcano and both hemispheres. I can hardly wait for the rest of our week to unfold if this is the way it begins.

And then, it’s all about the land animals and sea creatures, of which there are plenty. Our joy is palpable as we engage with this wondrous array of wildlife and anticipate each new dawn and the surprises we will find. There are several activities on our daily schedule, depending on where we are sailing. We may choose to kayak, hike or enjoy a snorkel from the beach or one in deep water from a Zodiac. Many of these islands offer a unique experience of flora and fauna as well as geography.

A voyage of close encounters, unique sites with fascinating landscapes, and wildlife at every turn – Silver Origin offers a taste of Ecuador and the Galápagos in every way

Vanessa Lee

PCHOUI / ISTOCK

MICHAL SARAUER / SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTOBLUEICE

ISTOCK

Blue-footed booby

Galápagos giant tortoise. Galápagos giant tortoise

Galápagos land Iguana

As we immerse ourselves in our voyage, we begin to understand why this magical place became so important to Darwin – just as it should be to the world now.

Our aptly-named ship, the Silver Origin, is designed to perfection, with an outward sensibility, offering remarkable views, whether from the outside decks, the Explorer Lounge, Observation Lounge and Library, or our gorgeous suite and Horizon Balcony. We love getting to and from our Zodiac at the Marina, which leads into the cleverly-designed and informative Basecamp. We gather here to enjoy a hot drink after a swim or snorkel, check in with the accommodating staff, and watch the fantastic videos of below and above-water sights on the large screen. We also browse the tremendous collection of items and memorabilia on display from the Royal Geographical Society, which has a partnership with Silversea. These are from Darwin’s voyage here 150 years ago and are fascinating.

Our highlights are snorkelling, swimming and frolicking with inquisitive and fearless sea lions – it’s more than magical as they swim up to and around you, beneath you, and gaze at you with their big brown eyes. They happen to be just about everywhere you go, lazing and snoozing on any available surface. We even found one sleeping in the lobby of our hotel one morning – no extra charge!

We are always on the lookout for the tiny tropical Galápagos penguins, the rarest in the world, that inhabit this land. We spot some while ashore and zipping by in the water, and we even interrupt an amorous pair lying on a rock. We learn from our terrific Expedition guides that these penguins are the only ones living in the Northern Hemisphere and are endemic to this land.

We also learn so much from our Ecuadorian guides, and their company and knowledge enhance our experience. We anticipate our nightly pre-dinner cocktails in

the Explorer Lounge, where we see a film or enjoy a lecture about our upcoming port of call. It’s a feast of information!

During the week, we enjoy five snorkelling excursions, replete in our gear supplied by Silversea. This includes a snorkel and mask, which guests may take home, flippers and a wetsuit for buoyancy, plus a small mandatory lifejacket. Remember to bring water shoes.

We set out in a Zodiac from Base Camp and the Marina with a driver and an Expedition Leader who ensures our safety and takes us to the best snorkelling spots to see more fascinating creatures. We float above sea turtles and snorkel into massive schools of multicoloured fish while watching lazy, white-tipped sharks meander below us. And then up pops another sea lion – they are everywhere, as are the blue-footed boobies.

Each day brings new opportunities to be amazed. If we’re not snorkelling, we might enjoy a hike, a Zodiac excursion or a kayak. And each day, the ship usually visits two islands and sails at lunchtime as we gather at The Grill on Deck 7 for a tasty al fresco lunch, which often includes seafood. It’s a convivial, happy crowd, and we engage with each other and the lovely staff who serve us. We are casual, relaxed and mesmerized by our experiences, sharing stories of all we have seen.

We snap pics of the iconic and massive Galápagos tortoises on Santa Cruz, some of whom have been alive longer than many of us. Then, on Fernandina at Punta Espinoza, we take a guided hike, treading carefully so we don’t interrupt (or step upon) marine iguanas digging nests in the sand to lay their eggs. We see flightless cormorants, Darwin’s finches and the wonderfully named Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

JAVARMAN / SHUTTERSTOCK

VANESSA LEE Geared up for snorkelling Volcanic eruption on Isabela Island

Galápagos penguin

ANGELA MEIER / SHUTTERSTOCK

“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”

— CHARLES DARWIN

PHOTOS COURTESY SILVERSEA

Silver Origin Observation Lounge.

