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Your Perfect Journey

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

The bright-side view of things. It really can be found everywhere, if you look with an open mind. One of the bright-side views toward travel having been limited during the last several years, is our newfound appreciation for the power a journey has to fulfill and transform us. Undoubtedly, that appreciation is a large part of the reason why a great deal of recent research and consumer surveys have found that people believe travel is more important than ever, that they intend to spend more on travel than they had before 2020, and – unequivocally – that they want to travel meaningfully

As people now revel in the joy of planning travel that they feel confident will actually happen – whether reclaiming earlier plans or creating new ones – it’s lovely to imagine the collective delight swirling around us. People are pursuing the manifestation of their dreams, of the ideal way they would like to spend precious time.

When you travel with Explora Journeys, you will experience the first ocean journey of its kind, one where you, and no one else, can shape the experience that is truly perfect for you. For some, the perfect journey is rife with discovery. Whether immersing oneself in a new culture – its language, food, music, colors, and architecture – or specifically indulging in the pursuit of a specific topic like the history of French Champagne houses, spending time taking in the new is an ideal way to spark wonder and feel enriched. Others are drawn to a feeling. They want to break free from the sameness of their everyday routines at home, by diving into adventurous activities. Trekking across a glacier, swimming with whale sharks, spending a day in the life of a race car driver – nothing can replace the adrenaline rush these travellers seek. The heady rush of a new challenge imbues them with a new sense of excitement.

Many travellers who plan their dream journey do so in order to experience a place rather than a type of activity. A common example of this is when travellers leave snowy Northern cities for points south, in the heart of winter. Sun, warmth, and the shedding of extra layers of clothing provide a deeply satisfying respite, and perhaps a sense of freedom. Or, it could be that the sensation of being fully surrounded by the vibrancy and constancy of nature is someone’s ideal journey. Perhaps they feel a sense of their inner spirit soaring with joy as they gaze at an endlessly blue horizon line, where sea and sky are somehow delineated and yet inseparable. When you envision your most life-affirming journey, what do you yearn for?

Let’s go there for a moment.

Close your eyes. Then, focus on the in and out of your breath. Let everything around you fall away as you sink into your imagination. Recall a moment from a past journey, that made you feel like your most whole, happy self, brimming with excitement about everything and about nothing at all. Let yourself explore that memory. What were you wearing? Who was with you? What was the light like – was it golden hour, or was twilight winking at you from behind a setting sun? Was the sky dotted with stars, or did city lights glow all around you?

Most importantly, exactly how did you feel? Now, let yourself feel that again. Focus again on the in and out of your breath. What an incredible memory.

Now, on to how you can create more memories of the perfect travel experience. You see, you won’t find theatre productions on Explora Journeys’ ships, but you will find them in many of the stunning cities where we visit. You also won’t find formal nights, or other large gatherings, for that matter. Every private guest space is a home at sea, each suite oceanfront with a large terrace.

Foodies will be delighted by exploring the nine different culinary experiences onboard. With no set dining times, it’s like being in one of the world’s great cities and dining in all the best restaurants. In fact, just like you would find in the most revered luxury hotels, hosts onboard are passionate hospitality experts who wish to deliver intuitive personalized service.

Travelers who holiday with Explora Journeys are those who long to be left exhilarated and not exhausted. Explora Journeys offers a different pace: slower, deeper and with more opportunity for immersion. You may even have a sense that you can touch the impossible; to reach out and fulfill a transcendent need that resonates deep within your being. All of this brings to mind a line from the Chinese philosopher, Confucius: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” The Explora Journeys team has created something where luxury becomes joyful, personal, and transformative – whether onboard, exploring destinations with purpose, or reminiscing about the trip long after you’ve returned home.

Now, if you enjoyed that brief visit into your memories earlier, here is another exercise for you. Imagine that you are at the edge of something ancient and deeply familiar, and yet entirely mysterious. You are feeling the most peculiar fusion of immense relaxation and delicious anticipation for all that is to come. You feel a breeze, you feel sunlight, you feel moonlight, you feel a cold glass in your hand. You feel the hand of someone you love gently touching your shoulder. You are in the moment you have always dreamed of, and yet somehow have always known.

You are in your Ocean State of Mind.

Luxury Travel Trends For 2022

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

There’s no denying that travel certainly looks a lot different today than it did a couple years ago. In fact, pent-up demand has fueled a travel renaissance as people ache to go exploring once more. From ocean and river cruises to hotels and resorts, even rail journeys, luxury travel is bouncing back, finding new ways to satisfy one’s taste for the good life. You might even say we’re entering a new era of luxury travel, one that’s placing greater emphasis on immersive and authentic experiences.

So where are people headed to? Well, pretty much everywhere – literally. Exotic and uncharted destinations are hot and new expedition cruises now traverse nearly every large body of water on the planet, including the poles. Interest in well-being travel has skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic with many new hotels and resorts offering new wellness programs and services to help guests feel better than ever. Even big cities throughout the world are awakening from their recent hibernations as visitors are once again returning.

But by far, the most meaningful trend this year is “conscious travel.” These are travel experiences that combine sustainability and wellness, cultural immersion and exploration, adventure and involvement with the destination, as well as the supporting of conservation and environmental projects, empowerment of artisans, producers and local businesses.

Lastly, we can’t forget about travel advisors who continue to be an indispensable source of information, knowledge, and expertise. Unless you’re the type of adventurer who loves the thrill of uncertainty, one of the most important steps you can take when considering your next travel experience is to consult a travel professional who will make sure your adventure is everything you want it to be – and so much more.

Reasons to Spend the Summer in Puerto Rico

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Vibrant, sun-kissed, and colorful… Puerto Rico is the ideal destination for your vacation getaway! This summer, dare to live Boricua through one-of-a-kind experiences, mesmerizing scenery, infectious rhythms, and welcoming people. You'll find adventure, warm weather, and an even warmer embrace as you explore the heart and soul of the Caribbean.

And while some will tell you they live to travel, in Puerto Rico, you'll travel to live. There are plenty of reasons to visit the Island, so check these for inspiration as you plan your vacation:

Colorful culture and rich history
The energy of Puerto Rico's culture comes from the centuries of blending Taíno, Spanish, and African heritage. This integration reflects through the Island's historical architecture, dynamic art, and spirited music.
And there is no culture without history, right? You can see Puerto Rico's rich history manifestation through different means and across the Island. Stroll the beautiful cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to discover fortresses from when Spaniards ruled Puerto Rico or visit towns like Ponce and San Germán to delight in the colonial architecture these towns preserve. You can also visit museums that tell the stories of Puerto Rico's conquistadors, ceremonial parks to learn about the indigenous tribes that roamed Borikén (as the Taínos called the land) or bateys (plazas) for a lesson in the Island's African heritage.

