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Royal Caribbean’s New Beach Club Destination: Mexico

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

If you’ve already enjoyed a Perfect Day at Coco Cay, you’re ready for the next exclusive Royal Caribbean International beach club experience, opening in 2026. Royal Beach Club Cozumel will mark the first of the cruise line’s private beach destinations in Mexico.

The world’s largest cruise line, with the world’s largest ships, including the recently-inaugurated Icon of the Seas, has revealed plans for putting Cozumel on the map for its cruise guests sailing Western Caribbean itineraries.

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be located along the western coast of the island of Cozumel, and according to Royal Caribbean cruise officials, it’s designed to meet growing demand for private beach destinations in the cruise line’s tropical destinations.

Perfect Day at Coco Cay set a new standard for mega-ship private islands after a $250-million transformation in 2019. It occupies a private island in the Bahamas, and recently opened the adults-only Hideaway Beach.

But that’s not the only way Royal Caribbean is offering exclusive beach experiences to its guests. There’s already one of the new Royal Beach Club Collection of destinations underway: the upcoming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, opening in 2025. It’s a 17-acre Bahamian beach experience located on Nassau’s Paradise Island, and it’s setting the model for subsequent “Royal Beach Club” experiences like Cozumel – and showing cruise travelers that Royal Caribbean is looking for different ways to offer guests a perfect vacation day in The Bahamas, the eastern and now, western Caribbean.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said during the announcement of the new Royal Beach Club Cozumel that, “Cozumel is an incredible destination, and the beach club will perfectly complement all the island has to offer as an experience that combines familiar Royal Caribbean touches with the spirit of Mexico, alongside amenities and activities for every type of vacationer.”

Featuring striking beaches, views and pools for every level of activity or relaxation that a Royal Caribbean cruise traveler could hope for, Royal Beach Club Cozumel will welcome vacationers to their ultimate beach day in Mexico, in the cruise line’s signature style.

Experiences range from kicking back to adventuring across swim-up bars, dedicated pools for relaxation enthusiasts and families, private cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.

And for a taste of Mexico and quintessential beach day favorites, coming to the table will be a variety of dining spots like a restaurant, bar and loungewith views – and flavors – for days and a street market as well as hands-on experiences like tequila tastings and cooking classes.

The cruise line is collaborating with local government to ensure everyone benefits from the new Royal Beach Club, with the governor of Quntana Roo calling the project, “modern and sustainable infrastructure… (that will) create local jobs for our people. These kinds of projects reaffirm our commitment to continue to be the top port of call in Latin America.”

More details about Royal Beach Club Cozumel, the latest in the cruise line’s growing lineup of exclusive beach destinations for its guests, will be revealed as it proceeds towards its 2026 opening date.

START YOUR CARIBBEAN CRUISE TRIP!

Renderings courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Bye-bye Bunnies: Different Spring Traditions Around the World

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

Spring has sprung and cultures the world over celebrate the season of fresh color and new life. It’s not all about bunnies, lambs, chicks, eggs, chocolate and spring flowers. Here are just a few different traditions that inspire us to travel in the springtime:

Climb a Mayan Pyramid on the Spring Equinox in Mexico

Spring officially begins on the Spring Equinox, usually March 20, the astrological moment when the Sun is directly above the equator, making day and night the same length. Many ancient cultures observe summer and winter solstices: the longest and shortest days of the year.

But for Mayan culture, the annual spring equinox is a pivotal moment on the calendar. Ancient spring equinox traditions continue today, often in association with Mayan pyramids, the focal points of Mayan community life driven by their advanced understanding of astronomy and intricate calendar systems. Many Mayan pyramids were designed to align with astronomical events.

At Chichen Itza, for example, the late afternoon sun casts shadows upon the pyramid, creating the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps—a phenomenon known as the "snake of sunlight,” imparting blessings and fertility upon the land during the season of planting and renewal.

Today, descendants of the ancient Maya gather at sacred pyramids sites dressed in traditional attire or in white, to pay homage to their heritage and participate in age-old rituals. Some practices include climbing the pyramid, offering fruits, flowers or incense. These days, participants invoke personal spiritual blessings more than for the upcoming agricultural season.

Visitors during the spring equinox can visit pyramids to witness the alignment of sunlight and shadow on the pyramids, and can often participate in guided tours or cultural events.

Image: Getty: Sunrise during spring equinox in Dzibilchaltun, the temple of the seven dolls

Satisfy Your (Maple) Sweet Tooth at a Sugar Shack in Quebec

The Canadian province of Quebec produces nearly 3/4 of the world’s maple syrup. And it’s a sure sign of spring when visitors flock to sugar shacks to watch maple sap, harvested from trees as the sun warms them up after a long winter, transformed into the unmistakable taste of Canada.

Families enjoy horse-drawn sled rides, eat pancake breakfasts with syrup slathered over piping hot pastries, breathe in the sweet scent of syrup on the boil, even roll maple syrup candy on sticks in the snow. It’s the most exciting time to visit the forests of rural Quebec.

But the elegant and stylish Four Seasons Montreal is bringing an elevated slice of Quebec maple syrup tradition to the heart of the second largest French speaking city in the world until mid-April in 2024.

The Four Seasons Sugar Shack Station is a spin on a traditional Quebec sugar shack experience – Four Seasons style - with dishes that make you rethink what you think should be made with maple syrup. Maple French Toast that's been soaking in a rich custard so rich. A Maple Latte so perfectly sweet, it whispers "spring is here" with every sip. And then there’s the Maple Tini— the Espresso Martini's cooler, maple-infused cousin - topped with maple-infused foam, and garnished with a hand-crafted maple tile. (Pictured below, courtesy Four Seasons Montreal.)

Dine on Decapods to Celebrate Easter in Martinique

Easter celebrations take a twist in the French Caribbean paradise of Martinique. While your family is snacking on chocolate bunnies and eggs… locals in Martinique celebrate spring with cuisine focused on a local shellfish delicacy: crab.

“Crab Matoutou” (image below courtesy of Martinique Tourism Authority) was originally prepared by indigenous Arawak and Caribbean populations but gained popularity among arriving Europeans. The crab provided much-needed protein, especially during Christianity’s fasting traditions during the 40 days of Lent before Easter that excluded meat.

Succulent crabs, seasoned with fresh garlic, shallots and onions, rest in a bed of fluffy rice, infused with tomatoes, lime, and aromatic herbs, with a gentle heat added by hot chilli peppers, and a twist of flavors like bay and cinnamon. It’s become Martinique’s standout Easter tradition, with locals preparing for crab feasts and beachside crab bakes weeks before Easter.

Dance Around the Maypole in Great Britain

One of England’s most longstanding spring traditions dates back to ancient pagan rituals celebrating the season of fertility. Girls dressed in festive spring attire dance around a Maypole holding ribbons that weave an intricate pattern on the pole. The Maypole is a tall wooden pole, often decorated with flowers, ribbons, and other ornaments. It's usually erected in a central location in a village or town square. (Pictured top. Credit: Getty)

While the observance of May Day and the Maypole tradition has waned in some urban areas, there has been a resurgence of the tradition in recent decades. Many villages and towns across England still hold May Day celebrations, complete with dances around the Maypole.

Additionally, schools, community groups, and cultural organizations often organize May Day events to keep the tradition alive and introduce it to new generations. The Maypole dance has become a cherished part of British cultural heritage, and efforts are made to preserve and promote it as a symbol of community, springtime, and tradition in Great Britain.

START YOUR SPRING TRIP!

The Longest Hotel Pool on the Exotic Island of Bali is Inspired by Rice Terraces

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

The lush, terraced rice fields of Bali are iconic symbols of this legendary Indonesian island, lending inspiration to the pools of one resort.

Surrounded by inviting greenery and nestled in the heart of Bali's exclusive beach enclave of Nusa Dua in the southeast part of the island, Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort invites guests to experience unmatched tropical escape in “the Island of the Gods.”

Nestled in the heart of the resort, the lagoon pool measures nearly 300 feet long and over 100 feet wide, it is surrounded with lush tropical gardens and an array of pool loungers offering ample space to soak up the sun, and indulge in refreshing cocktails at the Pool Bar located conveniently at the Pool Island, where loungers and shaded cabanas provide a serene sanctuary where guests can escape and immerse themselves in the beauty of Bali's natural landscape.

For those who are looking for a romantic getaway, the pool island is also popular romantic dinner and intimate wedding venue.

In addition to the main pool, Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort boast 3 other swimming pools, including the newest addition and already-iconic attraction - the Lazy River. Guests can leisurely float along this winding watercourse, embracing the essence of relaxation as they meander through the resort's lush grounds.

