3 mins | 21 Feb 2025 “Explore Europe Like Never Before” From old-world wineries to architectural marvels, rich cuisines to breathtaking coastal views, there is never a shortage of fresh European experiences to enjoy. When you take a Europe cruise, you may see a variety of destinations while traveling in comfort, connecting with specialists who are eager to show you cities as you’ve never seen before. Visit new places Cruise ships stop in over 50 European destinations, allowing you to visit places like the Greek Isles, the United Kingdom, Scandinavian treasures, and France’s wine regions. And, while visiting various ports in Europe and their surrounding towns, you will never have to unpack your luggage. Everything will stay in your roomy cabin, saving you the trouble of checking in and out of hotels during your European holiday. Marseille, France Despite being eclipsed by more glamorous locales in the South of France, Marseille is a must-see city. Marseille, founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, is a multicultural melting pot with new museums, galleries, and trendy restaurants. Its edgier side exudes a vibrancy not found in Cannes or St. Tropez. Wander the charming Vieux Port or the street-art-filled bohemian enclave of Cours Julien, or venture out to sea to see the fabled Chateau d’If, a fortification and, subsequently, jail from which Alexandre Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo fled. As the entryway to Provence’s breathtaking countryside, you’re also close to the charming towns of Arles, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence. Seville, Spain Seville, Spain’s southern metropolis, will entice anyone with its flamenco rhythms, orange groves, Carmen theatrics, and exquisite architecture. There are Roman ruins, Baroque churches, and the Moorish Alcázar Palace, all of which are worth visiting. Furthermore, the city’s beautiful 15th-century cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece as well as the world’s largest. Explore Seville on foot, from the beautiful Parque de María Luisa to the jasmine-scented Barrio de Santa Cruz (the historic Jewish enclave). Kotor, Montenegro Pack your luggage and board the next cruise departing for Kotor before everyone else realizes how magical it is. It’s a fairy-tale medieval hamlet at the head of Boka Bay, surrounded by magnificent mountains and the blue Adriatic Sea. The atmospheric old town is home to 12th-century churches, Venetian palaces, café-lined squares, and numerous museums. Bring your walking shoes and explore the town’s old walls, or take a trip to the UNESCO-listed fortress (which will reward you with breathtaking views). In the evening, Kotor comes alive around the old harbor, where pub tables flow out onto the streets and live musicians perform. Skagen, Denmark Skagen is a rural village located on Denmark’s farthest northern edge, where the Baltic and North seas tumultuously collide. The windswept beaches here are rugged and magnificent, and as dunes shift and move in the changing air, you may notice the remains of churches, houses, and World War II bunkers that have been gobbled up by whirling sands over the years. Skagen is beautifully tranquil in the winter, but in the summer, it attracts many Danish visitors who wish to take advantage of the town’s picturesque streets and outstanding seafood restaurants. Akureyri, Iceland Team Cruise Professionals Akureyri, the picturesque tiny harbor that serves as the entryway to the magnificent volcanic craters, lava lakes, and waterfalls that make up the ‘country of fire and ice’, has a long list of fantastic things to see and do. Head downtown to the streets of Hafnarstraeti and Skipagata for independent cafés and boutiques, climb the steps of the Church of Akureyri for views of the surrounding fjord and mountains, or take a dip in the geothermal outdoor pools at Myvatn Nature Baths, where temperatures range from a comfortable 81°F to a sizzling 108°F in the ‘hot pot’. Finally, we propose exploring Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords, by boat on a whale-watching excursion, where you may encounter a spectacular humpback.
