theconnectionsnj.com DESTINATION SUMMER PAGE 25 RESERVE YOUR SUITE BY JUNE 30, 2022 Luxury cruising began in the nineteenth century, primarily as a means of transportation. Those grand luxury liners were fashioned to appeal to the upper classes offering all the lavish amenities and accommodations expected by the aristocracy and industrialists of that bygone era. Yet they also carried second and thirdclass passengers as well as the steerage class usually carrying immigrants to the new world. But today’s luxury cruise ships are usually smaller and cater to the savvy traveler. The crew to guest ratios, stateroom amenities, choices of the finest wines and cuisine, distinguish them as modern-day first-class vacations. In the next four issues, I will highlight the vast choices available in this luxury class. In future issues, I will highlight Explorer Class cruises, offering exotic locations such as the Galapagos, the Arctic, the Antarctic, just to mention a few. Then onto Yachting, from a charter of a vessel for a private, custom-made adventure, to your choices of reserving a stateroom on a superyacht with a planned itinerary and specific departure dates. Finally, I will highlight the fastest growing sector of this market, the river cruises. So, let’s begin with what is usually the first foray into the luxury cruise market. The cruise lines we recommend are Azamara, Silver Seas, Seabourn, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Cunard. All of which offer a myriad of choices and itineraries, as well as the length of the cruise. From the standard seven-day cruise to a world cruise, or any portion thereof, your choices are unlimited. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers what I feel is the most comprehensive inclusions on the seas. These include free and unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages, including fine wines and spirits, specialty restaurants, unlimited Wi-Fi, air travel, business class in certain categories of stateroom booked, round trip airport to cruise transfers, gratuities, and even laundry services! As well as pre and post-cruise hotel accommodations, depending on the category chosen. Regent is the gourmand’s choice - All to make this a truly luxurious vacation!! Oceania Cruises is my choice for those interested in a full immersion foodie experience. They are the first line to introduce cooking classes onboard. And as an optional excursion, the Chef will accompany the guests to the markets of the intended port, where you will go shopping at local markets, farms, and vineyards, to assemble the ingredients which you will later prepare yourself for the dinner that night. The French have an expression for this, Cuisine du Terroir. Experiencing the flavors of a specific place. Azamara with its smaller ships able to port at more unusual locations, make this line perfect for those looking for a destination-intensive itinerary. But a truly luxury experience includes an expert to assist you to plan your voyage. Helping you navigate which itinerary or cruise line to make your vacation exactly what you are looking for is only the beginning. Managing all the moving parts by a professional experienced travel consultant can greatly add to a more pleasant experience like: entry requirements for foreign countries, such as visas or health and vaccine documentation; what kind and how much insurance you need; assistance in selecting the right shore excursions for each port, and the list goes on and on. Our highly motivated and knowledgeable travel consultants are here to help. So give us a call, we would love to hear from you. We can be reached at 908-234-2500 or stop by our office located at 115 Morristown Road in Bernardsville. Tom Nero is CEO, CPO of Avenue Travel Group 62 Main St., Madison, NJ 07940 973-822-3222 x415 By Tom Nero Luxury Cruising, A Series Managing all the moving parts by a professional experienced travel consultant can greatly add to a more pleasant experience like: entry requirements for foreign countries, such as visas or health and vaccine documentation; what kind and how much insurance you need; assistance in selecting the right shore excursions for each port, and the list goes on and on. Let’s begin with what is usually the first foray into the luxury cruise market. The cruise lines we recommend are Azamara, Silver Seas, Seabourn, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Cunard. All of which offer a myriad of choices and itineraries, as well as the length of the cruise. TRAVEL CORNER
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