The Marriott-family resort is also on one of Bali’s legendary beautiful beaches, making its beach club another destination for guests.

CAN’T-MISS BALINESE EXPERIENCES OFF YOUR RESORT:

Natural Wonders in Bali include some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, from lush rice terraces on mountainsides, volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and lush jungles. Its diverse geography provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and diving.

Rice Terraces in Bali form intricate patterns, cascading down hillsides as they are sculpted into the landscape. They are fundamental to local agriculture but also symbolic of Bali’s rich heritage. The thousand-year-old traditional Balinese subak irrigation system is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, and emphasizes cooperative and community-based water management with harmony between humans and nature.

Rich Balinese Culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in Hindu traditions. Visitors can explore ancient temples, witness traditional dance performances, and participate in colorful ceremonies and festivals.

Balinese Traditional Architecture follows the Tri Mandala concept, which divides space into three zones representing the realms of the gods, humans, and demons. This concept is reflected in the layout of traditional compounds, with separate areas for the family temple, living quarters and kitchen. Balinese architecture often features open-air pavilions and courtyards that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design allows for natural ventilation, making buildings comfortable in the tropical climate while also fostering a connection with nature. Buildings are typically topped with thatched roofs contributing to the rustic and natural aesthetic of Balinese architecture. And intricate woodcarvings decorate doors, window shutters and roof trim with elaborate motifs inspired by Hindu mythology, nature and Balinese folklore.

Bali's Cuisine is diverse and flavorful, influenced by various cultures, including Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, and Dutch. Visitors can sample a wide array of dishes, from local specialties with flavors unmatched by any other global cuisines, like Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Babi Guling (suckling pig) to international cuisines served in restaurants and cafes across the island.

Arts and Crafts are legendary in Bali, including intricate woodcarvings, batik textiles, and traditional Balinese paintings, which also make worthy souvenirs of your travels. Bali is a shopper's paradise, with bustling markets, boutique shops, and art galleries offering a wide range of goods, including clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta are particularly popular shopping destinations.

START YOUR EXOTIC BALI TRIP!

Top image: Getty

Pool image courtesy Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort

Top Countries for Wildlife Viewing - and What to Photograph There

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

Wildlife photography safaris have never been more popular, as constant advances in technology make incredible image capture more accessible to ordinary travelers. One study of millions of wildlife photos on a photo-sharing website has revealed which countries’ creatures are the subject of the most snaps – indicating the best places to go to photograph some of the planet’s most photogenic wildlife.

The survey of photos determined the number of wildlife photos as a percentage of all photos taken in a certain destination – to indicate in which countries people photographed wildlife most.

Some of the top countries for wildlife photography may surprise you!

1. KENYA

Kenya comes out on top with the highest proportion of wildlife photos: 20.69% of the country’s tagged photos feature animals.

In fact, five of the top ten spots are clinched by sub-Saharan African countries: Kenya is joined by Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa. In all of these African countries, traditional, iconic, ‘Big Five’ safari creatures: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinoceros, as well as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, wildebeest and other, smaller creatures and birds like ostrich, dominate wildlife photography travel goals.

That Kenya, one of the titans of safari travel, tops the list may come as no surprise… but the next two in the top 3 spots might!

2. CANADA

Canada actually had the most wildlife photos tagged overall – a higher absolute number than Kenya! But just slightly fewer as a percent of overall photography tagged Canada, indicating that Canada’s other, non-wildlife photo-worthy attractions pulled its rank of percentage of wildlife photography down a bit. 20.42% of photos tagged Canada featured wildlife.

Canada’s size and diverse landscapes, ranging from Arctic tundra to boreal forest, grasslands, ocean coastlines and more, mean that its iconic and most-photographed wildlife often live in completely different ecosystems, thousands of miles apart.

So lots of planning is required if it’s your goal to photograph a grizzly bear or a whale, a polar bear or a moose, an Arctic fox or an elk, leaping salmon or a lynx, a cougar or a puffin, a caribou or a beaver, an eagle or an orca.

3. SINGAPORE

And in the number three position with 19.19% of photos taken there featuring wildlife, a country that is famously an urban – not wild – jungle! Singapore is a city-state and is only 275 square miles in size – largely developed. But despite its vibrant urban setting, Singapore’s commitment to lush botanic gardens, wetlands and surrounding islands provide a setting for an astonishing range of wildlife – accessible to visitors with their cameras at the ready.

Singapore is a haven for lovers of birds and butterflies. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded on the island and its surrounding territories. Nature and wetland reserves and even Singapore Botanic Gardens are great places to spot hornbills, herons, and more tropical birds. Changi Airport has its own Butterfly Garden with a dazzling array of species and colors to awe arriving and departing visitors.

Spot otters in Singapore’s waterways; monitor lizards bask in the sun in nature and wetland reserves, and long-tailed macaques (pictured, top) are common sights in many of Singapore’s green spaces.

After Kenya, Canada and Singapore, the top 10 list for wildlife photography is rounded out, in order, by: Australia, Botswana, Tanzania, Lithuania, Namibia, India, and South Africa.

START YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI TRIP!

Image: Getty

Now You Can Take an African Safari PLUS Explore the Seychelles on First-of-its-Kind Emerald Cruisetour

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

They call the Seychelles the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’, and Emerald Cruises is doubling down on exotic wilderness with a never-before cruise tour that combines once-in-a-lifetime explorations of the Seychelles and an African safari.

If you have to look up the Seychelles on a map, you’re not alone – and Emerald Cruises’ new cruisetour may be the best and only way you’ll ever get to explore the coastlines and one-of-a-kind wildlife of this life-changing destination.

Why Cruise the Seychelles?

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean about a thousand miles east of mainland Africa. For those in the know, the Seychelles is a haven of pristine white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes, where you can easily wonder at rich marine life while snorkeling in the coral reefs and even meet a giant tortoise!

Like the isolated Galapagos archipelago, the Seychelles, another remote archipelago, is home to a remarkable array of unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Among its most iconic inhabitants is the Seychelles giant tortoise. These gentle giants can live over a century.

Visitors to the Seychelles are also on the lookout for the black parrot, with its unforgettable plumage and a distinctive call, as well as marine life including the Seychelles sheath-tailed batfish and the Seychelles anemonefish.

No wonder a coastal cruise of the Seychelles, with visits to sanctuaries ashore and the opportunity to dive right into calm waters in coves and bays along the Emerald yacht’s route, is an ideal way to visit this wondrous part of the earth.

Beyond its natural wonders, Seychelles boasts a fascinating cultural tapestry influenced by African, European, and Asian heritage. Indulge in Creole cuisine bursting with flavors, immerse yourself in the vibrant local markets, or discover the intriguing history of the islands through its colonial architecture and museums.

On the other hand, an African safari in Kenya needs no introduction. Getting face-to-face with Africa’s Big Five animals in their natural habitat is a bucket list trip for many travelers.

And Emerald Cruises is allowing intrepid guests to have both an African safari and a cruise around the Seychelles in one trip on one of its luxurious, intimate, 100-guest yachts.

The new, 16-Day Safari and Seychelles Journey: Discover the Maasai Culture,  Encounter the Big Five and Sail the Enchanting Seychelles debuts in December, 2024.

Kenyan safari highlights include:

· Two nights at the Samburu Game Reserve

· Guided safari drives to spot elephants, giraffes, Somali ostriches, Grevy’s Zebra, lions, warthogs, impala, leopards and even the endangered black and white rhinos

· Overnight stay at the Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World heritage site known for being one of the best game viewing parks in Kenya

· Stop at the Thomson Falls scenic waterfalls providing breathtaking views

· Three nights at the Maasai Mara Game Reserve to see the Big Five as well as the black-maned lion, savanna elephant, Cape buffalo, wildebeest and more

· Profound cultural immersion with the Maasai Village to engage with the nomadic community, gaining insights into their unique way of life and a rich appreciation for their enduring customs

· Optional hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking landscape

The Seychelles cruise includes:

Relaxing while exploring the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean's hidden gems, with calls at

· Sainte Anne Island, encircled by a marine national park and home to more than 150 species of fish,

· Cousin Island, a haven for extremely rare magpie robins.

· Curieuse, a rugged island swathed in unspoiled wilderness; as well as

· Praslin, an island brimming with coral and marine life.

If you're interested in discovering more of the African coast or nearby Indian Ocean instead of going on African safari, Emerald Cruises has also designed other cruise itineraries featuring the Seychelles, for the December 2024 - February 2025 season, or December 2025 - February 2026 season. They range from 8 to 22 days.