Discover the Gardens of Tokyo
3 mins | 20 Feb 2025 “Discover the Gardens of Tokyo While on a Japanese Cruise” Hidden among Tokyo’s bright lights and exciting sounds are calm garden sanctuaries. Worlds of new and old meet where a modern skyline flows over soft cherry blossoms, calm ponds, and enchanting teahouses. During a voyage to Japan, you can leave your worries behind and relax in one of Tokyo’s magnificent gardens. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen is considered the crown jewel of Tokyo’s park system. A variety of gardens throughout the park showcase a wide range of aesthetic trends. The English landscape, French formal, and Japanese traditional gardens are all represented in a park of less than one square mile in size. When the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, tourists may enjoy a spectacular show. On an excursion to Shinjuku, you can explore the district on your own. Spend some time admiring Shinjuku Gyoen, then, if you want to get back to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, visit one of the department stores, bookstores, cafes, or retail malls that surround the park. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden Koishikawa Korakuen, constructed in 1629 during the Edo Period, is one of the city’s oldest gardens. Visitors will love strolling around the medieval grounds, which include three stunning ponds surrounded by Japanese maples. The rest of Koishikawa Korakuen is equally pleasant, with an extensive variety of plants. From February to December, there’s usually something blooming, such as cherry blossoms and iris. Sankeien Gardens Hara Sankei, a silk merchant, designed the Sankeien Gardens, which have appealing walks, rivers, a pond, beautiful flowers, and restored historically significant structures from Kyoto, Kamakura, and other locations. On an excursion, you can have a guided tour of these stunning gardens and the collection of ancient buildings they house. Hamarikyu Gardens The Hamarikyu Gardens, located on the banks of the Sumida River in downtown Tokyo, have ever-changing landscape due to the park’s tidal seawater ponds. A quaint teahouse greets visitors on its tiny island at the southern tip of the garden, with a view of lush vegetation blending with the towering Shiodome commercial district. Even among the garden’s exquisite plum, maple, and ginkgo trees, a 300-year-old pine tree stands out as the arboreal gem. Visitors may get a close look at the pine’s broad limbs, which droop low to reinforce its powerful image. Rikugien Gardens A visit to the Rikugien Gardens begins with a simple trek along a woody dirt path until a stunning clearing opens, revealing the garden’s real grandeur. A big pond serves as the garden’s focal point, surrounded by man-made hills connected by trails that carry visitors through the gardens, woodland regions, and extensive lawns to many public teahouses. Guests who visit Rikugien in the autumn are in for a unique treat, as the park is lighted in the evening to highlight the stunning foliage of the blossoming maple trees. Tokyo’s remarkable garden culture combines long-standing traditions with new designs to create scenes that honor the past while looking ahead to the future. This mindset helps individuals from all over the world to feel their troubles melt away as they walk through Tokyo’s verdant parks. Ready to find peace in Tokyo’s gardens? Plan your cruise to Japan right now! Team Cruise Professionals
Savour Norway
3 mins | 17 Feb 2025 “Savour Norway” With an abundance of fresh, local ingredients sourced from the sea, mountains, and forests, the cuisines of Norway provides one a hearty and delightful flavors of the land. From traditional dishes passed down through generationsto modern twists on local favorites, their food celebrates the nation’s deep connection to their nature. Whether you’re feasting on freshly caught king crab, savoring a hearty bowl of fårikål, or indulging in some delicious homemade waffles, traditional Norwegian food offers a blend of simplicity and richness, reflecting the country’s natural bounty. Skrei – With the world’s second-longest coastline, it’s no wonder that fish and seafood play an important role in Norwegian cuisine. Cod is a particular favorite, known locally as skrei – a phrase derived from Old Norse for “the wanderer” that relates to the fish’s roaming patterns. Skrei are born in the Barents Sea and migrate 1,000 kilometers annually to the waters of Lofoten, Senja, and Vesterålen, where they were conceived. Skrei meat is thinner, whiter, and firmer than coastal cod, which stays in the same area.The firm, white flesh can be served fresh, salted and dried, i.e., in various manners preferred in your way. A particularly popular traditional dish in the Nordics is lutefisk, where the fish is dried, salted, and aged in lye. Shrimps – Lyngenfjord in the far north of Norway is not known for its balmy temperatures, but that’s exactly what makes the shrimp that spawn here taste so good. Twenty meters beneath the fjord’s surface – and many more beneath the towering mountains that surround it – the temperature rarely exceeds 2°C. The cold, clean, nutrient-rich water means the prawns grow slowly, so they are sweeter and juicier than bigger species. Book Norway Cruise. King Crab – Nothing beats the sensation of tasting king crab just minutes after it has been hauled from the seabed. And the more north you travel, the cheaper it gets. Consider trying king crab while visiting Arctic Norway. Fresh from the chilly and black Barents Sea, it is promptly flown to fine-dining establishments in Europe. Fårikål – One of Norway‘s most