The Cape of Good Times in Cap Ferrat
It was King Leopold II of Belgium who, in the early 1900s, first cottoned on that it would be a shrewd idea to buy up land on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (known to most simply as Cap Ferrat). He snapped up the region’s grandest house — Villa Cedres, built in 1804 — which he embellished with botanica
A Perfectly Provençal Post River Cruise Stay
Whether you are river cruising on the Rhône, Saône, or the Seine this summer, if you find yourself wishing to extend your stay in France (and why wouldn’t you?), there is no better place in Provence to spend a few extra days than at the Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa. This five-star ge
France Bars Unvaccinated Americans from Visiting
A major tourist destination for Americans is now closed to those unvaccinated against COVID-19. Yesterday, France became the latest European country, and by far the most significant, to close their doors to anyone who hasn’t been fully vaccinated against the virus. The news from France followe
Crystal Cruises Returns to European River Cruising
One of the top names in river cruising made their return to the waterways of European yesterday with another ship scheduled to sail today. Crystal Cruises set sail from Vilshofen, Germany on board their ship Crystal Ravel on a seven-night itinerary on the Danube River and Crystal Debussy w
England Opens Doors to Vaccinated US and EU Travelers
As part of their overall plan to relax travel restrictions, the United Kingdom is allowing fully vaccinated visitors from the United States and the European Union to enter the country without the mandatory 14-day quarantine. However, a negative PCR test is still required to enter the country as well
AmaWaterways Partners with Ancestry on Family History Cruises
One of the most popular river cruise lines has a new partnership which could help guests learn more about Europe, but also their family history as well! AmaWaterways has announced a collaboration with Ancestry, one of the most popular family history and genomics providers, on a special cruise packag
Sint Maarten Ready to Welcome Back Cruisers
Every island in the Caribbean has a story, but few are as unique as Sint Maarten. The island is so unique, in fact, that it has two names depending on which side you’re on. Steeped in colonial history, the 37 square mile island is governed by both France (Saint Martin) and the Netherlands (S
Lovely Le Lavandou in the French Riviera
Renowned American author Willa Cather was 28 years old in 1902 when she left her Midwest prairie home to travel to England and France. On this trip, she found her favorite place, and it was Le Lavandou. “No books have ever been written about Lavandou, no music or pictures ever came from here, but
Check out this Epic 46-Day Cruise from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
How would you like to spend 46 days cruising the world? Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is giving cruisers the chance to do just that with their new Rivers of the World itinerary setting sail on May 20, 2023. The cruise visits 9 countries on board five of Uniworld’s luxury river cruise ve
MSC Cruises Welcomes Virtuosa to their Fleet
MSC Cruises’ prolific run of new ships continued today as the cruise line welcomed an 18th ship to their fleet. MSC Virtuosa is billed as one of the most environmentally-conscious ships ever made and is the first of two new ships launching this year for the cruise line. A
AmaWaterways Announces New Wine Hosts for 2021
It won’t be long now until we’re sipping wine on board a luxurious river cruise and to help with the anticipation, AmaWaterways has released a new list of wine hosts for their 2021 cruise season. The list includes notable wine experts, certified sommeliers, and vineyard owners who h
Europe’s Best Christmas Markets
Is there anything better than wandering through the warm glow of a European Christmas market while the smell of candied nuts and chimney cakes waft under your nose? From late November through the New Year, European cities transform into festive examples of Yuletide cheer and one of the best ways to
France, Germany Announce New COVID Lockdowns
Earlier this summer, the cruise industry saw a return to cruising in Europe as an overwhelming positive. Now, four months later, both France and Germany have announced a new round of lockdowns due to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. French President Emmanuel Macron addressed his nati
Choose Your Cruise – April 10, 2020
It’s choose your cruise time! Last week we posted some of our favorite expedition cruises from companies who are really pushing the boundaries between luxury and adventure. Today, we’re skipping the remote environments for river cruises all over the world. If you love sipping wine, learn
‘Valiant Lady’ Announced by Virgin Voyages
Soon Scarlet Lady will have a twin sister cruising the Mediterreanean. Virgin Voyages announced in a press release this morning that their second ship will be named Valiant Lady and will sail the Mediterreanean upon her completion in 2021. The line’s first ship has yet to debut but is one of the m
Getting Around Europe on a Budget
Taking a European river cruise is a great way to see a lot of beautiful foreign cities in a short time, while enjoying the comfort of a cruise ship and not having to take up all the work associated with planning your own itinerary. Planning trips can be stressful, especially when everything is in a
Bonjour Luciole, the Bistro Barge!
Driving through the rolling fields of the French countryside, I was already getting hungry. We were headed south of Paris in the direction of Auxerre, where, beneath the city’s ancient gothic cathedral, hovered Luciole — the barge patiently awaiting our small group’s arrival for what was slate
French Country Waterways Celebrates 35 Years of Cruising
Congratulations to French Country Waterways! What did you do for your 35th birthday? Imagine sipping a lovely glass of Bordeaux while actually in the famed wine region of France. Sounds pretty great, right? Well, for the past 35 years, French Country Waterways has offered that experience and more on
Packing is Such Sweet Sorrow
The Monthly Mantra Packin’ it in … Packin’ it in … Packin’ it in … It’s late afternoon the day before disembarkation and I’m on my balcony gazing out at the ocean, serenaded by the gentle swish of the waves. But ever so subtly, I find myself bracing for the transition from carefree h