8 Days: Tropical Charms of the Seychelles

10 Days: Seychelles Island Hopping

13 Days: Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure

16 Days: Safari & the Seychelles

20 Days: Discover Seychelles, Tanzania & Kenya

22 Days: Discovery Seychelles & the East African Coast

Highlights of life aboard the Emerald Azzurra include:

· an atmosphere of elegance and unparalleled comfort, with spacious, modern staterooms, an open-air infinity pool, and a wellness deck complete with a spa, infrared sauna, and gym;

· culinary delights at La Cucina, offering fresh, seasonal cuisine with terrace and indoor seating options,

· the Amici Lounge, with its friendly atmosphere for socializing with live music, and

· when anchored, guests can engage in water-based activities, using kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and more from the yacht’s marina platform.

This African adventure with Emerald Cruises offers a blend of wild exploration and modern luxury, meticulously curated for an unforgettable experience.

START YOUR MARINE SAFARI TRIP!

Top Image: Getty/ Giant turtle by a palm tree in Anse Severe. La Digue island, Seychelles

Bottom Image courtesy of Emerald Cruises

Viking Launching First-of-their-Kind China Coastal Cruises in late 2024

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

All-new cruise itineraries being pioneered by Viking in 2024 offer guests one-of-a-kind access to China in a way that’s never been available before for international visitors, including rarely-seen Chinese coastal sea- and landscapes, exclusive ports of call, as well as iconic cities like Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

The new voyages range from 10 to 20 days, operating from September to November on the Viking Yi Dun—formerly the Viking Sun—a sister ship featuring the same design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet.

The Chinese-flagged Viking Yi Dun will be the first ship ever dedicated specifically to international guests taking domestic sailings in China. Each voyage will offer immersive experiences to introduce guests to the people, history and culture of China, including insightful lectures, Chinese-inspired cuisine and destination experts.

The new coastal sailings pick up from Viking’s 15-year legacy of Yangtze River cruises, that included pre- and post-cruise extensions in Beijing, the Great Wall, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. As the river cruises did in the past, the new coastal cruises will include a visit to local school children.

New China Coastal Itineraries Include:

Wonders of China— 20 days; Beijing roundtrip— This comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers China’s main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shenzhen, a UNESCO city of design.
Classic China & the Coast— 15 days; Beijing, Xian – Hong Kong (Shenzhen) — This voyage combines the experiences of Viking’s 10-day China Discovery voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. While sailing China’s coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines.
China Discovery — 10 days; Shanghai – Hong Kong (Shenzhen) — This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.

About The Viking Yi Dun

Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship within Viking’s ocean fleet, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests. Like its sister ships, the Viking Yi Dun features all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes pole to pole around the world on its fleets of river, ocean and expedition cruise ships. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for “The Thinking Person.”

Viking is the only cruise line to have been ranked #1 simultaneously in River, Ocean and Expedition cruising by two publications.

START YOUR CHINA CRUISE!

Image courtesy of Viking

The Bahamas "Launching" as the Next Destination for Space Tourism

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

We have lift off! It’s a “giant leap” for The Bahamas, which is joining the exclusive club of destinations appealing to fans of humankind’s Last Frontier. The country has entered into an agreement with Elon Musk’s space tourism company SpaceX to become a global destination to witness booster landings.

SpaceX – short for the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. – is planning mission designs that will see SpaceX droneships serving a Falcon 9 landing location east of The Exumas. The spectacle will only be visible from The Bahamas – and that makes it the only space tourism destination of its kind in the world.

Tourism officials anticipate that awe-inspiring sight will be able to be viewed from Bahamian resorts, tourist hotspots and even cruise ships in local waters. The Bahamas, just off the coast of Florida, is a hop, skip and a jump away from mainland U.S.A., easily accessible for North Americans. For super space fans, it could be part of a space travel odyssey that includes Florida's Cape Canaveral, too.

It’s a whole new type of experience for visitors to The Bahamas’ 700 islands and cays. Right now, travelers visiting The Bahamas focus on world-class fishing, diving, boating, beach activities and cruise ports of call on cruise line private islands or The Bahamas’ own 16 unique island destinations.

The agreement “marks a new era for The Bahamas,” said Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “We are honored to work with SpaceX to enable their Falcon 9 rockets to safely land on an autonomous droneship within Bahamian waters, helping to continue their rocket reusability efforts.”

If you’re visiting The Bahamas even when no landing is scheduled, there will still be space experiences for young and young at heart space lovers.

SpaceX has committed to supporting the creation of a space exhibit showcasing hardware space fans will recognize, as well as a SpaceX spacesuit. It will be the only such exhibit outside the United States, and is expected to become a major attraction.

Enhanced High-Speed Connectivity

The Bahamian landings will not only provide a new space tourism experience. They will also support SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet mission, but also contribute to saving lives, enhancing first responders' capabilities, and ensuring connectivity in times of disasters, as Cooper explains.

“Simultaneously, through Starlink’s high speed internet from space, this agreement opens doors to unprecedented opportunities for our citizens, fostering long-term advantages for education, emergency response and innovation,” he said.

“The Bahamian government aims to utilize this partnership for economic growth, job creation and enhanced educational opportunities.”

The initiative also means The Bahamas is about to become one of the best-connected regional destinations. As part of the agreement, The Bahamas has arranged for Starlink internet connectivity at multiple locations across the Family Islands. While specifically designated for schools lacking sufficient internet capacity, it will also bolster the capabilities and operations of first responders in the area.

Social Good: STEM Education and the 1^st Bahamian in Space

SpaceX's commitment to educational outreach through Science, Technology Engineering and Math and space-focused presentations several times a year will leave a lasting impact on the growth of STEM education in The Bahamas,.

Former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, was pivotal in helping cement the agreement for The Bahamas. In 2024, she is set to become an astronaut: the first Bahamian in space.

Cooper noted how the initative benefits The Bahamas in so many more ways than providing more opportunities for tourism.

“The Bahamas is poised to embrace its newfound role in the global space industry, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history,” added Cooper. “We look forward to a future where The Bahamas stands proudly as a trailblazer in space tourism and technology in line with our Blueprint for change and our Innovate242 initiative,” he said.

START YOUR SPACE TOURISM TRIP!

Image courtesy The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

Windstar Debuts New, Year-Round Ship for Tahiti – With Cultural Immersion

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

With more than 3 decades of experience sailing in the exotic waters of Tahiti, Windstar is doubling down on the ultimate romantic destination, with a new ship dedicated year-round. Plus, the small-ship cruise line is launching a new program of shipboard experiences and shore excursions that will bring the culture of French Polynesia to life for guests.

The 312 – guest Star Breeze is replacing the cruise line’s motorized sailed cruise ship, Wind Spirit, as its ship in the region. That provides double the number of guests the opportunity to sail at a time - still in Windstar’s signature, small-ship style, navigating Tahiti’s out-of-the-way harbors, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches in an island-hopping, intimate way.

However, the Star Breeze means faster travel to and from the islands of French Polynesia and the greater South Pacific, opening up opportunities for new itineraries that feature more favorite South Pacific destinations.

So, beginning in 2024, guests will be able to sail on Windstar’s Star Breeze to 11 islands and atolls in French Polynesia, including a new, 14-day itinerary to Tahiti and the Marquesas.

Diving into the Culture of French Polynesia

At the same time, Windstar is debuting new cultural enrichment for guests, like:

An evening of “arearea” French Polynesian fun, where guests learn from a local entertainment troop how to make a lei, tie a pareo, and enjoy Tahitian music and dancing;
A French Polynesian cultural ambassador on each cruise organizing events such as Tahitian dance and language lessons, crafts, Ukulele performance and more; and
New shore excursions:
- Sail on a cultural catamaran cruise in Raiatea,
- Explore coral nurseries with Coral Gardeners and
- Refresh your PADI scuba diving certification in Papeete prior to your cruise.

Windstar will continue to offer guest favorite experiences, including its signature Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event on a private Tahitian motu, where guests enjoy an al fresco dinner with traditional foods, live music and local fire dancers light up the night.

Tahiti tattooist, cultural expert and guide Tihoti brings local culture and traditions alive on board in a not-to-miss presentation.

Guests will also continue to be able to enjoy swimming directly off Windstar’s Watersports Platform. The South Pacific becomes the swimming pool and playground with complimentary paddle boards, kayaks, floating mats and snorkel gear.

The cruise line is also deepening its ties with local communities, including:

Hiring local team members in the service department;
Sourcing turndown gifts made in the islands;
Displaying local artwork decorating the ship; and
Offering Tahitian media including movies, music channels, books and board games on board.

Being Part of the Solution in the Precious Environment of the South Pacific

As part of Windstar’s partnership with Coral Gardeners, two new shore excursions take guests to meet the team, visit coral nurseries, and learn about the importance of protecting the corals in a hands-on and interactive way.