popular and comforting stews, made with slow-cooked mutton and cabbage, has been named the country’s national dish in multiple polls. It is especially popular in the fall and is commemorated with its own special day on the final Thursday of September. These meals are typically simple and hearty, with sides such as boiled potatoes and lefse (a classic Norwegian flatbread). Book Norway Cruise. Brunost – Norway‘s cultural identity and heritage include the characteristic brown cheese, brunost, which is a must-try during any visit. brunost, a sweet, rich cheese with a hint of caramel, is made by adding cream to goat’s or cow’s milk whey and boiling off the liquid. It is consumed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and as a snack on waffles, crispbreads, and open sandwiches. Anne Hov, a farmer’s wife, is credited with creating modern brunost in the late 19th century, though comparable cheese had been consumed for generations prior. Fruits – Orchards have been a part of the Norwegian landscape since the Vikings. Hundreds of fruit farms exist around the country, producing anything from apples and pears to strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, and cherries. The combination of long, bright days, warm temperatures, and a mostly pollution-free environment creates ideal circumstances for fruit to ripen gradually. Book Norway Cruise. Gold of the North – Multe (cloudberry) is a unique Norwegian fruit, known as the ‘gold of the north’. They grow wild in northern hemisphere marshlands and are famously difficult to forage and cultivate. Good foraging sites are jealously guarded secrets. Ripe cloudberries are golden, juicy, and resemble raspberries. Desserts – At Christmas, it is customary to bake seven different types of cookies to offer good luck for the holiday season. Some examples include krumkake and sandbakkels, which are buttery biscuits fashioned in cones or moulds.Sandnøtter (sand nuts) is a popular cookie with a crumbly texture and vanilla flavor. Book Norway Cruise. Team Cruise Professionals
Gala Evening
2 mins | 10 Feb 2025 “Gala – A Night of Grace and Glamour” An invitation to attend a magnificent evening of music and festivities while wearing your best black tie. On Cunard you’ll experience the Gala Evenings, the genuine romance of ocean travel is at its most vibrant. As passengers emerge from their staterooms in their finest evening attire — beautifully dressed in ball gowns and tuxedos — like a scene from a Hollywood film, you’ll sense the vibe of an unforgettable occasion. What is Gala? A Cunard Cruise Gala is a formal event with a dress code, fine dining, and trademark cuisines, where guests are greeted graciously and treated to an unforgettable experience. The elegantly produced invites delivered to their staterooms serve as an invitation. On the night of the Gala, you can anticipate your ship to completely turn into a flurry of decorations, giving its guests a festival-like atmosphere. The Air is filled with Magic They invite you to a Gala Evening at least once on every three-night or longer journey, with the dress code always given ahead of time so you may pack correctly. On certain nights, your ship will undergo a transformation, complete with decorations, customized dining menus, and specialty beverages. On Cunard you will be given a complimentary drink waiting for you at dinner, musicians to amuse you late into the night, and a general sense of celebration throughout your ship. It is truly a beautiful time to be on board. Themes for Cunard Gala Gala evenings have one of four themes: Roaring Twenties, Masquerade, Red and Gold, or Black and White. The décor of your ship, the musical performances throughout the evening, and the specialty drinks and food served that evening in our bars and restaurants all make references to these themes. More ideas on how to dress for these extremely special evenings on board, as well as for daytime on board and ashore, can be found in our “What to pack for a Cunard Cruise” guide. Team Cruise Professionals
Cunard’s Legacy of Luxury
3 mins | 03 Feb 2025 “Cunard’s Legacy of Luxury” Cunard is proud to offer outstanding service that exceeds their passengers’ expectations. Exceedingly firm, thoroughly considerate and considerably advanced. Queens’ White Star Service is outstanding. A longer cruise and lasting memories are the only things you might want. What does White Star Service of Cunard look like? From the moment of embarkation on your cruise with Cunard, staff and officers will be at your service, taking great pride in ensuring the most enjoyable, memorable and luxurious experience is achieved. There are many genuine events, shared by previous Cunard guests, perfectly capture what Cunard means when they stand by the phrase “White Star Service“. Dating back to 1929, the White Star Service is a legacy of Cunard’s history, honoring the golden era of the White Star Line. The staff doesn’t need to be reminded to attend to your needs; they think of it as their delight to serve, anticipate what you might ask before you ask, and address concerns without being asked. And if you do ask, you only have to do it once. Their dedication to commit themselves to ensure that each and ever passenger has their own curated experience is something which they generally take pride in. When you enter the Britannia restaurant, your napkin will be softly placed across your lap while the server will preemptively refill your glass with water. Want a dessert that isn’t on the menu? Just ask, and the best chef and cooks will try their best to prepare it for you. Have you not been on board in a few years? Don’t be startled