Golden rays

Another day we take a Zodiac into the mangroves and spot a squadron of golden-coloured stingrays as we cruise gently in the calm water. And then our guide takes us for a close-up encounter with two sea lions basking on a branch in a mangrove tree, well above the water line.

The purpose-built Silver Origin seeks authenticity while making sustainability a key forefront issue. The crew onboard includes charming and kind Ecuadorians who provide outstanding service. Plus, the group of 8-10 Expedition Leaders, with their vast knowledge of the region, makes the cruise even more unforgettable. They know the National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary that is the Galápagos Archipelago so well, and their focus is to ensure that all guests have the most incredible time.

The Silver Origin is beautiful and suits the region in which it sails. Everything is easy and charming, and the staff is fabulous. We wear casual clothes and are relaxed yet receive terrific service. We enjoy fine dining at The Restaurant on Deck 4 for dinner with an extensive menu. And the onboard cuisine makes the most of local produce and the freshest seafood, with 55% of the food sourced in Ecuador. The Restaurant and the popular Grill can accommodate all guests at lunch or dinner.

Inspired by nature with soothing views of the islands at every turn, the ship offers 51 very comfortable suites for 100 guests and an enriching all-inclusive lifestyle at sea with all gratuities, Wi-Fi, fine wines, and premium liquor included in the cruise fare. The attentive ministrations of a suite butler make guests feel very special, as is typical on any Silversea cruise.

The purpose-built Silver Origin is about finding authenticity while making sustainability a key issue.

The vast knowledge of the expedition leaders makes the cruise even more unforgettable.

Sunset at Kicker Rock

Base Camp

Deluxe Veranda Suite

ACTIVE & DISCOVERY

RIVER

We know that no two travellers are alike—so we would never expect them to enjoy the same cruise experience. With our Active & Discovery cruises your clients can choose their own adventure. Whether they like to paddle a kayak or paint a canvas, each day on our Avalon river cruises it is an adventure of the mind, heart, or heart rate. So whether they want to pick up a paintbrush, a paddle or the perfect vintage, the possibilities are as wide open as the views.

AVALON WATERWAYS SHINES

A springtime sailing offers

Active and Discovery Cruising on the Rhine

Vanessa Lee

IT HAD BEEN MY great honour to christen the Avalon Vista in Holland 10 years ago. And now, I was returning onboard to celebrate the ship’s 10th anniversary, a milestone occasion for Avalon Waterways.

This time around we were on a Romantic Rhine cruise, embarking from Amsterdam with an overnight spent in the city on the Vista, giving us ample time for personal exploration. The next day we enjoyed an included canal cruise and a short walking tour of Amsterdam, always on the lookout for bicycles zipping by. The city never fails to charm.

The Avalon Vista looked as beautiful and sparkly as it did in May 2012 and it was lovely to return to a warm, genuine welcome and an impeccably maintained ship. Boarding a river ship often feels like coming home. You might recognize the crew or officers and given that there are never more than 160 fellow guests (we were a complement of 96), an instant camaraderie springs into being. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortably social.

We began our cruise sailing south through Germany, followed by the beautiful Alsace region of France and finally, onward to Basel. The range of daily activities offered was impressive, thanks to the Active & Discovery itinerary we’d chosen. Our lovely Adventure Host, Gabriela, organized bike tours, hikes and yoga every day, as well as cardio strength classes. Classic walking tours and thoughtfully-designed included features were also a daily feature. Everything was easily researched and booked from the useful AvalonGo app that guests loaded onto their phones before departure. It proved to be a very handy tool for us, but for those who were less tech-savvy or who simply wanted to change or add tours, the Front Desk staff were always on hand to help.

The included excursions were wonderful, with such choices as a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rudesheim, followed by a delightful Rudesheimer Coffee at the Rudesheimer Schloss. SAIKO 3P / ISTOCK

Rudesheim

For active cruise guests, another option was a two-hour hike through the vineyards above the town with the Adventure Host. In lovely Heidelberg, one might choose a full-day coach excursion to visit the castle and the Great Vat. A sightseeing tour of Strasbourg, a trip to the Black Forest to visit the Open-Air Museum and a bit of cuckoo clock shopping were other great choices. While in Cologne, the options included a biking excursion, a walking tour and a Jewish Heritage tour.