To date, the cruise line, along with its guests, have adopted over 2,500 corals with Coral Gardeners, and Windstar’s goal is to open a dedicated nursery supporting 5,000 corals in 2025.

START YOUR SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISE!

Image: Windstar

Essential Tips for Booking Your Next All-Inclusive Vacation

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

It's not too late to book your all-inclusive getaway this season. But all resorts are not created equal. Making the wrong choice of an all-inclusive vacation can be the difference between the relaxing… or romantic… or active… or fun-filled family holiday you were hoping for.

Even if you’ve had terrific holidays at certain resorts in the past, a different group of travelers might not have the great time you remember. Are you part of a couple looking to reconnect? A group of friends? A family with small children? Teens? Multi-generational family?

An expert travel advisor can help ensure you’re matched with your ideal all-inclusive getaway.

They know the differences between the many all-inclusive resort companies that cater to every type of all-inclusive holiday-maker to help you choose from thousands of properties in sun destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America and even Europe.

There are even all-inclusive vacation options on the slopes for those who celebrate, not escape, the winter season.

Here are some considerations that could make or break your next all-inclusive holiday:

1. Location, location, location: After you choose between a tropical or an alpine vacation, there’s still lots more to decide. Do you want to do yoga on the beach facing sunrise? Or drink wine with your sweetheart watching the sun set?

But there’s more to a resort than east or west-facing locations. Some destinations are simply more convenient: are there direct flights from your gateway to the nearest airport? More than one flight per week for a flexible length of stay?

And do you hope to spend time off the resort? Does that translate to a destination with plenty of history, archaeology, adventure tourism, famous dive sites, local markets, a thriving dining or local nightlife scene to enjoy? Matching your off-resort interests – and the distance from them – can help ensure you create new memories on your holiday.

2. Who’s your daddy? Are you traveling as a multi-generational family where the interests of grandparents, single aunts and uncles, child-free adults and families with teens or small children all need to be accommodated? Are you looking for an adults-only escape?

A resort with a waterpark might make all the difference to a family with kids under 12. And an intimate property with quiet garden paths, romantic restaurants and a programming just for grow-ups might be just what a couple that needs to spend time alone together needs.

3. Life’s a beach: but is it the right beach for you? Some resorts have private beaches – even within a bay that creates a natural perimeter to keep your kids within eyesight - or provide privacy or intimacy that a public beach does not. But if you’re looking for a beach with lots of activities, including water sports, beach volleyball and long walks in the sand, you’re likely looking at a bigger and more public beach.

4. Size matters: How big is your ideal resort? Do you like being in a tower where you have an expansive view over the sea and lots of restaurants and amenities and activities, like tennis courts, several pools with different atmospheres (family, adults-only, even private plunge pools with your own private villa)? Or do you like to feel shut off from the world, where you have a short wander to a secluded-feeling beach?

5. Included Inclusions: The attraction of an all-inclusive is paying once in your local currency before you travel and not having to take out your wallet, calculate currency conversions very often, or worry about a big bill at the end of your stay.

But what’s really included in your fare? Only buffet-style dining? How about specialty restaurants? Are there limitations about how many times you can dine in a specialty venue? Are there watersports or wellness programming like yoga classes included? How about kids’ programs to keep the young members of the family entertained and occupied?

6. Available Add-ons: Even if you’re willing to pay for non-included perks and programming, what’s offered? Circus school? Mixology classes? A cigar lounge? Private, overwater bungalows? Luxury transfers? A private villa? How about a butler or dedicated concierge? And an uber-premium backbar?

Here's something to consider:

7. All-inclusive, deluxe: Luxury is the newest trend in all-inclusive resorts, which used to focus on the more budget end of the market. Now, the convenience of the all-inclusive, packaged model, but delivered in true luxury style, is available more and more. And it might be right for you.

8. Loving local: Another trend is towards authentic local experiences and resorts that genuinely contribute to local well-being. New resorts tout that they arepreserving or actively rehabilitating local land or seascapes; sourcing ingredients from local producers/ producing ingredients on site; implementing resort design that reflects local history and culture; and supporting local artists and craftspeople and even schools and training initiatives.

START YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Images:

Overwater villa: Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Aerial beach view of Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Kids' Pool: Club Med Cancun
Trapeze: Club Med Cancun
Floating tray in private plunge pool: Grand Velas Los Cabos

Romancing the Seas: Why an Intimate Emerald Yacht Cruise is the Ultimate Way to Experience the Caribbean

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

Did you know? You don’t have to be a billionaire to live the yachting lifestyle in the Caribbean. WATCH THIS VIDEO to see what it’s like to sail aboard the 100-guest Emerald Sakara on a week-long ‘yachtsman’s’ cruise to out-of-the-way islands.

When you think of cruising to the Caribbean, the first picture that pops into your head might be a mega ship. But think again. The Emerald Sakara lets you enjoy the privileges of yacht cruising – and many advantages over mega-ship voyages through the region.

HERE'S HOW OUR EMERALD YACHT CRUISE COMPARES TO BIG-SHIP CRUISING IN THE CARIBBEAN:

Boarding’s a breeze

With only 100 fellow guests, there’s no drawn-out boarding process, meaning you can get on board – and get your vacation started - quicker.

It feels a lot like you’re on your own private yacht and at ports of call, you can stroll on and off the Emerald Sakara as you please.

No line ups

That’s right. No line ups to board… or to disembark ashore… or even on board for dining in the ship’s dining room, or getting that refill at the bar or at the pool.

Ample public spaces and few numbers of guests mean you’ll never feel part of a herd. You can simply relax as you make your way to the next part of your holiday.

No pool lounge hogs

Two pools. One at either end of the ship. And plenty of individual loungers, including luxe clamshells, and resort-chic oversized shared lounge seating that mean you can relax over another coffee in the morning without rushing to the pool to snag a lounger.

Get to know your fellow guests…

With only 98 fellow guests, you and your cruise companion will run into the same, like-minded cruise travelers everywhere on the ship. Unlike on big ships where you meet fun people you think you’d like to hang out with – then never see again!

On the Emerald Sakara, you find yourself at the bar or lounge together… on the same tender ashore… entering the dining room at the same time… All of which lending itself to making newfound friends on board.

Or not.

The intimacy of the Emerald Sakara can lead equally to private moments and romantic interludes built for two. There are a large number of veranda suites, giving you the perfect place to laze away the day, enjoy pre-dinner cocktails or sunsets at sea alone with your sweetheart, as if you were on a private yacht and entirely on your own.

A honeymooning couple on our cruise was completely wrapped up in each other, cocooned from any intrusions in the intimate spaces of the yacht.

Get off the beaten path

Have you been to Tortola or Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands? How about St. John in the USVI? Big ships need big infrastructure, limiting their ports of call, and leading to what I call cruise ship ‘conventions’ with several big ships parked at once at the islands with facilities big enough to accommodate them.

That leaves the lesser-known islands exclusively for the small ships. Many of those off-the-beaten-path islands are not even served by large commercial aircraft, making a small-ship cruise the most convenient - and definitely the most scenic - way to get to chic, private yacht-territory like St. Barths.

In smaller, often more exclusive Caribbean destinations, you’ll get to meet real locals and enjoy an authentic island experience. Not share your port with thousands of guests from your own and other cruise ships that can outnumber residents of many islands!

ALL ABOARD V. A BEACH RESORT VACATION

Not only does yacht cruising have advantages over big-ship cruising, it also has some benefits you won’t find at a beach resort, like these:

Location, location, location(s)

You won’t just see one island. In a week-long cruise on the Emerald Sakara, we called in a different port every day. That ‘tasting menu’ approach lets you sample the best of many destinations - very different from a resort vacation, especially since lots of travelers to all-inclusives never even explore beyond the gates!

Emerald Cruises even offers an included shore excursion in nearly every port of call, meaning you’ll explore your ports of call and see a whole new side of the Caribbean.

Water babies

On a resort, you may see the sea… but never actually get out onto the waves. On an Emerald yacht cruise in the Caribbean, you’ll have the daily pleasure of being on the water, watching sun rises and sunsets over the waves, the view of tropical, verdant hills and isolated beaches as you sail by.

Plus, marina days, when the ship holds position in a secluded cove or bay and deploys water ‘toys’ off the back deck, lets guests take full advantage of the yachting lifestyle at sea.

Life’s a beach

But what about the beach? It’s not just the sea views that draw us to the Caribbean, but a chance to spend days on the beach.

Our Emerald cruise included shore excursions to local beaches in a number of ports, including a hike in the US Virgin Islands National Park, which ended at a stunning beach – only accessible to park goers.