You can find museums and galleries all over the Island that reflect the Puerto Rican cultural heritage and evolution. Ancient artifacts, pre-Columbian paintings, contemporary pieces, and even street art can be found by those with a trained eye and even the self-taught amateurs.
Another way to perceive the vibrancy is through Puerto Rico's iconic music. Salsa, reggaetón, bomba, plena, trova, and many other genres elevate the liveliness of boricuas through infectious beats. You can catch a live performance on the streets of San Juan (and many other towns) and in concert halls, bars, lounges, and chinchorros. Wherever you go, the rhythms of the Island will have you swinging your hips and swaying around in no time.

Natural beauty all around
An adventurer at heart? Puerto Rico has a space just for you. Whether you want to relax by the ocean or are seeking an adrenaline-rushed experience, the Island's diverse ecosystems have you covered. With nearly 300 miles of coastline, over 36 nature reserves, and 19 state forests and wildlife refuges, you can relish unique vistas and mesmerizing settings.

Find surf beaches or loungy beaches – black sand, gold sand, white sand… Puerto Rico has it all. Explore the colorful marine life in places like The Wall at La Parguera, snorkel through pristine cays like Icaco's Island, or swim around world-renowned beaches like Flamenco in Culebra. Each area has a distinctive quality and varied marine life with different characteristics – like colors and wave flow. You can choose the one that best satisfies your beachy desires.

Find one-of-a-kind experiences in places like El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest System; a bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico (did you know there are only five in the world, and Puerto Rico is home to three of them?); the Guánica’s Dry Forest, a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve; or the Río Camuy Cave Park, the third-largest underground river in the world! And these are just a few of the many places where outdoor adventure awaits.

The beauty of Puerto Rico? You can enjoy all its diversity in a single day.

Savor the Flavors
If you’re a foodie, then welcome to a culinary paradise! The explosion of flavors in staple dishes and inventive creations from the chefs around the Island is unmatched. Whether it is a snack, a drink, street food, or a high-end meal, every chef on the Island has the same goal: to take care of people and showcase the culture through the food.

Staple dishes like mofongo (deep-fried mashed plantain) or arroz mamposteao (mixed rice and beans) are a must-have in Puerto Rico. Still, you can find anything and everything from diverse, complex, and familiar dishes all across the Island, where chefs and cooks take traditional and blend it with international flavors and techniques.

Also, while in the rum capital of the world, have your own rum-soaked journey with iconic drinks like the piña colada, tropical cocktails, or ask a friendly bartender to create something entirely new for you.

Explore the Wilderness on the Best Alaskan Cruise

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Alaska is so much more than its legends and myths. Boasting lively farmer’s markets, modern art galleries, and fine dining, 21st-century Alaska blends the old and the new, and urban life with the great outdoors in towns and cities surrounded by wilderness. Journey through the wild terrain of Alaska with our Alaska cruises and discover the natural wonders that await as the rugged beauty of this pristine frontier unfolds. Set out on an unforgettable adventure where you’ll get up close and personal with 30-ton whales, zip-line through the rainforest with a visit to Mendenhall Glacier afterwards, or take flight high above the snow-capped lands and glaciers. In 2022, let any of our three award-winning ships take you there: Celebrity Solstice®, Celebrity Eclipse®, or Celebrity Millennium®, which has recently emerged from her Celebrity Revolution® modernization. And new for 2021, the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium® will sail round trip from Seattle.

And, with our 9-to-13-night Alaska Cruisetours, you can combine your Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where you’ll stay in authentic lodges and travel remote roads and railways in deluxe motor coaches and luxurious train. A cruisetour will take you to cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali—a visit to these inland areas truly give you a feel for the 49th State. Experience our acclaimed Alaska cruises and take your sense of wonder to new heights.

Natural Beauty
For drama and beauty, few places in the world match the breathtaking splendor of Alaska. For one, there are glaciers—100,000—some bigger than states. Alaska’s wild coastal plains, towering snow-capped mountains, and glacier-rimmed fjords have a way of making you feel worlds away from home.

Wildlife
Ample land and pristine environmental conditions make Alaska well known for its abundant wildlife. While on an Alaska cruise or Cruisetour, make sure to try and spot the “Big 5” of Alaskan land mammals – bear, moose (the state animal), caribou, wolf, and Dall sheep. You’ll see plentiful bald eagles, colorful puffins, humpback whales, orcas, and reindeer in their natural habitat, as well, so make sure you bring a pair of binoculars and a good camera.

Heading to Europe’s Rhine and Moselle Rivers with AmaWaterways

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Two Rivers, One Unforgettable Experience

Much like the sailors who were drawn to the beauty of the folklore siren Lorelei, travelers find the powerful allure of the Rhine River and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, hard to resist. With so many grand cities, charming villages and breathtaking landscapes stretching along their banks, the best way to experience it all is by cruising with award-winning AmaWaterways.

Why AmaWaterways?

From the moment guests are welcomed on board by AmaWaterways’ extraordinary crew, they are enveloped in warmth and treated like esteemed members of the family. The line’s innovative river cruise ships accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offering the luxury of space and picturesque views, particularly within their signature twin-balcony staterooms, where both a French balcony and an outside balcony await. Plus, with exquisite cuisine, fine wines and included amenities such as a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, an onboard Wellness Program, a Michelin star-worthy multi-course tasting menu at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant and high-quality Wi-Fi, no detail is overlooked when it comes to ensuring guests have a memorable experience.

Scenic Sailing at its Finest

Along the Rhine River, guests glide past more than 40 fairytale castles strung like pearls along the banks of Germany’s breathtaking Rhine Gorge. Within the sharp turns of the Moselle Valley, steep vineyards produce some of the world’s finest wines – and the most dramatic scenery. In spring or summer, guests can enjoy the views with a chilled glass of locally-sourced Riesling, or watch the vibrant palette of autumn colors while warming up with rich Rüdesheimer coffee.

Unique and Exclusive Included Experiences

But what would a river cruise with AmaWaterways be without a variety of included excursions and exclusive experiences to immerse guests in the history and culture on shore? On the Rhine and Moselle rivers, guests have the chance to explore up to four countries (Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands) on guided hikes and bike rides, Special Interest Tours such as a visit to Rüdesheim’s mechanical musical instrument museum or a mustard tasting at a historic mill in Cochem, and city tours for all activity levels, from gentle walkers to the most active of guests.

Dock in enchanting Lahnstein to discover Lahneck Castle as part of an exclusive experience on AmaWaterways’ Enchanting Rhine cruise, or hike to the 9^th-century ruins of Bernkastel’s Landshut Castle on their Rhine & Moselle Splendors itinerary. Magnificent cathedrals dominate the city skylines in Strasbourg and Cologne and impress with their high ceilings, remarkable stained glass and impressive facades. But it is AmaWaterways’ carefully selected local guides that enhance each small-group excursion with captivating stories and legends, elevating them from the rest.

When guests reserve their Rhine & Moselle river cruise with AmaWaterways, they open a storybook and fill each page with an adventure that takes their breath away.