Each evening at cocktail hour in the main lounge, our affable and fantastic Cruise Director, Tibor (one of the best I have encountered), would preview the next day’s events and tours and ensure guests had all their options. The talks were always so interesting, his knowledge impressive, that everyone showed up, every evening.

That get-together time on a river cruise, when there are special prices for happy hour drinks and lots of conversation back and forth about who did what tour that day and which tours have been chosen for tomorrow, is what makes a group bond. There’s so much choice that it was a huge temptation to try to do too much, so Tibor’s advice was much valued.

A happy note: Avalon has just announced a new Happy Hour program for 2023 sailings where all house beer, wine and liquor will be included, along with the cocktail of the day. Let’s toast to that!

Entertainment was offered after dinner – perhaps a movie or music and dancing – and on two evenings, local musicians joined the ship to entertain us, including the talented La Strada with their marvellous interpretation of classical music.

Two of my favourite calls were in the Alsace region of France. I’d visited stunning Strasbourg years before and was delighted to return. We first enjoyed a coach tour of the city, then a walking excursion

through the gorgeous Old Town, Petite France, and a visit to the famous Cathedral. We gazed upward to find stork nests perched on lampposts, on roofs and even in the crevices of ancient buildings; they have become a symbol for Alsace and are a delight to see. On another day, we crossed the Rhine from Germany into France to visit Colmar, a charming, picture-perfect small town filled with cobblestoned streets, medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance buildings in the well-preserved Old Town. And wherever we were, there was always free time for further discovery, a drink in an outdoor café, or an indulgent bit of shopping.

Panorama Lounge Bar

Early in our journey, we cruised the stunning Rhine Gorge, sailing past fairytale castle after castle on both sides of the sparkling river. This 65-kilometre stretch of the Middle Rhine Valley was a huge highlight, with spectacular scenery at every turn and ancient edifices overlooking quaint villages below. Tibor offered a running commentary as many of us sat on deck in the sunshine sipping rosé or white wine, appreciating the glorious sights and the fascinating stories of the past that brought it all to life.

Avalon Waterways is one of Canada’s finest river brands, simply because it focuses on ensuring all guests have a terrific time onboard. Nothing seems to be too much trouble if it makes a guest happy.

Avalon Vista

Each ship has an elegant, contemporary design and offers several dining choices: a Club Lounge for 24-hour self-serve beverages and snacks, an expansive top deck with lounge chairs and a whirlpool, and the popular Sky Grill. Everyone can be casually dressed, and the thoughtful service of the staff enhances the camaraderie.

I love the award-winning Panorama Suites. They’re not only spacious and bright but also offer excellent amenities, lots of storage and terrific bathrooms. The bed faces the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for the best views, and by simply sliding a window, you create your own open-air balcony feel as you watch the river go by.

One of the delights of river cruising is the service from the staff, who hail from a variety of European countries and pride themselves on delighting every guest. As is typical on every Avalon ship, the chefs did a great job of offering diverse, tasty menu options. The soups are beyond delicious, and the menu choices are outstanding, whether you choose to enjoy a casual lunch and a light dinner in the Panorama Bistro, or a full menu in the Panorama Dining Room. On one memorable day, we were served a wonderful al fresco BBQ lunch on the top deck to the accompaniment of local music, free-flowing wine and steins of beer – a lovely treat.

River cruising is a terrific way to enjoy the cruise lifestyle that we all missed so much these last few years. Guests will revel in marvellous service on a beautiful ship as they and their newfound cruise companions visit a range of countries, with the opportunity to explore ancient villages, charming towns and vibrant cities and immerse themselves in a wealth of fascinating tours and excursions.

Colmar, France

Panorama Suite

COURTESY AVALON WATERWAYS

ALETHEIA 97 / ISTOCK

ONLY THE SEA ONLY MSC

THE SEA CLOSER THAN EVER: MSC SEASCAPE

An immersive experience truly connecting our guests to the sea awaits those on board MSC Seascape, the glamorous sister ship of the innovative MSC Seashore. The Cutting-edge design of MSC Seascape brings guests close to the sea like never before, through her impressive outdoor spaces designed for relaxation, dining, and entertainment including, for the first time at sea, ROBOTRON, an unprecedent thrilling ride that will delight all adrenaline-seekers.