The ship’s crew planned a private beach barbecue day, too (check out the incredible footage of our private beach barbecue site in the video!) We and our fellow guests had a beach all to ourselves with barbecue and bar service by our favorite shipboard staff.

That means we actually had a more exclusive beach experience than many guests at all-inclusive resorts, where you only go to the resort's beach - and often have to jostle for space.

Emerald Cruises’ small ships make it possible for ordinary travelers to live the yachting lifestyle.

START YOUR YACHT CRUISE TRIP!

Video and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

St. Patrick's Way: How to Follow in the Footsteps of Ireland's Patron Saint

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

There’s a real man behind the legend that gets us wearing green every March 17th. And you can go beyond modern St. Patrick's Day ‘shenanigans’ to revisit the life of St. Patrick on a journey connecting places in Northern Ireland where his story became a legend that thrives to this day among the Irish and millions of people around the world with ancestral links to the Emerald Isle.

Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick, roamed the Emerald Isle over 1500 years ago. Amazingly, given the passage of time, we know some key facts about his life.

Patrick was born in Britain around AD400. He was brought to Ireland as a slave as a teen and endured six grueling years of herding in the north before escaping and managing to reunite with his family in Britain.

Amazingly, he chose to return to Ireland. Patrick wrote that he heard the ‘voice of the Irish’ calling him. Once he was ordained as a bishop, he went back to Eire to spread Christianity. Some of the legends of his ministry in Ireland remain to this day.

Famously, Patrick is said to have miraculously driven the snakes from Ireland. It’s true there are no snakes in Ireland today, but then, there never were. Even in the 5^th century. The Irish do love a good story!

He is also credited with creating the iconic Celtic cross by combining the Christian cross with a circle: the pagan symbol of the sun. Many Christian icons, stories, and practices stem from amalgamations with earlier, pagan traditions that helped convince local populations to convert to the new religion, and St. Patrick followed suit.

There there’s the shamrock and its place to this day as a symbol of Irish culture. As the legend goes, Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity: how three entities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, could also together be one God.

Due to his ministry, reported miracles and renowned exemplary character, following his death, the now-St. Patrick became the patron saint of Ireland. Christian saints were assigned their own ‘feast’ day, and on St. Patrick’s, March 17^th, the Irish got in the habit of wearing shamrocks on their lapels.

It was Irish immigrants to the U.S. who turned St. Patrick’s day into the pub and beer and ‘wearin’ o’ the green’ and Top o’ the mornin’ and parade festival it is for many today. Those practices traveled back across the Atlantic to Ireland largely for tourists’ benefit.

But year round, one authentic way to pay homage to the patron saint of the Emerald Isle is to, follow suit with some pilgrims who journey around Ireland to visit the places associated with St. Patrick’s life and teachings and legends.

Like Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago (St. James’ Way), Ireland’s Pilgrims’ Walk provides a theme and structure to an outdoor trail walk that uplift both religious and non-religious hikers.

St Patrick´s Way: The Pilgrims’ Walk

Stretching from Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, to Downpatrick, where Patrick is said to be buried, this 130km / 80 mile signed walking trail in Northern Ireland connects key sites relating to St Patrick and Ireland’s Christian heritage.

At key places along the way you can gather stamps on your Pilgrim’s Passport as a souvenir of the camino experience. A fully stamped passport gets you a certificate of completion.

Armagh

The trail begins at one of the most important archaeological sites on the island, just outside of Armagh. Historic Navan Fort is the ancient seat of the kings of Ulster. Patrick is said to have healed a chieftain there who gave him a hill in Armagh on which to build his first church. This is now the site of one of the two St. Patrick's cathedrals in the city.

Downpatrick

The town most associated with the saint is home to The Saint Patrick Centre, the only permanent exhibition in the world about him. The hi-tech multimedia exhibition tells the story of his life and mission. There are also multiple excellent guided experiences on offer from the centre including short caminos that explore the Christian monuments and stunning landscape of County Down.

After a visit to the centre, it’s a short walk to medieval Down Cathedral to see the large stone slab that covers St Patrick’s grave.

A few miles outside Downpatrick in the village of Saul is a small stone church built on what is said to be the earliest place that St Patrick led Christian worship in Ireland. The site is referred to as the Cradle of Christianity and was where Patrick lived in the years before his death. There is also an impressive replica of an early Christian round tower there.

Nearby on the crest of Slieve Patrick stands an imposing statue of the saint carved from local granite and adorned with bronze plaques depicting scenes from his life.

Slemish Mountain

This small County Antrim mountain is believed to be where Patrick tended sheep during his time as a slave in Ireland. It has become a tradition to climb Slemish on St Patrick’s Day, but walkers enjoy the hike throughout the year. The mountain is actually the central core of an extinct volcano and the 1.5km (less than 1 mile) walk to the summit isn’t very difficult.

At any time of the year, walking in the ‘Way of St. Patrick’ allows visitors to delve into some of the richest history and legends and culture of Ireland, as well as experience its iconic landscapes with outdoor activity.

START YOUR IRELAND TRIP!

Images courtesy of ireland.com

A Hotel on Italy’s Chic Lake Como Now Has the Largest Floating Infinity Pool in the World

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

One of the most coveted holiday destinations in the world, Italy’s Lake Como, just keeps getting more extraordinary.

For centuries, the glacial lake located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, surrounded by the majestic Alps and near the Swiss border, has been famous for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes.

The serene, scenic… and cooler environment has been attracting the who’s who of Italian society escaping the summer heat of the cities for centuries. And travelers from around the world are in on the secret now, too.

Lake Como has attracted celebrities and prominent figures for decades. George Clooney, for example, famously owns a villa on the lake, and the region has been the backdrop for various films (one of Clooney’s “Oceans…” films, James Bond and more) and high-profile events, further adding to its allure.

The towns and villages that dot the shores of Lake Como are incredibly charming and offer a taste of traditional Italian life. Some of the most famous towns include Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como. These towns feature colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and beautiful gardens and both humble and traditional, as well as world-class fine Italian dining, making them perfect for leisurely strolls and exploration and indulging in Italian lifestyle.

The region boasts elegant villas and palaces, such as Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, and Villa Serbelloni, which showcase architectural beauty and house art collections. Additionally, there are churches, museums, and ancient ruins that provide insight into the area's past.

For those not privileged to have a villa on Lake Como, never fear. The region is also known for its luxury hotels, spas, and dining establishments, making it one of the most privileged vacation destinations in one of the most popular countries for tourists.

Visitors can the Italian summer heat in the crystal-clear waters, including swimming, boating, and water sports. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the lake's pristine waters. Sailing is particularly popular, and the lake hosts regattas and boat races throughout the year.

Lake Como is also a celebrated Italian wellness destination. Many luxurious hotels and spas offer stunning views of the lake and provide a serene atmosphere for rejuvenation and pampering.

A Record-Breaking New Pool with a View

In such an elevated atmosphere, one luxury Lake Como hotel has upped the ante.

The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, occupies a private setting on the sunlit shores of the lake in the 19^th-century Villa Roccabruna, transformed into a hotel with 73 rooms and suites and 2 private villas.

In addition to relaxing walks around the property and activities arranged by the resort’s Sports and Adventure team, guests now have new ways to drink in the hotel’s idyllic lake views.

The resort’s new, 131+ foot floating pool on the lake (pictured, top) is one of the largest infinity floating pools in the world. An architectural and stylish masterpiece, it was designed by the ‘star-chitectect’ firm Herzog & de Meuron. Spectacularly situated right on the lake and offering unobstructed views across the water, the pool’s sundeck or new café are the perfect spots for basking on sunloungers or in cabanas from morning to sunset.

The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como also has a redesigned Spa featuring two private Spa Suites, two single treatment rooms, one couples’ treatment room, a beauty studio, a holistic heat and water experience area, and a zen garden with lake views.

START YOUR ITALY TRIP!

Infinity Pool Image: Mandarin Oriental Hotels & Resorts

Village of Varenna on Lake Como in Italy Image: Getty

Princess Cruises Brings Back the "Love Boat"

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

If you grew up on classic The Love Boat episodes on TV - or binge watched reruns more recently - and fallen in love with the good-humored tales of romance and ‘meet cutes’ on the high seas, here’s some good news:For travelers into classic TV nostalgia or quirky themed cruises, Princess Cruises is again rolling out the red carpet on the gangway with an encore sailing of The Love Boat.

That’s right – the original cast of the iconic romance-at-sea TV series on CBS is reuniting again aboard the line that's the original Love Boat.

The TV show, which ran for a decade from the late ‘70’s to the late ‘80’s, brought cruising into the public eye. Through its wild success on the small screen showcasing the romance of the sea, and taking its beloved cast and a roster of Hollywood’s biggest stars as guests to exotic destinations, it is credited with helping launch modern-day cruising. Not to mention that every story line always had a happy ending.