Norwegian Prima Introduces New Spa And Fitness Offerings Including Industry’s First Charcoal Sauna At Sea

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, shared details surrounding its elevated spa and fitness offerings for its highly-anticipated Norwegian Prima Class vessels - Norwegian Prima and Viva.

The first two of six ships within this cutting-edge class will feature the cruise industry’s first charcoal sauna at sea as well as a two-story cascading indoor spa waterfall. The Cruise Line has also incorporated several guest favorites including thermal experiences and hot-stone loungers.

Award-winning architecture firm Rockwell Group masterfully designed the perfect environment for tranquility and rejuvenation in Norwegian Prima and Viva’s spa and fitness venues.

“The debut of our Prima Class has been all about elevating guest experiences across all the touch points that make a perfect holiday at sea, from food and beverage, entertainment, recreational activities and now spa and fitness,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Our latest health and wellness experiences were designed to awaken the senses of our guests like never before pairing world-class design and architecture with one-of-kind offerings that truly allow our guests to unwind and escape.”

AWAKEN THE SENSES AT THE ALL NEW MANDARA SPA

Industry’s First Charcoal Sauna at Sea
As part of the ongoing only-found-on-NCL’s Prima Class vacation experiences such as the world’s first three-level racetrack at sea and dry drop slides, the Brand will unveil the industry’s first charcoal sauna.
Derived from Japanese and Korean wellness practices, the charcoal sauna uses a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer to reach temperatures between 86-122 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests can recline into relaxation as the sauna helps boost circulation and metabolism while also removing toxins from the body. The sauna also effectively treats muscle stiffness and tension, including relief from backache, headache, and arthritis, by promoting the deep release of connective tissue and muscles.

Thermal Experiences
The charcoal sauna is just one of eight thermal spa offerings available at the elevated Mandara Spa. Guests can also indulge in a series of blissful experiences such as a salt and steam room, as well as a gambit of Brand-first spa experiences including an Ice Room, Experiential Showers, a Flotation Salt Pool and Infrared Sauna.

The Ice Room: After unwinding in the sauna or steam bath, guests can cool off in the refreshing Ice Room. The cold air helps to increase blood circulation, invigorate the respiratory tract, and strengthen the immune system.
The Experiential Showers: Multiple water jets and lighting effects help invigorate the body, lower body temperature, and stimulate blood circulation.
Floatation Salt Pool: This treatment allows guests to fully relax all of their muscles while floating in warm water. An experience similar to experiencing zero gravity due to the buoyancy of the saltwater. The Floatation Salt Pool is beneficial for easing mental anxiety and muscle tension.
Infrared Sauna: Unlike traditional saunas that use conventional heat to warm the air, infrared saunas utilize infrared lamps to directly warm the body — and at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. This promotes relaxation, better sleep, sore muscle and joint relief, improved blood circulation, and detoxification.

“The debut of our Prima Class has been all about elevating guest experiences across all the touch points that make a perfect holiday at sea, from food and beverage, entertainment, recreational activities and now spa and fitness. Our latest health and wellness experiences were designed to awaken the senses of our guests like never before pairing world-class design and architecture with one-of-kind offerings that truly allow our guests to unwind and escape.”
Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line

New Services
NCL is also introducing several new services at the spa, including two new beds from the Gharieni Group, the Gharieni Welnamis and the Gharieni Wellmassage5D. The Welnamis bed utilizes Binaural Acoustic & Dynamic Stimulation, a computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational therapy that trains the brain to relax and benefit from deep relaxation techniques. Meanwhile, the award-winning Wellmassage5d bed provides a whole-body wellness massage experience utilizing eight specially pre-programmed positions and the Brand’s “Signature Treatment” technique.
Other new service menu items include:

Ocean Spa Wave Massage: This unique treatment lets guests relax on a water-filled cushion. The cushion features a therapeutic warm wrap of nutrient-rich sea plants and marine algae releasing stress and tension from the body. The treatment also includes a deep cleansing seaweed mask, aromatherapy essential oils, and scalp and foot massages.
Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap: This wrap contains a warming blend of pine and rosemary essential oils to help guests ease the pains of rheumatism, arthritis, muscular spasms, and fatigue.
Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap: Excellent for guests seeking to improve the appearance of cellulite and reduce fluid retention. This treatment contains a detoxifying blend of juniper and lemon essential oils, which decongest and stimulate the body.
Zero Gravity Wellness Massage: High-tech meets high touch in this next-generation 75-minute wellness treatment. Producing a zero-gravity effect, the body is suspended on an advanced treatment table that maneuvers a series of sophisticated massage techniques to the user.

Eight table positions enable effective and precise reach of every muscle group, including intensive work on the back and main muscles, resulting in release of tension and improved body mechanics.

The spa will also feature a relaxation area featuring 22 hot stone loungers. Guests can also arrange to stay in one of the 28 exclusive spa balcony staterooms on board Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, providing travelers with premium access to the elevated Mandara Spa and its suite of thermal spa experiences.

First-of-its-Kind Design
At the spa, guests can visit either the Vitality or Salt Floatation Pool where they can immerse themselves in the tranquil sounds of the two-story cascading indoor spa waterfall. This space also features an impressive marble spiral staircase. Additional design highlights include the relaxation area in the spa, and the Pulse Fitness Center. Both of these spaces are front facing on the ship, allowing guests to enjoy sweeping 270-degree views of the ocean. This is also the first time that NCL’s fitness center will be located at the front of the ship.

The gym will also include the all-new Performance Recovery room, an interactive, engaging wellness experience utilizing a selection of Hyperice products in workshops, group fitness classes, and services to maximize user benefits.

Returning Favorites
Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva will also feature enhanced guest-favorite spa and fitness amenities, including the Vitaly Pool, steam sauna, and Finnish sauna. The spa will offer a wide range of services in its 20 treatment rooms, including massage, acupuncture, manicures and pedicures, facials and more. In the Pulse Fitness Center, guests will have free access to the state-of-the-art fitness equipment they have come to expect from NCL. Yoga and spin classes will also be available.

For more information about the Company's award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact your travel advisor.

Perfect Day at Cococay

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

One Incredible Destination. Limitless Vacation Memories.

Finally put that next family vacation on your calendar and start counting down the days. A cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay (voted Best Cruise Line Private island by Travel Weekly) not only puts a private slice of Bahamian paradise right at your fingertips, but also an array of record breaking-thrills and ways to relax that will make up for lost time. Plus, rest easy knowing that this destination is not only limited just to Royal Caribbean guests, but is also capacity controlled for an even healthier safer vacation. That means more room for making some of your best memories yet.