MSC Seascape is equally well equipped with state-of-the-art technology and solutions for the environment, including cutting-edge emissions reduction and wastewater treatment systems, in line with MSC Cruises’ respect for marine wildlife.

This remarkable, empowered cruise ship will start cruising in November 2022, spending her maiden season cruising the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and calling exclusive Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

For more information visit: msccruises.ca

Outdoor dining at Butchers Cut Steakhouse

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Diane Tierney

CRUISES FROM MIAMI will sparkle even brighter now that MSC Cruises’ newest and fanciest ship – the MSC Seascape with its glittering Swarovski crystal staircases worth millions of dollars of bling – is on the way.

Seascape will sail to the Caribbean, Mexico and other regions and include MSC’s stunning, private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, in The Bahamas.

Seascape’s slightly older sister Seashore, launched in 2021, blazed the sea trail with an elegant New York-themed decor that exudes fashion model vibes. In 2023 the ship will offer sailings from Port Canaveral.

The new Seascape is not just a pretty face. There’s a fun side thanks to a first-at-sea Robotron thrill ride, new virtual reality experiences, new shows, expanded children’s entertainment and more.

Here’s what’s onboard the 5,877-guest Seascape as it prepares for a closeup in New York in December, where godmother, actress Sophia Loren, will christen and welcome the ship to MSC’s fleet.

Outdoor space

Seascape offers more opportunities to breathe fresh salty sea air and enjoy the ocean with an expansive 544-metre-long waterfront promenade. A spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs on deck 16 has a unique sea view – it’s remarkable.

Six swimming pools offer many enjoyable atmospheres. At the main pool area, you’ll find lots of space surrounding the 360-degree water fountain island. The Long Island pool offers several depths and submerged sunbeds. Families will love the Pirate’s Cove Aquapark that features swinging bridges and a waterslide. The Jungle pool spans two decks with lots of loungers and has a retractable roof if the weather is unpleasant. Plus, on each side of the ship there are two huge infinity whirlpools for uninterrupted sea views day and night.

Restaurants and bars

There are about 20 dining venues and bars to try. While there are three main dining rooms, be sure to book at one or more of the fabulous specialty restaurants featuring gourmet cuisine. Special dining packages offer excellent value.

The Aurea restaurant features Portuguese cuisine. Hola! has Mexican dishes in a casual atmosphere. The Sushi Bar is a fun option since the clear-covered bowls ride around on a mini conveyor in front of you. Ocean Cay is upscale, with seaside decor and tasty seafood. Fan favourites include the tried-andtrue Teppanyaki restaurant – a fun evening with juggling chefs – and the outstanding Butchers Cut Steakhouse for hearty meals.

MSC Cruises’ new Seascape ship is both glamorous and fun, with a first-at-sea Robotron thrill ride and fabulous entertainment for the whole family

Infinity pool

Family focus

MSC Cruises is elevating the family experience and providing children with about 98 hours of live entertainment per cruise and more than 697 square metres of dedicated kids’ space.

Matteo Mancini, Corporate Kids Entertainment Manager says, “With MSC Seascape, we want to surprise and leave Generation Z speechless. We’ve listened to the 350,000 young people who have travelled with us over the years and followed their trends and requests. We will offer even more space and new experiences for teenagers, have exclusive game

shows for this age group and the first ‘edu-tainment’ game show dedicated to history, bringing in the concepts of new technology and social media.”

Seascape debuts two exclusively designed Lego rooms that cater to different levels from ages three to 11. Kids 12 to 17 will enjoy three new themed areas. The first space, called “Future,” features a technology area with the latest generation consoles. The “Chill Out” area offers a place for teens to talk and play ping pong and foosball. The third area celebrates “Music” with a dance club featuring light and sound effects.

Real and Virtual Reality rides

Seascape’s Robotron is a gigantic robotic arm ride with seats for three guests. Choose your thrill level ranging from low to high intensity including coloured lights and music. The exhilarating ride swings you upside down and around 53 metres above the sea.

Several other high-tech entertainment options include virtual reality experiences with a flight simulator, motorcycles and Formula racecars. At the Immersive XD Cinema, you wear 3D glasses and experience alternate worlds such as battling zombies!

Entertainment

Steve Leatham, MSC Cruises

Global Head of Entertainment says, “MSC Seascape’s new topnotch entertainment options will take our onboard experience to the next level with superb performers, gorgeous stage design and excellent production quality.”