And The Love Boat was filmed aboard an actual Princess Cruises ship; giving viewers a glimpse into a coveted cruising lifestyle.

Cruising has come a long way since the early days of The Love Boat. But so strong has the nostalgia for The Love Boat been, that in the fall of 2022, Princess was featured again as the setting of a spin-off. The Real Love Boat, updated for 21^st century TV tastes as a reality dating adventure series, saw three real-life Princess crew members and 12 singles looking for love join hosts Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell onboard Regal Princess sailing through the Mediterranean.

Now, Princess is keeping The Love Boat tradition going strong. The cruise line has unveiled a second themed cruise, reuniting cast members from the original show.

Fans of the original show can sail along with Doc, Gopher, Isaac and Vicki Stubing as they cruise roundtrip from New York to Canada & New England aboard Enchanted Princess, August 31-September 7, 2024.

Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan (aka Vicki Stubing) will join fellow Love Boat cast members including Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), and Ted Lange (Isaac). Ezra Freeman, the bartender from the recently aired The Real Love Boat on CBS reality dating series, will also join the cast, and Princess promises other surprise guests will be announced.

Guests will set course for full The Love Boat immersion, with themed activities including:

Sailaway party introducing the cast
Meet-and-greet photo and signing opportunities
The Love Boat-inspired guest activities with prizes
Cocktail demonstration hosted by Ezra Freeman and Ted Lange – practice the finger point!
Cast Q&As sharing favorite memories of the show and stories of their careers
The Love Boat episodes airing on Movies Under the Stars and in staterooms
The Love Boat trivia with the Cruise Director
The Love Boat inspired menus and specialty cocktails
Themed décor, photo backdrops and merchandise

And for real-life love birds joining The Love Boat, there will be a symbolic renewal of vows ceremony, officiated by the cast, with a commemorative certificate.

While The Love Boat themed cruise with members of the original cast will enchant guests with the immersion into retro TV and cruising, in the meantime, you’ll also be sailing on a very modern Princess cruise to Canada and New England. This time, the 3660-guest Enchanted Princess is the ocean-going co-star of the themed cruise, with an Italian-Inspired Piazza, two dozen dining options, a Sanctuary adults-only relaxation and spa area, Camp Discovery to keep kids and teens occupied while their parents rediscover the “Love” in The Love Boat, and four showrooms and lounges.

Jill Whelan, better known by fans of the classic TV series as Vicki Stubing, daughter of the ship’s Captain Stubing, is now Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises. “Sailing with our fans brings us so much joy,” she says, “And this cruise will undoubtedly be a special reunion, taking us back to where it all began – on a Princess Cruise.”

START YOUR ROMANTIC CRUISE!

Images courtesy of Princess Cruises.

VIDEO: Behind the Scenes Tour of the Submarine Hangar on a Viking Expedition Cruise

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

Viking has two expedition cruise ships and each is equipped with 2 ‘yellow submarines,’ zodiacs, kayaks, and special operations boats that allow guests to launch into excursions right off the ship – no port infrastructure required!

That opens up a whole new way of experiencing the world, even in remote regions from pole to pole, on one of Viking’s polar-class expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris.

Cruise/ travel journalist Lynn Elmhirst and our cameras spent a day aboard the Viking Octantis with the director of Viking’s expedition operations during a recent expedition cruise of the Great Lakes for a fascinating, behind the scenes tour.

We were fortunate that Jorn Henriksen had come from Norway to be aboard during our 8-day Great Lakes cruise. We departed from Milwaukee, WI, cruised through Lake Michigan to the famous, car-free, horse-drawn-carriages-only Mackinac Island, then into Canada’s Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, where all the expedition ‘toys’ came out to allow us to explore North America’s “Inland Seas” as we sailed north west through the Soo Locks, into Lake Superior and onwards to Thunder Bay.

The expedition way of experiencing the world gives you a complete change of perspective on land and seascapes you may already think you know! From quiet kayaking along the shorelines to zodiac tours and special operations boat rides further afield from the ship. Not to mention the thrill of diving up to 300 meters in a sub into the depths of the waters you’re cruising!

All that takes a specialized team of expedition leaders – and some very specialized space.

Viking calls the large space devoted to the expedition ‘toys’ aboard the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris the “Hangar,” inspired by military jargon. And it’s designed with ingenious ways to load and unload the two submersibles, special operations boats, and get guests out exploring on the water, fast, no matter where the Viking Octantis finds itself.

Jorn was part of the team that designed the Hangar and the ship for the unique requirements of expedition cruising.

Don’t miss his behind-the-scenes insights into expedition operations on Viking cruises!

START YOUR EXPEDITION CRUISE!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Top Street Food Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

A trip to Vietnam is a feast for the senses, with exotic scenery, scents, sounds, fascinating history and culture. It’s also a literal feast. Vietnamese cuisine is a foodie favorite, and it doesn’t have to be high-end cuisine.

In fact, one of Vietnam’s can’t-miss destinations is also home to one of the country’s most vibrant street food scenes, offering mouth-watering insights into the country’s culinary treasures.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCM), formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling, motorbike-filled, modern Asian city with French colonial architecture juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers. Its storied past includes a 20^th century war, a colonial era, and an ancient history that infused Vietnam with a mesmerizing culture.

Learn about HCM’s wartime history at the War Remnants Museum, which provides insight into the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong, and the Reunification Palace.

Wonder at the mix of buildings, where modern, traditionally Vietnamese, and colonial styles harmoniously heighten the visual impact of the others. Immerse yourself in ancient Vietnamese history at beautiful temples like Jade Emperor Pagoda. For well-preserved colonial-era architecture, make sure to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Central Post Office: Located in the heart of District 1 (the district still called Saigon), these are landmarks of HCM. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a beautiful red-brick structure, and the Central Post Office was designed by Gustave Eiffel, of Paris’ Eiffel Tower fame.

But sights and sounds of the city must be combined with its scents and flavors, and that’s where its culinary scene – and especially its celebrated street food and food markets – come in.

Banh Xeo, courtesy of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center

Here’s a guide to the distinctive gastronomy and hidden gems among the street food vendors of HCM:

Ben Thanh Market in District 1 (Saigon neighborhood) is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City and a vibrant hub of activity. Here, you can shop for a wide variety of goods, including clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, and, most notably, an array of delicious street food. Savor regional specialties like banh beo (water fern cake), banh nam (flat steamed rice dumplings)... Gate 7 of Ben Thanh Market is particularly renowned for its concentration of stalls selling delectable sweet desserts.

The market comes alive in the evening, making it a great place to sample local cuisine and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Vietnamese market culture.

Also in District 1, Tan Dinh Market stands out as a culinary gem with a history spanning nearly a century. Its food court comes alive in the evening, offering a variety of dishes from “broken” rice and porridge to noodles and refreshing beverages.

Cho Lon in District 5 and District 6 showcases the unique culinary traditions of Ho Chi Minh City's Chinese community. Binh Tay Market, Soai Kinh Lam, and Dai Quang Minh Market are culinary landmarks where people can indulge in roast duck, dumplings, chicken pot, and kung fu noodles.

In District 10, Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a vibrant destination with numerous food and drink stalls. Sample the spicy snail noodle soup (hu tieu oc) or the snail curry (pha lau oc) with its flavorful broth for dipping bread.

Don’t miss the authentic street food adventure at Turtle Lake in District 3, where rice paper, spring rolls, and cakes tantalize taste buds.

Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, also in District 3, offers mixed rice paper delights like golden beef sauce and fermented pork skin. In Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District, indulge in diverse cuisines from Vietnam's regions and notable Korean and Japanese restaurants.

These culinary destinations in Ho Chi Minh City give you a tantalizing experience of the incredible range of Vietnamese food culture. From bustling markets to lively streets, each location presents a unique blend of flavors and culinary traditions.

You may love to indulge in a little pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) or banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) at home, but a tasting tour of HCM will leave you forever trying to find such delicious Vietnamese cuisine again.

START YOUR VIETNAM TRIP!

Top Image: Saigon City Hall with Vincom Center towers in the background: Getty

New All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean Include Overwater Restaurant Made for Love

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

Just add love. Kindle or rekindle the flames of your relationship at two new, all-inclusive, adults-only, beach resorts this year. You can be among the first couples to indulge in the embracing warmth of all-new luxury resorts that make it easy to relax, knowing practically everything is already paid for.