THRILL OUT

It’s impossible to miss one of the island’s most dramatic thrilling activities — Daredevil’s Peak. The tallest waterslide in North America towers above Thrill Waterpark, where 12 other adrenaline-pumping slides and the Caribbean’s biggest wave pool await across two zones. Things get taken up an even higher notch — literally — onboard the Up, Up and Away helium balloon. Capture your coolest family photo yet on a flight up to 450 feet above Perfect Day at CocoCay. And after you touch down, take the kids to Splashaway Bay for buckets of fun frolicking among fountains, sprinklers and geysers.

KICK BACK AND CHILL

For those who need a bit of recharging, the island has no shortage of venues to get your fix. Take a relaxing soak in the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, Oasis Lagoon, complete with a swim-up bar for a refreshing drink and dip, and a family wading area for the little ones. Beach baskers can soak up sun while digging their feet into the powdery sands lining the crystal clear tropical waters.

BEACHFRONT BLISS

And if you need help deciding between pool or beach, enjoy both at the exclusive Coco Beach Club, where luxury meets Caribbean cool. Take a dip in the beachfront infinity pool before an elevated lunch of flavorful fare at the private restaurant. And for the ultimate zen, your family can cue the dramatic views from the first Overwater Cabanas in The Bahamas. In fact, you can dive right in from your cabana’s own slide.

Of course, the only way to reach Perfect Day at CocoCay is onboard one of their groundbreaking ships. To reserve your Royal Caribbean vacation, contact your travel advisor today.

Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. Images and messaging for Perfect Day at CocoCay may include artistic renderings. All features are subject to change without notice. Perfect Day and CocoCay are registered trademarks of Royal Caribbean. ©2022 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.

Choice is an Extraordinary Fortune

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

What a marvelous thing it is, in today’s world, to have the luxury of choice.

The Oxford dictionary defines “choice” as both “an act of choosing between two or more possibilities; something that you can choose,” and “the right to choose or the possibility of choosing.”

Reflect for a moment on the last few words: “The possibility of choosing.”

We have all experienced situations, to varying degrees, of course, where choice and possibility did not exist. The contrast between those more rigid circumstances, and the extraordinary power of situations where choice is at the heart of our experience, is striking. That feeling of possibility goes hand in hand with freedom – another luxury, to be sure.

Perhaps that’s why travel is so exhilarating. Not only do we have endless possibilities as to what we want to experience, but the act of travel itself is an expression of joyful freedom.

The variety of choices available in travel, from transportation and lodging, to dining and activities, is incredible. Add in the fact that travel brands are constantly refining and evolving their unique offerings, and the sheer volume of choice is astounding. How fortunate we are to have so many potential choices!

And destinations are practically infinite.

At Explora Journeys, we offer enriching holidays for the curious traveller who wants to experience extraordinary pursuits and create connections that last…the traveller who seeks to understand – and revel in – the Ocean State of Mind.

Whether exploring the sun-drenched villages and azure colors of our Mediterranean birthplace, snorkeling through crystalline waters in the Caribbean, or traipsing across wildly unusual landscapes in Iceland, you can select from a wide array of pursuits and experiences during your Ocean Journey.

However you choose to create new memories through travel, whether it’s to spark discovery, feel the rush of adventure, dive into ancient wisdom – or simply to connect with yourself, your loved ones, and the planet – perhaps pause for a moment of gratitude for all the many choices available.

When we set out to create a new way of experiencing ocean travel, we spent a great deal of time understanding exactly what sparks joy and gratitude in today’s discerning travellers. That’s why Explora Journeys are set apart through key elements such as space, choice, design, destination experiences, and flexible booking policies.

Each of the elegant 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences on EXPLORA I, which will set sail in 2023, are designed to get you closer to the ocean itself, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces.

With unrivaled space and privacy, and service that means everything is taken care of, you can relax into your comfortable home at sea with luggage delivered and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting for you. Our suites start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft), among the most spacious for the category.

Your foodie sensibilities will also be delighted by an abundance of options onboard, with nine distinct culinary experiences to discover - each created to celebrate global cooking talents, provenance and wholesome ingredients sourced by local partners. From a Pan-Asian restaurant to a steakhouse, from a chef-centric concept restaurant to poolside dining and more – including, of course, a Mediterranean restaurant – exquisitely creative preparation and presentation will tantalize even the most discerning palates. And for moments when you want the utmost privacy, you can also choose to enjoy in-suite dining.

And when it comes to choices that include reassurance, know that our Flexible Journeys policy is intended to offer assurance when planning a journey with us, guaranteeing you flexibility should circumstances change. You can amend or move your journey at no additional charge, up to 120 days prior to departure for Ocean Suites and Ocean Penthouses, and up to 200 days prior to departure for Ocean Residences.

We aim to immerse you into the world – however you choose to experience it.
In our destinations, whether you seek the thrill of supersonic speed, the silence of polar mountain peaks, the deepest fathoms of ocean trenches, or the sense of awe from meeting world-leading intellects and artisans, our experiences are more than one-off wonderments, they are soul-stirring achievements that will forever influence your perspective of the world.

These are just a few of the examples of the programs you can choose from as you explore the ways you connect most meaningfully with the world through travel.

From sea to shining sea, Explora Journeys helps you explore this stunning planet in new ways. What an extraordinary thing it is to have so many captivating choices for how to do that.

A 3-Hour Flight Home Turned Into 3 Days…Why You REALLY Need A Travel Advisor

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Full disclosure – I have been touting the benefits of working with travel advisors for the past 20 years – their advice, hands-on support, expertise and travel perks. You might think I’m a bit jaded, but my recent travel experience only solidifies the point.

On my return from a cruise conference in Fort Lauderdale I awoke Saturday morning to find Delta had cancelled my return flight to NY and rebooked me Sunday morning. No way was I staying an extra day, so I ran to the airport to try to get on earlier flight. Little did I know major storms were brewing in the southeast US which wreaked havoc on flights. In addition, Royal Caribbean had just disembarked thousands of passengers who were flying home.

At a packed airport, it was senseless to cue up to rebook, so I called my travel helpline (which provides after hours support for my company). They booked me a JetBlue flight Saturday evening, so I checked in and waited out the day. Several flights were delayed or cancelled due to weather, lack of flight crew, and equipment issues. My 5:20pm departure was ultimately cancelled at 1:30am. We were instructed to go to the Jetblue counter to be rebooked. While waiting in line for 2 hours, I again called my helpline and before I reached the front of the line, I was rebooked on a flight later Sunday.

Another cancelled flight and I was put on standby (Jetblue said I was #1 on the list!) but when I checked in, they said the flight crew had taken the seats. In addition, they were offering clients $2K in vouchers to give up their seats. My luggage made it to LaGuardia, but I did not.

Bleary eyed with fatigue, I called the travel helpline Sunday evening (they know me by first name now!) who booked me a reasonably priced hotel close to the airport. I had heard that rooms were scarce and very high priced due to the situation, so I was relieved to get something so quickly.

