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Daniela Harrison

Turning Sea Days into Highlights of Your Cruise

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When talking about a cruise vacation, there are many obvious options to consider, from the ports of call, the trip length, the size of the ship, the on-board inclusions and, of course, the levels of service you’ll experience on board. The one thing that always turns into a big point of discussion for us are the number of sea days during any given cruise itinerary.

Travelers either love them or hate them. But, we have figured out that sea days can be the highlights of your next cruise vacation, if you are traveling with the right cruise line for your interests.

While some lines are only focused on partying, gambling at the casino on board and visiting the shopping malls, other like to elevate your experience and challenge your knowledge.

Holland America does an excellent job of challenging their affluent cruisers. All ships offer a variety of programs to engage and stimulate their travelers’ minds and help them develop and fine-tune new skills. One of their most popular programs is America’s Test Kitchen, which offers live on-board cooking shows and hands-on workshops and the BBC Earth Experiences, which include exclusive lectures, concerts and documentaries.

For the wine connoisseur in you, join the Blend Program on board and learn how to create your own unique wine blend. Afterward, stroll through the on-board art gallery and get inspired by renowned artists before attending a digital workshop that will teach you how to edit, display and share your favorite vacation memories.

Enjoy cultural performances that capture the spirit of the region or join one of the many engaging presentations and interactive workshops on board that are led by expert guides and the top of their fields. What does that mean for you? You get to connect with marine biologists to learn about the underwater life in your destination. You can join a historian on your shore excursion and learn all about the history of ancient tribes in the region.

For Oprah Fans, schedule your day around the O-Inspired Programs, like morning meditation and yoga, the Oprah Book Club, and many others that guests can enjoy onboard and be inspired to live life to the fullest.

When inspiration strikes you, stop by the Rijksmuseum at Sea. Much more than a floating art museum, Rijksmuseum at Sea is a creative salon where guests can be inspired by the museum’s collection to create their own works of art – through drawing, photography or just doodling. Rijksmuseum at Sea includes a bright studio space featuring life-sized reproductions of artworks from Rijksmuseum, drawing tables, sketchbooks, pencils, friendly instructors and everything guests need to create their own masterpieces. 

Choosing a longer voyage that offers more sea days can add an amazing value to your next cruise vacation. You will be able to enjoy many exclusive on-board activities like those mentioned above, most free of charge, and you won’t have to miss out on spending time in ports and exploring the destinations you’re visiting. No more feeling rushed and feeling anxiety over missing out on activities. Holland America Cruises Legendary Voyages are a great way to get the best of all worlds. These lengthier itineraries extend your journey, giving you longer stays and overnights in key ports – time to truly experience the heart and soul of the region you are visiting. Each carefully planned itinerary gives you time to discover and reflect, with a diverse assortment of excursions, including culinary-themed shore excursions in partnership with FOOD & WINE. On board, make the most of each destination with Explorations Central, where you can engage in local language lessons, expert-led talks and more. In short, take advantage of amazing savings, cash in on added amenities, really get to know the crew on board as well as the expert guides and lecturers, acquire a new skill, discover a new destination and come back relaxed and rejuvenated.

To learn more about Holland America and the programs they offer on board, join us at our 6th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo on Oct. 10, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff. Meet with Megan from Holland America and many other cruise lines, tour operators and hoteliers, face to face between 5-8 p.m. Our Avenues of the World Travel Advisors will be on site to answer any questions, schedule appointments and assist with live bookings on site. Don’t miss your chance to secure amazing booking specials and enter our door raffle for vacation giveaways and much more! QCBN

By Daniela Harrison

Daniela Harrison is a Travel Advisor and Director of Marketing at Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff. For questions, please reach out via 928-556-0853 or Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com.

Cruising on One of the Most Luxurious Ships 

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises have some of the most luxurious ships ever built. Each ship nestles you in the lap of pure luxury and is absolutely amazing. The furniture is custom designed. The flowers in each lounge have been carefully selected for their aesthetic presence and delicate scent to create the perfect ambiance. Even the work has been handpicked to encourage conversation and wonder. 

The fleet consists of four ships, with a fifth debuting in 2020. The public areas on board are never crowded, and standing in line for disembarkation or dinner seating is practically nonexistent. The crew members, whose only mission is to tend to your every need, are quick to get to know you and remember your name, making sure you feel at home every second of the day. Since Regent Seven Seas Cruises is all-inclusive, shore excursions in every port are a main attraction, and the guides are phenomenal!  

Suites range from 300 square feet all the way up to 4,400 square feet! My suite, a Concierge Balcony Suite on board the Seven Seas Explorer provided an entire 454-square-feet to enjoy. I had a huge walk-in closet, bedroom area, separate sitting area, desk, minibar hutch, a large balcony furnished with two chairs and table as well as an incredibly comfortable lounge chair. The bathroom was beautifully laid out with double vanities, ample storage space, a bathtub and the most amazing rain shower ever! My favorite feature in the stateroom, you ask? All drawers are easy-close. Simply tap them and they close themselves. It’s truly the little things in life that make a difference. 

Feel like snacking? Try any of the amazing (up to seven) restaurants on board each ship. Each features its own cuisine and unique décor. Your options range from buffet style, Asian-Fusion, modern French, Italian, a top-notch steakhouse or the main restaurant. All dietary needs and food allergies can be accommodated. 

Feel more like lounging by the pool or getting spoiled silly in the spa? Not a problem at all. The saltwater pool is accompanied by two hot tubs and the spa features a separate infinity pool for a more relaxed atmosphere. The pool bar is fully stocked and the bartenders make a mean strawberry daiquiri. Of course there is nothing better to aid your relaxation than a visit to the Canyon Ranch Spa. Choose from a wide array of treatment options (at an additional cost). Get a manicure or simply relax in the sauna for a while. The choice is yours. 

For those who can’t sit still for too long, there is a tennis court, an 18-hole putting course, a jogging track and a top-of-the-line gym with stunning ocean views for your workout. The Constellation Theater offers a different show every night. All three lounges have live music in the evenings, and after 10 p.m., the DJ is ready for you. Don’t forget to stop by the casino, as the cruise manager would say: The casino is ready to pay out tonight…maybe.    

Trying to recover from last night’s party? The library has a plethora of books available for your enjoyment, and the business center is available for your computer needs. Did I mention each suite receives complimentary WiFi?  

I can tell by now you are wondering what else is there to do on board. Clearly this can’t be it? And you are right! Do you know an aspiring chef? The Culinary Arts Kitchen (on the Seven Seas Explorer exclusively) offers cooking classes (extra charge applies), themed by the port of the day. Some classes are a hands-on experience on board, others offer the chance to go ashore with the chef to pick ingredients at the local market and then learn how to prepare them.  

Where does this wonderful fleet sail? Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers itineraries anywhere around the world; except Antarctica and the Galapagos. You can choose from seven-night itineraries all the way to 147-night World Cruise adventures! Get ready to be spoiled beyond belief in some of the most unique ports of call. It would be my pleasure to make your arrangements and help get you there. We secured fantastic group rates for sailing in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and there are some amazing specials to take advantage of for departures during the remainder of the year!  

Still not sure if this is right for you? Join us for our 5th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Sept. 20, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Flagstaff. A Regent Seven Seas Cruises representative will be on site to meet with you in person and answer any questions you might have. The event is free to all! QCBN 

By Daniela Harrison 

Daniela Harrison is a Travel Consultant for Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff AZ.  

For questions, or to make reservations, she can be reached at: 

Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com or 928.556.0853