Royalton Chic Resorts Debuts in Antigua with an Overwater Restaurant

If you’ve never been to Antigua, this new resort will inspire you to visit the intimate and prestigious island – one half of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Renowned for its 365 beaches – a different one for every day of the year – its chic sailing and yachting culture, fine dining, range of exclusive activities like yacht cruises and charters, helicopter tours, and its luxury, off-the-beaten path appeal for celebrities and VIP’s, Antigua is a jewel in the islands for travelers in the know.

From April, 2024, on the sunset-facing, northwest coast of the island, the Royalton CHIC Antigua (pictured, top) is setting a new bar for adults-only, all-inclusive luxury.

The resort is opening the first overwater restaurant of its kind in the region – perfect for date night on vacation!

Pescari will elevate your dining experience with breathtaking ocean views, incredible sunsets and a stylish atmosphere – made for holding hands over the table and gazing into each others’ eyes… or relaxing over your glass of wine as the sun sets and the candles are lit.

In addition to the overwater restaurant, seven restaurants ranging from an authentic steakhouse to Caribbean, Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, five bars and an on-site rum shop conceived for the property, mean every night is memorable for you and your special someone.

It’s not all quiet moments, though. Royalton CHIC’s exuberant Party Your Way concept, ensures a lively atmosphere with something to celebrate every day.

Located on a sandy beachfront, Royalton CHIC Antigua’s 235 stylish rooms and suites each have a balcony or terrace for breathtaking ocean and sunset views, and modern décor. You’ll enjoy the company’s signature “DreamBeds,” rain shower and “All-In Connectivity” amenities; 24/7 room service featuring the picks from the menus of onsite dining outlets, creating the perfect setting for you and your sweetheart to spend the night “in.”

You can also take your beach holiday up another notch by upgrading to a category offering everything from butler services to personalized check-in and check-out, private space to call your own by the pools and on the beach, and ultimate in-room amenities.

Beyond pools and the beach, an entertainment plaza has a theater for live music and more; a spa with wellness offerings for the body, mind, and spirit, a fitness center with instructor-led activities including paddle board, sunset yoga, and beach bootcamp programs.

The Dominican Republic Adds to its Reputation as a Couples Destination with the Opening of Secrets Tides Punta Cana

Another Secrets Resort, the latest Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt resort, has opened in the Dominican Republic. The 688-room Secrets Tides Punta Cana blends modern luxury with a romantic atmosphere offering an ideal escape for couples.

Located along the picturesque, palm-studded beach in the Uvero Alto neighborhood of the DR’s upscale resort community of Punta Cana, the resort pulls guests into a relaxed, island atmosphere with its traditional Dominican architecture, lush vegetation, bendy palms, and local flora. The island’s natural foliage and crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean merge to create the perfect romantic escape.

While many will immediately think of the resort as ideal for honeymoons, weddings, and vow renewals, everyday romance thrives at the resort whose byline promises “Unlimited Luxury” that includes a furnished balcony or terrace, a daily refreshed mini-bar, coffee bar, bath amenities, bathrobes, slippers, 24-hour room service, and more.

Upgrading will provide you with an even more spacious suite and a range of additional services including personalized check-in and checkout service, private lounge pool a dedicated area at the infinity pool and the beach, and an exclusive restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

On-site restaurants – 8 bars and lounges plus 6 a la carte restaurants in total - offer local and international cuisine, including South American, “Mediterrasian” fusion, as well as a buffet and grill and 24-hour room service perfect for spending the night “in.”

Guests seeking an even more elevated, romantic dining experience can reserve a private dinner at exclusive locations throughout the resort.

The spacombines hydrotherapy and relaxing treatments to ensure the cares of the world are left at home and couples can focus on each other.

START YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH TRIP!

Images courtesy of their respective resort companies

2024 is a Peak Year for Northern Lights, and this Seabourn Cruise Delivered

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

Most North Americans have never seen the Northern Lights, but this is the year that could change for you. Scientists say that in 2024, the captivating astronomical phenomenon will be more visible than it has been for years – and for years to come.

Word is getting out. Requests by travelers for trips to see the Aurora Borealis this year have reportedly increased nearly 400% - that’s 4 times the number of adventurous souls wanting to cross viewing the Northern Lights off their bucket lists. It puts demand for the Northern Lights ahead of an African safari, Japan during cherry blossom season and Peru’s Machu Picchu.

How the Aurora Borealis Light Up Your Life – Especially This Year

In the early 1600’s, Italian astronomer Galileo named the almost mystical natural wonder of eery green, red and magenta lights dancing in the northern skies. He named them for the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas.

The Northern Lights originate with the sun. It shoots particles into space that end up in the lower part of the earth’s atmosphere where gases are thickest. When they meet up with those gases, the collision releases energy in the form of light, visible in dark, clear skies. Oxygen emits green and sometimes red light, and nitrogen in the atmosphere glows magenta. When solar winds gust and release particles at different rates, and the particles interact with the earth’s magnetic field, the lights appear to dance and flicker in the sky.

The sun has an 11-year cycle of activity, and 2024 is one of the most active years in its cycle. That means there will be brighter and more frequent Northern Lights this year than usual.

It’s a once-a-decade chance to increase your odds of experiencing one of the most rare and cherished celestial wonders.

What are the Odds?

Your best chances of seeing the Northern Lights depend on a number of factors:

· How close you are to the Earth’s magnetic North Pole. You want to get within or near the Arctic Circle for the best chances. Some of the most popular places to view the Northern Lights include the Arctic regions of Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada, Iceland and Greenland.

· Clear, dark skies; so get as far away from the light pollution of cities on nights that aren’t clouded over.

· Stay up. Be looking at the north skies around midnight; the peak time.

· Time of the year. Northern Lights are most common in the winter, when nights are longer and darker, but the Northern Lights can happen in fringe months, as well.

· It doesn’t happen every night; so the more nights you spend in the far north increases your odds, too.

Seabourn Cruise in the Arctic: Checking the Boxes

These photos are from our cruise on the Seabourn Venture, the ultra-luxury cruise line’s first expedition ship, in Greenland in August, 2023; even before solar activity peaks in 2024.

We were awakened by an announcement from the bridge at midnight (right on time for prime Northern Lights viewing hours!) Everyone on the ship who was sleeping was happy to get up for the surprise – and unexpected news: Northern Lights outdoors, right now, in August!

It was icing on the cake of an extraordinary expedition voyage that took us to remote Arctic wonders like spectacular iceberg fields and tidewater glaciers where the ice glowed a magic blue; sailing through fjords surrounded by towering rock walls; taking zodiac, kayak and even submarine rides in pristine waters rarely seen by humans; and to remote communities where we became immersed in indigenous culture, Viking history, and modern-day lifestyles in the North.

All while enjoying the first-class surroundings, dining, hospitality and amenities of one of the finest cruise lines at sea.

While the August timing was a surprise, everything else about our cruise on the Seabourn Venture created winning conditions for Northern Lights viewing: there’s no city light interference with the view from a ship at sea; we were on board for 2 fascinating weeks: 14 nights of chances for the Northern Lights to make an appearance; and our cruise took us – in the lap of luxury – far closer to the North Pole than it would be easy, far less comfortable – to do on land.

We didn’t set out on our Seabourn Venture cruise in Greenland and Iceland expecting to see the Northern Lights.

But, standing on my veranda at midnight in the ocean close to the Arctic Circle, I felt the same awe and connection to the universe as the earliest humans to inhabit the far North – gazing up in wonder at the gift of a rare light show in the night skies.

START YOUR ARCTIC TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Images: Lynn Elmhirst

Surprising Celebrations on a Seabourn Ultra-Luxury Arctic Expedition Cruise

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

Ultra-luxury cruise line, Seabourn, is famous for not just cruising – but helping you live your best life. An expedition cruise to the Arctic may sound remote from luxuries or celebrations, but it turns out that even at the earth’s poles, Seabourn creates moments that elevate already-extraordinary experiences into unforgettable memories of a lifetime.

Seabourn recently expanded its fleet, introducing two new kinds of ships: expedition ships, complete with expedition ‘toys’ that allow guests to explore the world from the sea in new ways: by submarine, zodiac, or kayak.

Aboard the Seabourn Venture during a summer cruise of Iceland and Greenland, we explored these two Arctic outposts at the edge of Europe during a ‘cultural expedition.’

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE TO GET A GLIMPSE INTO EXTRAORDINARY CELEBRATIONS IN THE ARCTIC!

Seabourn’s fun-filled version of a Bluenose Ceremony to induct guests and crew members into the small group of sailors worldwide to venture above the Arctic Circle by sea (watch me kiss a dead fish!);

A Polar Plunge into the iceberg-filled, sparkling seas of a bay in Greenland (Yes, it’s cold! But you’ll never regret daring yourself to seize the moment while you are at one of the earth’s poles);

How many different ways and places can you drink champagne? Seabourn keeps coming up with new ones, like:

It’s the only expedition cruise line whose submarines are fitted with champagne coolers; and

It finds excuses like zodiac tours of glistening bays filled with architectural and dramatic icebergs to set up a pop-up zodiac champagne bar!

