Avalon Waterways Ramps Up Traveler Options

Avalon Waterways is a leading player in European river cruising with ships showcasing features and amenities that were thoughtfully designed with the traveler in mind. Everything from the introduction of floor-to-ceiling windows to hotel-style amenities in every stateroom has raised the bar in river cruising. And Avalon continues to lead the way with sailing three new “Suite Ships” in 2012, the Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary. Features like “Open Air Balconies”, wall-to-wall panoramic windows, and spacious staterooms and suites give travelers the freedom to experience their destination like never before.

In 2013, Avalon Waterways is introducing Avalon Choice– an entirely new concept in river cruising. Avalon Choice gives river cruisers the freedom to personalize their cruise, from beginning to end. River cruisers will now enjoy the luxury of choice, from deciding what and where to eat, to selecting room configuration and cruising style; from choosing on-land discoveries and onboard enrichment programs to making online, pre-sail customizations via MyAvalon, beginning in 2013.

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Scenic Cruises Christens New River Ship Crystal in Germany

And she is stunning! My husband and I were among other travel agents and media onboard to preview Scenic Cruises® sixth “Space-Ship,” the Scenic Crystal, sailing from Amsterdam to Rüdesheim, Germany where she was christened on April 25, 2012. Glen Moroney, founder and managing director, was on hand for the christening event.

Scenic Crystal's Inaugural Sailing

Scenic Crystal "Space Ship"

Our cabin on the Danube deck featured a “Sun Lounge,” unique to Scenic Cruises. It’s a weatherproof, step-out balcony enclosed with a floor-to-ceiling glass patio door, where the upper portion can be lowered with the touch of a button to create an open-air balcony. You’ll never miss a Kodak moment as you glide past the many castles on the Rhine and Moselle.

Moselle River Castle

Shot taken from our "Sun Lounge" balcony.

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Napa Valley Unveils Spring, Summer 2012 Calendar of Events

Napa Valley is a fabulous stand-alone vacation destination or the perfect extension to a San Francisco holiday. Travel Pulse® Daily Newsletter, an up-to-the-minute publication for travel agents, recently posted the following to help in planning a Napa Valley itinerary.

“Napa Valley will see several new restaurants and tasting rooms, culinary workshops and renovated hotels and spas in the spring and summer seasons. New restaurants include Bardessono, resort’s new Lucy Restaurant and Bar, which harvests ingredients from its onsite garden in Yountville. Michelin-starred Chef Richard Reddington has launched Redd Wood, offering wood-fired pizzas, pastas and other seasonal selections. Rancho Caymus Inn has opened Alex Italian Restaurant, featuring a regional Italian menu with influences from Liguria and Emilia-Romagna and a California flavor. Two restaurants are also slated to open in St. Helena, including French Blue Restaurant in April, which will feature local food sourced from nearby farms, orchards and bakeries. Goose and Gander will debut in May in a 90-year-old craftsman-style bungalow.

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Travel Tips

Check out the latest airline travel tips from The Wall Street Journal. (A shoe in your in-room safe? Really?)

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    Culinary Delights of Parma Italy

    Italy is a destination magnet for lovers of history, art, food and wine. When planning your itinerary, be sure to include Parma which is world famous for its culinary contributions to world cuisine. Avanti Destinations® has created a package with foodies in mind.

    Avanti Destinations® Culinary Delights of Parma

    For 4 days/3 nights veer off the beaten path and discover Parma, a charming town with a rich history. Parma is famous for its cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, and its ham, Prosciutto di Parma, as well as its beautiful cathedrals, palaces and opera house. Your package includes a private guided walking tour of Parma, as well as a half-day excursion to the surrounding countryside where you will visit a local farm and sample the delicious wine, cheese and prosciutto of the region. Book for travel from September 15-19, 2012, and attend the 13th annual Prosciutto di Parma Festival! Optional add-on tours available to the nearby towns of Maranello, home to Ferrari, and Bologna.
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    Fine Dining on the Mississippi River

    Celebrated chef Regina Charboneau has joined the executive team of the American Queen as Chef de Cuisine. When Great American Steamboat Company begins operating the paddlewheeler on April 13, 2012, it will serve the Southern cuisine often served at Twin Oaks, Charboneau’s antebellum home and six-room B&B in Natchez, Mississippi. Trained in Paris at La Varenne, Charboneau also cooked in Alaska and New York before moving back to her native Natchez in 2000. Today, she writes for The Atlantic website, has authored two cookbooks, is a regular guest chef on the “P. Allen Smith Gardens” television show, and appears on network TV broadcasts.

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    Posted in Civil War Theme Cruise, Culinary Travel, Great American Steamboat Company, Mississippi River Cruise, River Cruise | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

    Enjoy the Magic of the Season

    Tastefuljourneys.com wishes everyone Fair Winds and Following Seas in 2012. It is a nautical blessing that means “may the wind fill your sails favorably for the duration of your voyage and may the seas be calm.”

    Uniworld Boutique Cruises Holiday Christmas Onboard

    Timeless Holiday Traditions On Classic Christmas Markets River Cruises

    May peace be your gift this holiday season and your blessing all year through.

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    National Cruise Vacation Week

    Throughout October 2011 Scooter Tessari, MCC, of The Cruise Center, Inc. will participate in National Cruise Vacation Week, an enlivening event designed to showcase the astonishing choice, diversity and value of cruise vacations. Travel agencies from around North America will join the 26 member companies of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to extend exceptional offers and information on cruise vacations all over the world.

    From Avalon Waterways:

    Avalon Waterways NCVW 2011

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    SANDALS RESORTS’ CULINARY AMBASSADOR WINS A THIRD EMMY AWARD

    A recent press release from Sandals Resorts International proudly announced that its very own Culinary Ambassador, Chef Walter Staib, received a third Emmy Award for his television cooking series A Taste of History® during the prestigious 29th Annual Emmy® Awards held in Philadelphia. The second season of the show won Best Historic/Cultural Program or Special, while in its first season, Emmy® Awards went to Chef Staib and James Davey for “On-Camera Talent – Program Host/Moderator” and “Director” respectively.

    Chef Walter Staib, Sandals Resorts Culinary Ambassador

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    Preparing For A Hurricane Tips

    For vacationers to the Caribbean, fall is an ideal time for fewer crowds and, typically, great prices. Another plus for couples traveling is the fact that children have gone back to school. But wait! It’s also hurricane season. June 1 through November 30 is commonly known as “Hurricane Season” in North America. And, with hurricane Irene bearing down on the East Coast, many travel suppliers have executed storm preparations.

    Caribbean Beach

    Oceania Cruises Caribbean


    Even at the peak of the season — late August to mid October — the chances of a hurricane spoiling your trip are fairly low. But in case a nasty storm is predicted, here are a few tips:

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