After a shower and a good night sleep, I returned to the airport to get a morning flight. You guessed it - again cancelled, so my corporate travel agent rebooked me for that evening (thank goodness for Netflix to pass the time). I was still anxious seeing more delays, so I called my corporate travel agent again, who was searching for any seat to any NY airport and once again saved the day by getting me one departing within the hour. I did make it to JFK that evening.

Lessons learned: without the help of a travel counselor, you are on your own. They have access to the GDS – Global Distribution System airline reservations system and can pull up all the airlines’ seat availability and pricing. An app can’t do that for you. Try calling an OTA in the middle of the night!

And remember the airline staff is trying their hardest as this situation is out of their control as well. Unruly passengers are not tolerated and will be removed from the flight, so don’t be the one who ruins it for the rest of us. While the weather is out of our control, we can still control how we react.

I was grateful for many things during that weekend – that I wasn’t traveling with elderly family members, babies or toddlers. I met some nice people along the way. I had a credit card/cash to handle the extra costs (many vacationers would find this a financial burden). Most importantly, I had the support of a travel professional who helped with air and lodging - someone who was by my side during this ordeal who ultimately got me home.

Tips to survive airport delays:

Check out the weather around the area you are traveling and to/from your destination.
Carry medicine, toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up, moisturizer in your carry-on bag.
Download all the apps that you need along with passwords, logins. Have all your important phone numbers loaded in your contacts.
Explore the airport, walk around and find a quiet place to sit away from the crowds, if possible – restaurants, bars or any place that has outlets to charge your phone (or better yet bring a pre-charged battery pack).
Be flexible – I had 3-4 different airports to select to get out of town. While a slight inconvenience, at least I got to NY.
Layer your clothes – I’m always cold on planes but you are also colder when you are tired or are trying to nap.
Keep all your vitals in one place, e.g., wallet, phone, documents, glasses. When you are tired you tend to get flustered.
With a long wait, don’t watch the clock. Pace yourself with activities: take a walk, eat a meal, browse magazines in the gift shop, get a coffee, watch a video, play a game or call a loved one.
Pack patience, empathy, self-control and kindness.

Experience Cancun & the Riviera Maya

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Surrounded by majestic, turquoise waters along white sand beaches, Cancun & Riviera Maya enchants visitors with year-round warm, sunny weather. Travelers will also find an abundance of shopping, dazzling nightlife and international flavors that create an exciting retreat. With all-inclusive hotels and resorts for every taste, from adults-only and family-oriented to moderate hotels for the value conscious, virtually everyone that visits Cancun & Riviera Maya can’t wait to go back.

Cancun & Riviera Activities
Travelers to Cancun often can’t wait to return, because of all there is to explore. Rappel into crystal-clear cenotes, tour the coast by ATV, bathe in hot springs, or go on a jungle adventure. Venture into the caves of Kantemo, submerge in the Xel-Ha waters, or enjoy the natural beauty of Sian Ka’an Reserve. No matter what you choose to do, it’s easy to find many amazing places to connect with nature. There are also several smaller cities surrounding Riviera Maya worth checking out, including Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos.

Divers come to the Mexican-Caribbean coast for its colorful tropical fish and exquisite coral reef. Currents allow for drift dives, deep dives, night dives, wall dives and shore dives. Favorite spots for snorkeling in the area include Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, Xel-Ha, Akumal and the Underwater Art Museum, where you can marvel at more than 500 sculptures. For added fun and adventure, Delta Vacations offers golfing, fishing excursions, show tickets and more.

Shopping
As Mexico’s most popular tourist destination, Cancun & Riviera Maya offers all sorts of shopping experiences, from street-stall jewelry stands and sprawling market-bazaars to ultramodern malls where anything imaginable is for sale. One of the most popular shopping areas in Mexico, Playa Del Carmen's Fifth Avenue, is a three-mile pedestrian walkway with high-end retailers, local shops, bars, cafes, street entertainment and more.

Dining & Drinks
A fusion of flavors awaits you in Cancun. Your palate will enjoy a true carnival of taste, capable of satisfying the most demanding foodies — from sophisticated international cuisine to spicy, traditional Mexican food. Besides tequila, mescal is the trendiest drink in Mexico.

Foodies will be seduced in Riviera Maya by the exquisite culinary triumphs of the regional cuisine. Each dish offers a delightful combination of Spanish and Mayan flavors, and most are prepared with local, inherited recipes. For authentic Mexican food, visit Playa del Carmen to find many casual eateries with delicious tacos, seafood and more.

How Solo Travelers Can Explore With Trafalgar Is Changing

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

As the world starts to open up after the pandemic, travel demand continues to rise. More and more people are dusting off their bucket lists and planning to get out there and explore the world. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and jetting off on a solo trip, there’s no better time to do it. Trafalgar is making it easier for solo travelers to return to travel with our new solo traveler offerings like reduced and free single supplements. Want to learn more? Read on to find out why more people are travelling solo and all the improvements you can look forward to when you take your next solo trip with Trafalgar.

Who is traveling solo?
If you’ve ever traveled solo or dreamed about taking a trip for one, you’re not alone. The 2021 Solo Traveler Reader Survey found that 25% of all travelers are thinking of taking a solo trip and 15% of people surveyed have already taken a trip alone.

If you’re a woman thinking about solo travel, this is your time to shine! A whopping 84% of solo travelers are women, while 72% of surveyed women in the US have taken a solo trip. The ladies are loving solo travel so much that 59% of female solo travelers would travel alone again in the next 12 months.

Solo travel isn’t just a young person’s game either. While 25% of millennials in the US plan to take a solo trip in the next 12 months, the survey found that solo travelers over 55 shared the same sentiments as those aged under 55. The main difference was how they like to travel solo, with 65% of people aged 55+ preferring to travel in a group and 43% of people aged under 55 preferring group tours for their solo trips.

Why are people traveling solo?
So why does everyone want to travel solo? The survey found that 66% of people traveled solo because they wanted to see the world and didn’t want to wait for others, 56% of people said they like to do what they want when they want, and 48% of people said they like the feeling of freedom and independence.
Does that sound like you? If you’re ready to embrace our freedom and dive into a solo trip with the support of a group tour, Trafalgar’s new solo traveler offerings are perfect for you.

Trafalgar’s new and improved options for solo travelers
Trafalgar has always had great options for solo travelers. Our solo vacation packages and guided tours have the perfect balance of enriching experiences and time to explore on your own, all with the support of a dedicated Travel Director and like-minded travelers. Now, we’re turning things up a notch and leading the industry with our amazing enhancements to our solo traveller offerings. If you’re travelling alone on a Trafalgar trip, you’ll now benefit from these options:

Twin Room Share
If you’re traveling alone but you’d still like to save money and get social by rooming with a like-minded traveler, we’re offering our twin room share option. All you have to do is book your trip and you’ll get matched with a same-sex traveler. So you’ll save more money for the fun stuff and maybe even make a lifelong friend while you’re at it.