if your Commodore Club bartender grins warmly and addresses you by name. This is the kind of attention to detail that marks a Cunard trip, and they have hundreds of anecdotes from customers who had firsthand experience with their White Star Service. Book Cunard Cruise. A track record of excellence For more than a century, Cunard cruises have been distinguished by their attentive yet unnoticeable service. They call it White Star Service because of their longstanding relationship with the White Star Line, and its roots are deeply ingrained in the principles that made sailing during the Golden Age of Ocean Travel such a luxury experience. They firmly believe that these principles, which were associated with a different era, still have a place in our modern world today. The sense of style, elegance and sophistication is something in which they find immense pride. These principles serve as the cornerstone for Cunard’s White Star Training Academy, the first port of call for anyone joining their ships’ crews. The Academy emphasizes style, attention, and imagination, given with pride and enthusiasm. Recognizing how important the relationship with the ship’s crew is to the customers’ holiday experience, they regularly refresh their training to ensure they’re on par with the current definitions of luxury, while continuing to go above and beyond to exceed expectations. A passing grade is represented by a shiny enameled pin; see how many you can find during your journey. As Lee Powell, the VP of Brand and Product Development phrased, “The Cunard experience is first and foremost delivered through the genuine care and warmth of our people.” Every day and evening, the White Star Service by Cunard creates the most intimate and memorable moments for the visitors. It is true that the sense of being special on board their ships is primarily about the service the passengers generally enjoy. Team Cruise Professionals
What to Pack for a Norway Cruise
3 mins | 27 Jan 2025 “What to Pack for a Norway Cruise” So, what should we pack? What items would be needed for the trip? Is this dress all right? Will it be appropriate for the setting? What kind of clothing should I wear given the weather?As an example, whenever we are preparing for a vacation, we all have a lot of questions, which causes us to forget to pack our fundamentals. But don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list for you so you don’t forget the fundamentals.But don’t worry if you forget something; there are many aboard shops that sell a variety of other products, including high-quality knitwear, apparel, and a modest selection of toiletries. Book Cruises. Year Round Essentials 1. Clothing – You should carry thin layers of clothing as much as possible, in comparison to the thick layers wear a number of thin layers than just a few thick ones. The air trapped in-between thin layers warms to your body’s temperature and acts as valuable insulation. The trousers that you’ll carry should have outer layers should be wind and waterproof to adapt to the changing conditions on the Norwegian coast.2. Sweaters and Jackets – Gather all your long sleeved and fleece jackets, so that they can go over and mid of your layers.3. Footwear – You’ll need a pair of worn-in walking boots to use outdoors, as well as some casual shoes for use onboard. Pack an extra pair or two in your rucksack if you’re going out snowmobiling or dog sledging and your feet become damp or wet.4. Swimsuit – If you intend to use any sauna or hot tub facilities, you will need to pack a swimsuit.Along with all these basics and essentials you can also carry a camera and an extra memory card so that you can capture all the memories with you; especially when you are going to see the Northern Lights.Also do remember to carry your own sunscreen as it is must and a lip balm. Book Norway Cruises. What to pack for each season in Norway? 1. Spring – As you are likely to encounter three seasons during one sailing in spring, it’s important to pack well and layer up. It is better to wear numerous thin layers than a few thick ones. Many excursions in Norway includes uneven or slippery terrain, so bring appropriate, waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots.2. Summer – Summer weather by the coast can be unpredictable, so in addition to T-shirts, shorts, and sandals, take a warm jumper, light jacket (water-resistant), thin cap and gloves, and hiking shoes. You may also wish to pack an eye mask to assist you sleep during the Midnight Sun season.3. Autumn – Pack plenty of layers for an autumn cruise in Norway, including a windproof and waterproof jacket, warm wool sweaters, a hat, gloves, comfortable walking shoes with good grip and light hiking boots and waterproof trousers, as the weather can be unpredictable with cool temperatures, wind, and rain; remember to prioritize items that keep you dry and warm. Pack a few lighter clothing for warmer weather or inside the ship.4. Winter – Winters in Norway, along the coast can be extremely cold, so bring base and mid layers, a heavy winter jacket, wool or fleece hat, balaclava/buff, gloves, woolly sweater, scarf, winter boots, and pull-on spikes. Remember the layer principle: wearing several thin layers is preferable to wearing a few bulky ones. In extremely cold weather, it’s a good idea to wear two pairs of gloves: one thick pair of mitts (mitts don’t separate the fingers, keeping your hands warmer) and a thin pair of gloves underneath that allows you to utilize your fingers. If you’re prone to cold extremities, consider purchasing carbon hand and foot warmers. Book Norway Cruises. Team Cruise Professionals