There will also be six new shows. “Imaginocean” has ocean-themed performers who do aerials and flying acts. “Dreamscape” transports you into a world of circus performers. “In Concert” has dancers and singers who perform rock classics in a concert-style scene. “Premier” takes guests through cinematic history and movie songs with backdrops and costumes to match. “Shall We Dance”

Teen Club

Teppanyaki Restaurant

Shall We Dance

MSC CRUISES

PRIVATE ISLAND

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is the line’s private island in The Bahamas. In transforming what once was an industrial sand excavation site into a stunning tropical destination, the cruise line worked with environmental engineers and other experts to revitalize the surrounding ocean beds, marine life and endangered coral. Guests enjoy sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters and pristine white sand beaches, and can choose from snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking. They can also book a spa treatment, relax in a private cabana, shop at the crafts market and enjoy food and beverages at one of the bars or eateries. At the end of the day don’t miss the lighthouse’s lovely evening light show.

Staterooms

There are 12 different kinds of elegant suites and staterooms, including the iconic aft suites featured on all Seaside-class ships.

Seascape has the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club in the fleet at about 3,000 square metres and featuring a private and spacious pool, whirlpool, sunbeds, bar and special privileges at Ocean Cay. You’ll also get 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, unlimited drinks and dining, access to the spa’s Thermal Suite, tailormade excursions, afternoon tea, private gourmet dining, evening canapés and more. Lavish suites feature Egyptian cotton sheets, memory-foam mattresses and pillow menus for heavenly sleeps.

Itineraries

Seascape offers seven-night itineraries from Miami. Eastern Caribbean voyages call at Ocean Cay, Nassau, San Juan and Puerto Plata, while Western Caribbean voyages visit Ocean Cay, Cozumel, George Town and Ocho Rios.

New cruise ship terminal

Deepening MSC Cruises’ focus on the U.S. is its near completion of the largest cruise ship terminal in North America located in Miami. The terminal will manage about 36,000 guests per day and can dock three MSC ships.

That’s a commitment some would call ‘putting a ring on it.’

An intimate small ship adventure explores the smaller islands and less-visited ports of the Greek Isles

TIM JOHNSON

Basilica San Giorgio, Syros

Variety loves being small. It allows guests to go deeper into the destinations, deeper in to the communities, deeper into the local culture, cuisine and traditions.

Syros is a special island. But most ships – and tourists – sail right by, in search of more popular places to alight, like Santorini and Crete. I’m onboard the MV Galileo for a week, one ship in a fleet of eight SOLAS-certified yachts owned and operated by Variety Cruises, an Athens-based company. While we do visit some of the well-known highlights (including Santorini), most of the ports of call are like Syros, where so much beauty, history and culture hide mostly undiscovered by the casual visitor to Greece.

Variety loves being small – in fact, it’s its trademark. The company prides itself on an intimate experience, whether you’re sailing in the Seychelles, in Egypt, rolling on the rivers of West Africa, or gliding through the Aegean on one of its signature voyages in Greece. “It allows our guests to go deeper into the destinations, deeper in to the communities, deeper into the local culture, cuisine and traditions,” says Filippos Venetopoulos, the company’s young, dynamic CEO.

Founded in 1949, the company remains familyowned, and crew get to know every guest on a first-name basis. Guests sit together for dinners at long tables and

the evenings often develop into rollicking affairs, with everyone sharing their stories from the day.

For my week, roundtrip from Piraeus, the Galileo isn’t just a conveyance to deliver me to the various ports, rather, it’s a key part of the experience, just 147 feet long and hosting a maximum of 49 guests. People gather together in the morning on the sundeck to watch our arrival at a new island, and in the evening in the open-air bar on the stern, sipping gin-and-tonics and watching the sun set from a big, cushy banquette tracing the back of the ship. Staterooms are small, but offer unfussy comfort.

The lounge is panelled in wood and feels like a place where Aristotle Onassis would probably have enjoyed hanging out. It doubles as the dining room, long tables on one side, big, round couches on the other, snug but stylish. The cruise director’s desk and reception are two steps away, and staterooms, just up or down on two separate decks, are always close by.