Significantly Reduced Single Supplement
If you’ve ever looked at traveling solo on a group tour, you’ve probably baulked at the more expensive single supplement to have your own private room. But after a long day out exploring and having fun, sometimes you just want to come back to your own private room and chill out. And in a post-pandemic world, it makes sense to have your own space.

We get it. And we believe that traveling solo shouldn’t mean having to pay more. That’s why we’ve significantly reduced our single supplement. Now you can enjoy the privacy and peace of having your own room on your Trafalgar tour – and you won’t have to burn a hole through your travel budget to get it.

Free Single Supplement
It gets even better. Trafalgar is even now waiving the single supplement on a number of trips. So you can get your own private room without paying anything extra. Our free and reduced single supplements can be found on all our tours across all seven continents… You’ll be spoiled for choice!

Trafalgar is so excited to be able to help solo travelers get back out there doing what they love. Whether you’re an experienced solo traveler or you’re doing it alone for the first time, you’ll love the ease, freedom and fun you always get when traveling with Trafalgar – and now without extra solo travel costs.

Science Says These Are the Most Beautiful Places in the World - Are They Already on Your Travel List?

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say, but can you rank places that practically every traveler finds beautiful?

One travel company in the U.K. wanted to answer that question, so they brought in some science and technology to help. They presented volunteers with dozens of images of famous natural destinations. Eye-tracking software recorded data about which images the volunteers looked at, and for how long. The more longing glances and lingering stares determined which destinations were the most eye-catching.

Of course, the most stunning photo can’t beat the real thing. If you haven’t already, here are what science has determined are the most beautiful natural wonders in the world to add to your bucket list this year.

The good news: a third of the top 15 most eye-catching natural destinations are close to home in North America, including number one.

That’s Peyto Lake, in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, near the Icefields Parkway. The glacier-fed lake’s calling card is its almost surreal turquoise hue – achieved without filters, simply through the effect of the glacier water source! Hikers as well as driving visitors can get breathtaking views and photos of the lake, with the money shot coming from a vantage point hundreds of feet above the water.

Water-adjacent sites make up 2^nd and 3^rd place, although they are on opposite sides of the world. Meeru Island in the tropical paradise of the Maldives, and the 95-mile, fossil- and atmosphere-rich Jurassic Coast in England are ranked 2 and 3, respectively.

The top U.S. result is one of its National Parks, too, and with so many wondrous ones to choose from, would you have guessed Yosemite would be ranked the most beautiful American natural destination and number 4 in the world? The park in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, three-quarters of a million acres in size, is renowned for its dramatic waterfalls off granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, thriving wildlife, and winding roads and trails between vista after vista.

Speaking of drama, yes, the Grand Canyon is on the list too, coming perhaps surprisingly in 15^th place.

Grand Canyon Ribbon Falls idyllic waterfall Kaibab Trail panorama

Another mainland North American natural wonder also makes the top 15. And although Niagara Falls (number 6) is part of an urban setting that grew up around it, the Falls that mark the border between the U.S. and Canada are no doubt a natural wonder. They remain not only one of the top tourist destinations on the continent, but also a record-breaking volume of water spilling over its edge, which has been harnessed to supply electrical power for the region.

Iguazu Falls, that form the border between Brazil and Argentina and make up the largest waterfall system in the world, come in at number 12, and other water-world wonders that ranked among the most beautiful include another vividly-colored Lake Tekapo, New Zealand at number 5; and its Lake Matheson at number 13; the otherworldly Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Philippines (number 8); and Phang Nga Bay, Thailand at number 14.

Cave entrance to the Puerto Princesa Underground River

One mountain, Snowden, in Wales, makes the list at number 7, Chile’s Marble Caves come in at 9^th place, tropical El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico (pictured, top) was ranked the 10^th most beautiful place in the world… and one entry, ranked 11^th most beautiful, isn’t even earthly. The aurora borealis – Northern Lights – over Iceland round out a list of what science determined are the most beautiful natural wonders in the world… and we can’t argue.

They’re all on our list of life-changing places to explore. What’s on your list?

Start Your Trip!

Feel The Love On Ten Pumping Adventures

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

The heart wants what it wants — and for many travellers that’s the chance to fall in love whether it be with your travelling companion, your chosen destination, or the charming people you meet along the way. Facing new challenges together builds greater connections and travel is basically a string of fresh hurdles in a beautiful destination. Learn to make arancini together in Southern Sicily! Catch your first Costa Rican wave with cool new travel buddies! Reconnect in Bali with the person you love most. (Um, that’s you!) All you need to do now is take our hand as G Adventures guides you through our favourite places to feel and spread love around the world.

For that first big adventure together as a couple.

1. Get to know each other even better in Greece.

Feel the love on tours like: The Best of Greece

2. Gaze into the pools of their eyes in Southern Sicily.

Feel the love on tours like: Explore Southern Sicily

3. Feel your love blossom anew in deer-est Japan.

Feel the love on tours like: Discover Japan

4. Trod fresh ground together on the Trans Bhutan Trail.

Feel the love on tours like: Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail

For solo travellers looking to meet new people.

5. Spend some quality time with yourself in Bali.

Feel the love on tours like: Wellness Bali

6. Look skyward with like-minded people in Iceland.

Feel the love on tours like: Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle

For big-hearted adventurers wanting to do good.

7. Directly support communities you visit in Sri Lanka.

Feel the love on tours like: Sri Lanka Encompassed

8. Help beaches in the Maldives stay sparkling clean.

Feel the love on tours like: Maldives Dhoni Explorer

For those looking to grow their friend groups globally.

9. Hang ten in Costa Rica and then hang out with new friends.

Feel the love on tours like: Costa Rica Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times

10. Strengthen your bonds in Southern Thailand.

Feel the love on tours like: Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket

More Space. More Luxury. More Connected. Celebrity Beyond℠

We’ll use your contact details to send you online quotes. We will also share your data with our Travel Consultant in your area who may need to reach out to you regarding further special pricing.

Hero image by Simon Berger on Unsplash

Savor The Beauty of Hawaii

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Delta Vacations knows Hawaii!

Each of Hawaii's islands — Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu — has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities, sights and amazing places to stay.

Maui
Maui is truly an enchanted paradise. A dormant volcano, endless tropical beaches, supreme golf options, fantastic shopping, and lush, vibrant rainforests make Maui a genuine jewel in the Pacific. The accommodations are just as varied as the landscapes. Choose from charming condominiums with all the comforts of home, to high-end luxurious resorts, with no service or amenity left out.