And Seabourn’s legendary caviar service. The cruise line set the standard for complimentary caviar service, complete with mother-of-pearl spoons (so as not to taint the delicate flavor of caviar with a metal spoon), mini blinis and all the usual fixings like sour cream, grated hard-boiled egg yolks and whites, minced shallots and more. You can order caviar service just about any time, anywhere, on board any Seabourn ship. In any of the restaurants or lounges, or outdoor by the pool… or in your suite for a snack while you’re getting ready to go to dinner.

But Seabourn also makes caviar social, with caviar parties: during private beach parties, on ice and glaciers, and during our cruise, on deck as the Seabourn Venture held position opposite a magnificent tidewater glacier, with incredible icy-blue hues reflecting onto the deck as we celebrated our incredible privilege of having this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With Seabourn and its crews’ dedication to making extraordinary moments stratospherically special, our Arctic expedition cruise went from height to height to height, taking our breath away and creating memories of a lifetime.

START YOUR SEABOURN CRUISE!

Video and story: Lynn Elmhirst cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Why January is the Best Month to Plan a Trip to Scotland

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

Ireland has St. Patrick’s Day, Scotland has…Robbie Burns Day. Scotland’s most celebratory day is in honor of its national poet. If everyone’s a little bit Irish on March 17^th, then on January 25^th, the date of Robert Burns’ birthday in 1759, everyone’s a little bit of a Scot.

Throughout Scotland and among Scottish communities dispersed around the world, January 25 - Robbie Burns Day, or Rabbie Burns Day, or just Burns Night – is the occasion of the year to pull out all the stops cultivating your inner Scot.

Gentlemen who are fortunate enough to have their own kilts in family tartans don their finery, and ladies drape their tartan sash, or plaidie, over their shoulders and hold it in place with a fine Celtic pin. Then the festivities begin: whisky, of course. Bagpipes and drums and maybe Highland dancers. Perhaps a Scottish meal featuring venison or salmon.

And of course, the hero dish of the night: haggis. A sheep’s stomach stuffed with seasoned meat and bread crumbs that for many, is hard to, well, stomach. Even many Scots have a “love it or hate it” relationship with haggis, but it’s central to Scottish traditions.

The haggis is “piped in” on a platter by bagpipers, to be ceremoniously sliced open and served… but not before a poem is read in its honor first (pictured, top). And the author of the classic praise of the meal: “Address to a Haggis,” is, of course, Robert Burns.

If you’ve never been to a Rabbie Burns Night you should put that on your bucket list as one of the great ethnic festivals. Did I mention the whisky?

Unless you’re a big fan of all things Scottish, you may never have heard of Burns’ Address to a Haggis. But I bet you sing one of his verses quite regularly. The New Year’s Even anthem “Auld Lang Syne” is a Burns poem and is thought to be the most-sung song in the English language.

Robert Burns’ place in Scotland’s rich past and present isn’t just the verse that made him a cultural icon as part of the Romantic movement.

He also used his fame as a platform to fight for social justice in Scotland. Raised himself in impoverished conditions, Burns wrote about issues such as poverty, inequality, and the rights of the common people, during an era when many suffered desperate physical hardship and oppression and faced the loss of their traditional culture to English dominance.

His poem "The Man's a Man for A' That" is a powerful statement on the equality of all people, regardless of their social status.

And he worked to preserve the literary heritage of Scotland in traditional language, before it was lost to the tide of English culture.

When you plan your next trip to Scotland, touch base with the legacy of the country’s bard. Here are some great places to visit in Scotland to celebrate Robert Burns:

1. Alloway, Ayrshire: This is the birthplace of Robert Burns, and it is an ideal location to celebrate his life and work. You can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which offers a comprehensive insight into his life and poetry.

2. Dumfries: Dumfries is another significant location in Burns' life, as he spent his later years and died there. The Burns House Museum and the Robert Burns Mausoleum are popular attractions in this town.

3. If you’re in Scotland in January, you can also join local celebrations and Burns Suppers, as well as attend special exhibitions and events in Edinburgh, and towns and communities big and small across the country.

Wherever and whenever you go to Scotland, don't forget to enjoy the poetry, music, and traditional Scottish food that Robert Burns Day celebrates. If you aren't in Scotland for Robbie Burns Day in January, break out the whisky and tartan scarf and get inspired to plan your next journey to his homeland.

START YOUR SCOTLAND TRIP!

Images: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

VIDEO: Get Active and Immersed into French Lifestyle on an Emerald Rhone River Cruise

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Tue, 07 May 24 19:12:41 +0000

It’s a balancing act – French style! Indulgence meets outdoor activity in the south of France on our Emerald river cruise on the Rhone and the Saone. The south of France has a legendary way of life, and a river cruise is one of the best ways to experience it all.

That includes its wine, cheese, chocolate, olives, fine cuisine and gastronomic delights as well as an active lifestyle. And on our Emerald river cruise, the cruise line’s Active program of shipboard activities and shore excursions helped us get outdoors, get moving, but also get authentic insights into the iconic landscapes and culture of this region of France.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Iconic indulgences and Outdoor Activities on our Emerald Rhone and Saone River Cruise

The 8-day, Emerald Rhone and Saone river cruise itinerary combines shore excursions to compelling sights, cultural immersion onboard with local experts, Active program options that get us moving and give us new perspectives, and plenty of scenic sailing along a river that was the original ‘highway’ through this picturesque region of France.

Lyon:

Our cruise began in Lyon, France’s 3^rd largest city, where the Rhone and the Saone rivers converge. There’s a new, avant-garde Museum of the Confluence now on the peninsula at the point where the rivers meet.

We discovered Lyon’s 2000-year old history, dating back to the Romans, with a Roman theatre that is still in use today!

And we explored its ‘Old Town,’ the biggest collection of Renaissance buildings in France, built during the time when Lyon was the European capital of silk production.

· A local silk studio was invited on board the ship to demonstrate the silk screening process.

Chalon-sur-Saone:

Sailing north on the Saone river into the famous French wine regions of Beaujolais and Burgundy, we called at Chalon-sur-Saone. It was our jumping-off point to visit Les Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital for the poor that originated in the 1400’s and was in operation until the 1970’s!

Its colorful, glazed-tile roof is one of the most famous in France, a symbol of the quality and love poured into this philanthropic endeavor. What’s most remarkable is that, almost from the beginning, grateful citizens donated acres of the highest-valued Burgundy vineyards to the hospital – which gave it an evermore valuable source of income to maintain its masterful architecture and operations for the community.

Tournon:

After Chalon-sur-Saone, we reversed direction, back to Lyon and the confluence of the two rivers. Picking up the Rhone river, we sailed south, entering the first of two wine regions: the northern Cotes du Rhone (followed later by the southern Cotes du Rhone.)

Tournon is a lovely historic village on one bank of the Rhone, where we docked. It faces the steep hills of vineyards of the famous Hermitage wine appellation on the opposite bank.

That’s where our EmeraldACTIVE shore excursion took us hiking – up the hills among the vineyards, where we learned about this famous wine, and the land and history that made it famous.

· Emerald invited a local wine expert on board for a tasting of three local wines, so we were able to connect our vineyard Active hike with the delicious taste of wines from this iconic region.

· During our sailing, the ship’s chef and cruise director hosted an entertaining and informative onboard introduction into French cheeses, everyone’s favorite accompaniment to wine!

Viviers:

This medieval village on the bank of the Rhone is where we borrowed e-bikes from the ship to explore on our own, feeling like a local as we cycled through the village early one morning.

· In addition to the delectable cuisine of the onboard chef, Emerald Cruises invites a Provencal celebrity TV chef onboard for a gala dinner of dishes inspired by Chef Fabien Morreale. He told me his beef dish, slow-cooked for 12 hours, could be eaten with a spoon – a challenge I accepted – and it was!

Arles:

Our last port of call – and last major river port before the Rhone empties into the Mediterranean Sea, is Arles.

It’s famous for being a hub of the Roman expansion into France over 2000 years ago, with a 20,000-person amphitheater that’s still in use today!

And for the delicate, luminous light that illuminates the colors of the south of France, drawing a host of artists, including famously, Van Gogh. A path through Arles today allows visitors to follow in his footsteps through historic Arles.

Emerald Cruises invited a troupe of Provencal folk dancers and musicians on board to share the cultural history of the region they keep alive and pass along to the next generation and visitors to Provence.

START YOUR FRENCH RIVER CRUISE!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.