Most of the ports are a surprise, their names unfamiliar at first. At one point, we stop for an impromptu swim, and people paddle around, right from the gangway, cooling off in the Aegean waters.

Ancient mosaics, Delos

SIETE_VIDAS / SHUTTERSTOCK

Port of Naoussa, Paros island

View of Anos harbour, Syros from MV Galileo

AETHERIAL IMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO COURTESY VARIETY

Cruise director Stella Giannopoulou says that’s just part of the typical experience. “The captain finds the best places, I can’t even describe it,” she says. “The islands we visit, they’re unspoiled, not a lot of tourists, and you see how normal people live. It’s like they’re private, and booked just for us.”

That’s the case, all along the way. On the first and last nights, we visit islands in the Saronic Gulf, not far from Athens. But they’re a world away, with bustling fish and fruit markets, harbours lined with sailboats, and outdoor restaurants with just a few tables, serving up steaming squid and octopus. In all, the itinerary visits almost a dozen islands in the archipelago between Athens and Santorini, each with its own unique character.

On the lush, green island of Paros for example, we tour Lefkes, once a bustling hub and the island’s first capital, now a small village home to just 600 people. Later, we swing by the broad expanse of Golden Beach, empty on a relatively cool afternoon.

On Syros, my feet aching just a little from the climb up the hill, the tour descends and ends with an included lunch at a small restaurant specializing in local favourites and set on a pedestrian street covered in bougainvillea. We dine on feta and aubergine and parsley salad and pork sausage, and agree that the view is almost as good as the food.

Even on the busier islands, the experience remains personal. On Santorini, we have a small-group tour of Akrotiri, a lost Bronze Age city that once boasted three-

story homes with frescoes, where residents wore beautiful clothes, jewellery and cosmetics, all buried under volcanic ash 3,700 years ago. (Some believe this is Plato’s Atlantis.)

Just next door to Mykonos – an island perhaps bestknown for its beaches and parties – we have one of the finest tour guides on the island lead us through Delos, a vast archaeological site. “Your ship was a time machine,” says Amaryllis Grypari. “Get ready to go back a few thousand years.”

According to Grypari, the four-mile-long island of Delos, also the birthplace of Apollo, was a pilgrimage site, with all ancient Greeks travelling here – or, at least, hoping to do so. With so many visitors, shops opened and it became a major trade hub, with Alexander the Great opening roads to allow even greater access. “By the time the Romans got here 200 years later, it was a gold mine,” she says, noting that they made it into a duty-free port, further increasing its value.

But again, as on other islands, the most striking aspects are those drawn from the day-to-day. A mosaic in a courtyard, once in the centre of a house, filled with water to cool the inhabitants from the heat of the day. Hundreds of mosaics. Places of business and worship. “We’re walking through everyday life – through history, not past it,” says Grypari. And I feel that’s been true all along, the Galileo taking me through the beating heart of the Greek Islands, with a cold gin-and-tonic and a few new friends waiting back onboard.

Lefkes, Paros Island VIVOOO /

“The captain finds the best places... The islands we visit, they’re unspoiled, not a lot of tourists, and you see how normal people live. It’s like they’re private, and booked just for us.”

IT’S

MONTEGO BAY - JAMAICA

The time has come to reserve your client’s preferred suite on an extraordinary voyage exploring the world ‘controtempo’ – off-season and off the beaten path on our newest ship, Silver Dawn. As we’ll be sailing for 136 days on Controtempo, your clients will have all the time in the world to appreciate Silver Dawn’s all-inclusive, all-suite lifestyle, with a wider choice of accommodation, and more space in their suite and all around the ship. Large enough for eight separate dining venues — including those that make up our Sea And Land Taste culinary program — she’s intimate enough to feature our legendary onboard ambience and personalised service. Your clients can expect the unexpected as they encounter iconic – including 19 places we’ve never sailed to before and with 33 overnight stays. They will see through the eyes of locals as we reveal their authentic stories and fascinating secrets, and take a unique look at each land, each culture, and time itself.

Discover the world off-season and off the beaten path Place your camera in front of the QR Code and follow the link. For some smartphones a QR Reader would be needed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR AREA SALES DIRECTOR OR OUR INSIDE SALES TEAM AT 877.353.2363

*All necessary COVID-19 protocols are in place to ensure that our guests can sail with confidence. Terms and conditions apply.