Photo by Derek Baumgartner on Unsplash

Island of Hawaii/Kona, Hawaii
Twice the size of all other Hawaiian islands combined, this island of adventure offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth. Stroll along striking black- and green-sand beaches; view the Kilauea volcano, one of the most active in the world; or play golf on courses that were once lava fields. Set on the island’s lava-lined western coast, the sunny Kona district is home to Kailua-Kona’s popular shops, restaurants and nightlife, as well as King Kalakaua’s historic summer house. Kona is a charming place to spend a relaxing afternoon shopping for Kona coffee, macadamia nuts and other local confections.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Kauai, Hawaii
Secluded beaches, fragrant flowers, cascading waterfalls, and an unhurried pace make the Garden Island of Kauai a tropical paradise. Numerous geological surprises await you including Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and Mt. Waialeale, located within a tropical rain forest. There's also the rugged Na Pali Coast, which can only be viewed by helicopter or boat. Elsewhere on Kauai you'll find familiar views — Lumahai Beach, where parts of South Pacific were filmed, the mystical Hanalei Bay, breathtaking Bali Hai and the waterfalls used in the opening scenes of Jurassic Park.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Oahu, Hawaii
For many travelers, their introduction to Hawaii and the start of a great vacation begins on Oahu. Spend time along Waikiki Beach, go deep-sea fishing, hunt for souvenirs in open-air markets and high-rise shopping centers and dine at a wide variety of excellent restaurants. Hotels on Oahu vary from classic beach resorts to condos and secluded hideaways.

Photo by Luke McKeown on Unsplash

Alaska Up Close

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska since 1947, and we’re putting that 75 years of expertise into our new “Alaska Up Close” programming – a 360° experience that immerses you in The Great Land in a way that only Holland America Line can deliver.

Through authentic experiences on board and ashore that focus on culture, cuisine, and immersive adventures, Alaska Up Close allows you to discover, taste, and experience the real Alaska. You won’t just cruise Glacier Bay, you'll learn about its ecosystem from native tribe members and National Park Rangers. You won’t simply eat seafood, you’ll taste the salmon caught that day and have it prepared by HAL chefs.

Here's what you can look forward to:

EXC Talks focus on history and culture – Elevating the shipboard lecture, EXC Talks offer insight into local culture through the eyes of Alaskans, with vivid imagery, compelling interviews, and authentic stories:

“Pacific Giants” describes the wonders, habits and future of Alaska’s largest inhabitants

“Iditarod – The Last Great Race” shares what it’s like to ride in the sled of this amazing Alaskan adventure

Meet Alaska locals and experts on board – Learn the science and history of Alaska’s splendors as naturalists lead workshops and host wildlife spotting on deck. Itineraries that include Glacier Bay National Park will feature a Park Ranger and a member of the Huna Tlingit Tribe who will share their insights, offer commentary, and answer questions.

BBC Earth brings Alaska to life in an epic production – All Alaska cruises will be moved by BBC Earth’s “Alaska in Concert” multimedia performance on the main stage. A live orchestra plays the soul-stirring soundtrack set against a backdrop of mesmerizing footage from the BBC Earth television series “Wild Alaska.”

Food & Wine tours highlight local fare – Food lovers will find much to explore on an Alaska cruise, and through an array of exclusive Food & Wine shore excursions can tap into Alaska’s unique gastronomic scene.

In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will explore Alaska, either round-trip from Seattle; round-trip from Vancouver, Canada; or between Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver. Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations. For explorers who want to travel farther, 16 different Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an inland exploration of Denali National Park or to the unspoiled reaches of Canada’s Yukon Territory

It's all in the Details! Princess Cruises NEW Royal Class ships – Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Welcome to Discovery Princess℠
Princess Cruises®

With Discovery Princess℠, there’s no limit to the ways you can relax, dine and be entertained. And to get the most out of your vacation, Enchanted Princess℠ is the second Royal Class ship built from the ground up with Princess® MedallionClassTM , which makes cruising even easier and more enjoyable so you can focus on what’s important – connecting with family, friends and world-famous destinations.

The biggest news is the Sky Suite, and it’s easy to see why. It features 270-degree panoramic views, the largest balcony at sea at 1,000 square feet, room for five, a dedicated Suite Experience Manager, private Movies Under the Stars® viewings and other VIP amenities.

When hunger calls, Discovery Princess℠ answers with over 25 restaurants and bars, including signature Princess favorites like Crown Grill℠ and Bistro Sur La Mer. There are also casual eateries and the Salty Dog Gastro Pub, featuring the Ernesto, named “Best Burger at Sea” by Cruise Critic. Or a grab of Neapolitan-style pizza on deck that earned “Best Pizza at Sea” from USA TODAY.

Let Discovery Princess℠ entertain you with spectacular Broadway-style shows, including the signature Stephen Swartz productions, and Take Five, the only jazz theater at sea. Take your pick of culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, bingo, art auctions and of course, shopping. Unwind in the Lotus Spa® and The Sanctuary, a tranquil retreat just for adults. Discovery at SEA brings hit shows from DiscoveryTM and Animal PlanetTM to life as well as unique experiences, such as the Phantom Bridge, an industry-first escape room driven by a powerful gaming engine that boasts more than 700 different outcomes.

Princess Cruises® brings families together like no one else. The younger ones will love Games Under the Stars, part of the MedallionClass experience, and playing digital games on portals around the ship. Older kids can discover new interests and making new friends in Camp Discovery youth and teen centers. Kids of all ages will enjoy Stargazing on the top deck, solving a cruise-long mystery with High Seas Heist or taking the Can You Survive challenge.

Once aboard, you’ll have service-on-demand at your fingertips, thanks to Princess MedallionClass and the quarter-sized OceanMedallion you wear. Order drinks, snacks and more and have them delivered anywhere on the ship. Find your way – and even your travel companions! – on board by using your smart phone or touch screens around the ship. Enjoy casino gaming, plan your day’s events and make contactless purchases easily. And when you arrive at your stateroom, your door unlocks automatically and offers a friendly welcome on its digital screen.

Discovery Princess℠ has arrived and with it an even better way to vacation. Experience it now on an adventure at sea with your favorite people sailing from the West Coast to Mexico, California Coastals and roundtrip Seattle on the Inside Passage in 2022. Sail aboard the Enchanted Princess to the Caribbean and Europe in 2022. The third purpose built MedallionClass ship, Sky Princess will also sail to Europe and the Caribbean in 2022. Where will your next Princess cruise take you?

Getting Fun Going With Entertainment, Fun & Flavor

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

You know, it’s hard work making effortlessly fun vacations. That’s why Carnival Cruise Line is looking forward to kicking back with you on Carnival Celebration as they toast to the last 50 years. This new ship sets sail from Miami, FL in November! So please bring that unique Carnival spirit... and know that this ship’s bringing the fun. Just like sister ship Mardi Gras™, Carnival Celebration has six Zones — themed areas that bring together incredible experiences and flavor. And as the second ship ever with BOLT™ —onboard rollercoaster — they’ll make sure it’s every bit as speedy and thrilling. Carnival Celebration also marks the return of innovations like Bonsai Teppanyaki™, RedFrog® Tiki Bar, Family Feud™ Live, Havana Bar™, Seuss at Sea™, Playlist Productions™ and more.

