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E levate Your Travel
By Laura Del Rosso
Cruise lines operating the most sumptuous ships at sea are offering more unique and special programs on land so that you’ll not only enjoy extraordinary voyages, but also once-in-a-lifetime experiences around the world.
Aerial view of Zadar's waterfront, Croatia
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Shore excursions, for example, are more innovative than ever. As a passenger on a Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Northern Europe cruise, you can spend an evening in an acclaimed art museum—once the lavish former home of a Swedish prince—opened after hours exclusively for your group. Imagine an overnight port stay in ancient Zadar—the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, anchored by a grand 12th-century cathedral and surrounded by Roman-built walls—watching a stunning solar-powered light show under the stars.
Many of these new programs are designed to delve deeper into the natural world, history and cultures of your desired destinations. Travelers can enjoy immersive experiences on National Geographic day tours offered by Azamara. In Amsterdam, for example, take a boat through tree-lined canals and walk cobblestone streets as you hear fascinating, first-hand stories from local immigrants and refugees. Then, savor a meal cooked by chefs from around the world.
These one-of-a-kind experiences are part of cruise companies’ efforts to exceed the expectations of its passengers.
"Our Azamara guest is constantly seeking new ways to explore different cultures and destinations through educational and immersive travel,” says Paul Chapple, the company’s head of land product development and operations.
Other special land options feature golf at awesome courses worldwide, including revered links in Scotland, where the sport originated. The lineup could include a far-flung course on the rugged Orkney Islands or many other stunning courses.
The world’s finest cruise companies, renowned for their exceptional standards of onboard service, strive to ensure their clients enjoy those same high standards before and after their sailings. Silversea Cruises is among those that have designed tempting pre- and post-cruise programs.
Auckland skyline from Mount Eden
On its Countryside Wineries itinerary in New Zealand, take in the sights of lovely Auckland, including spots with fantastic views of bridges and harbors, before venturing out to bucolic farming and wine-growing areas. Taste the vintages at a local vineyard and stroll the village of Matakana, home to 20 wineries as well as famed ceramists.
Silversea cruise ship in Antarctica
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One of the most inventive programs lifting service and comfort to new heights is Silversea’s private charter flights. One option allows guests to skip the often-choppy Drake Passage and fly directly to King George Island off the coast of Antarctica. The trip starts with charter flights from Santiago, Chile, to Punta Arenas for an overnight, followed by a comfortable business class flight to the island—a journey in style to meet the ship and witness the stunning beauty of the White Continent. Similar private charter flights with top-of-the-line service are available to Silversea’s sailings to Greenland and the Arctic.
“We are always looking for ways to enhance the travel experience for our guests, including the pre- and post-cruise journey,” says Massimo Brancaleoni, senior vice president of global sales at Silversea. “Not only do we unlock the Arctic’s most remote regions with unique destination expertise and some of the most luxurious ships at sea, but we do so in unparalleled comfort and convenience.”
Tango dancers in Buenos Aires
A Regent Choice small group tour in Buenos Aires is another example of an exclusive, enriching experience. Choose an itinerary where you could watch traditional tango performances and see the passion of the dance, wander with a guide through elegant and vibrant neighborhoods, or taste the famous Argentine barbecue of grilled meats at a countryside estancia.
“We continually strive to elevate the unrivaled Regent experience for our discerning and well-traveled guests,” says Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Travel companies specializing in upscale land programs also are constantly adding and innovating their offerings in order to entice travelers to enjoy the experiences as part of a stand-alone vacation or in combination with a cruise.
In New Zealand, for example, AAA.com/Gold can arrange a dinner with a former member of the famous World Cup-winning New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, who shares tales of a life devoted to New Zealanders’ favorite sport.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
That kind of special experience extends to hotels, as well. Luxury Gold offers a carefully selected group of fine hotels for unforgettable stays. It can be a night or more at the opulent, 800-year-old Ashford Castle in the lush Ireland countryside or at the posh boutique hotel Ohla Eixample in Barcelona, built on the site of the palace of the city’s first count.
Rail journey aboard Peru's Vistadome train
When considering ways to elevate your travel, don’t forget about rail journeys. More and more, boutique trains, such as Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, South Africa’s Rovos Rail, Norway’s Flam Railway and Peru’s Vistadome are carrying passengers into destinations known for fantastic views. These rail trips, as well as the land vacations and upscale cruises, are designed to leave you with unforgettable memories of travel in grand style.