Fun Starts At Celebration Central Zone

Celebration Central is designed to make an impression… and that’s good because it’s going to be your first one! You can count on Carnival Celebration’s atrium to set the vacay vibes for your whole cruise. Look up and you’re honestly in for an eyeful — floor-to-ceiling windows, 14-foot LED screens, a ceiling of 1,400 color-changing lights… everything points to BIG FUN happening in here. And even if you’re just passing through, know that you’ll definitely be back later.

Center Stage features a rotating selection of live entertainment, while Tropicale Bar serves up great drinks with a nostalgia chaser nodding to our first ship to sport the iconic red, white and blue funnel. Aquaria Bar features an ocean-themed glass mural pulled from Carnival Victory that’s now a two-deck-high decorative wall. (Also: great drinks here too!)

Is that all? Of course not, call us to stay tuned for all the latest on Carnival Celebration or her equally amazing excel class sister ships, Mardi Gras sailing from Port Canaveral, or Carnival Jubilee coming to Galveston, TX in 2023!

PaRx: Canadians Can Get Prescriptions to Visit National Parks

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst)

How good is active outdoor travel for your health and wellbeing? It’s so essential that doctors in Canada can now prescribe a ‘dose’ of nature to their patients.

“PaRx” is Canada’s first, national nature prescription program. It started in 2020 and has since won over a lot of supporters, including an award from the Canadian Medical Association, and over 1000 registered prescribers.

Doctors, nurses, and other licensed health care professionals can help their patients improve their health by prescribing time in Canada’s great outdoors.

Now, thanks to a new partnership with Parks Canada, PaRx lets Canadians ‘fill a prescription’ to get moving in natural outdoor spaces from coast to coast to coast.

PaRx-registered health care professionals can now prescribe a Parks Canada Discovery Pass that provides patients access to hundreds of national parks, historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

You know how good you feel when you travel – near or far – to spend time in Nature? It’s not your imagination. The benefits are real, and PaRx says “nature is a powerful way to improve your health.”

According to the organization, plenty of evidence attributes connecting with Nature with significantly better health and wellbeing.

· It helps patients with diabetes, heart disease, and pain reduction

· It gives people increased energy, reduced stress, anxiety and depression, better mood, and longer lives. Plus

· Kids who play in green spaces have better focus, move more, and have better motor skills

“This exciting collaboration with PaRx is a breakthrough for how we treat mental and physical health challenges, and couldn’t come at a better time as we continue to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our daily lives,” said Canada’s minister responsible for Parks Canada.

“I am confident this program will quickly show its enormous value to the well-being of patients as it continues to expand throughout the country.”

Canada isn’t the only place where the healing power of nature is just what the doctor ordered.

According to the Global Wellness Summit, nature ‘prescriptions’ were one of the top wellness trends in 2019 and the pandemic has only accelerated peoples’ appreciation of getting out into – and preserving – Nature.

As one prescribing physician says, “I like to think that every time one of my colleagues writes a nature prescription, we’re making the planet healthier too.”

Trips to the Great Outdoors have no single formula. Rustic or luxurious? Intensively athletic for the super fit, or accessible to those who just want to enjoy the fresh air, glorious scenery and moving? They can involve equipment like kayaks or snowshoes, expert guides, or simply sensible shoes and a signed trail.

Your travel advisor can’t prescribe you a dose of Nature. But they can help you design and plan the perfect outdoor vacation - in Canada or another natural destination on your travel bucket list.

Start your Nature Trip!

Adventure And Fun Await In Paradise!

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

If unforgettable is what you're seeking, then Puerto Rico is your destination! There is no better place to experience mesmerizing sights, unique flavors, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures than Puerto Rico. The heart and soul of the Caribbean is packed with sun-kissed and full of life experiences from urban spots to rainforest getaways and – of course, hundreds of beaches to explore. And the best part? Accessibility to the Island has never been easier, with direct flights from domestic locations and few travel restrictions.

A place where the old world intertwines with the new and it all blends with nature as the backdrop, you're bound to find one-of-a-kind experiences everywhere you turn. From its rich history to astonishing views and everything else in between, Puerto Rico is just the sun-kissed destination you need.

Stay in dreamy, luxurious places like beachfront resorts, magical historic inns, small family-owned paradores, or glamping sites immersed in nature. The choice is yours. Are you ready to live life by a compass and let paradise guide you? Let Puerto Rico be first to say wepa and give you a joyful welcome.

Feel the culture

Vibrant! That's one word that encompasses the feeling and energy of visiting Puerto Rico and being around its people. There's dance, music, art, history… it's everywhere. Whether moving to the beats of a bomba drum in Loíza, the panderos of a traditional plena song in Old San Juan or swinging your hips away at the mecca of reggatetón at a nightclub, a contagious dance is bound to inspire and set the rhythm while you discover the Island. Celebrate life in a culture that radiates color and joy.

In Puerto Rico, culture doesn't stop with music. It carries across to high-end art galleries and towering historical museums that present the story of the Island through different mediums. Places like the iconic Parque de Bombas in Ponce and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in San Juan showcase the people's experiences in Puerto Rico through time and different mediums.

Enjoy the sunshine

Puerto Rico has sunshine to spare, and you'll soon notice that the colors pop all around, just like the sun rays shine through the year, with perfect summer-like weather through all the seasons. The Island is a paradise for nature lovers seeking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Find the only rainforest in the national U.S. Forest System and one of the world's most extensive dry forests, with hundreds of underground caves and more. Ride the waves in a renowned surfing reserve or lounge by a pristine, unspoiled beach part of the nearly 300 miles of coastline. Hike up the mountains to find lakes, rivers, waterfalls, or kayaks and swim around three of the world's five bioluminescent bays. You can also soar like a bird through a canopy of lush trees at the second-largest zip line in the world. The possibilities in nature are endless, just like the memories you'll make.

Savor the flavors

Puerto Rico aims to comfort even the pickiest eaters, and the food on the Island is like no other. Dubbed a "foodie" paradise because of the explosion of flavors mixed with state-of-the-art techniques, local cuisine will make you want to try something new each time. With farm-to-table and sea-to-table movements across the Island, the dishes are as diverse and complex as they are familiar. From dive bars called chinchorros to fine dining award-winning restaurants, you can snack on alcapurrias or bacalaítos (local fritters) or indulge in hearty dishes like mofongo or arroz mamposteao. You really can taste the love through food here.

And the cocktail and rum scene in Puerto Rico is like no other. Not only is the Island the rum capital of the world, exporting over 70% of the rum consumed in the continental U.S alone, but it is the birthplace of the iconic piña colada. You'll find that a creative approach to refreshing drinks continues to this day.

Heading to Europe’s Rhine and Moselle Rivers with AmaWaterways

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent)

Two Rivers, One Unforgettable Experience

Why AmaWaterways?

Scenic Sailing at its Finest

Unique and Exclusive Included Experiences

When guests reserve their Rhine & Moselle river cruise with AmaWaterways, they open a storybook and fill each page with an adventure that takes their breath away.

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