Seychelles Ultra Luxury ( Land and Sea)

Abercrombie Kent, Adventure, Africa, Africa Middle East, Around the World, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Destinations, Luxe Life-, Small Ship Yacht, World

Experience the Seychelles in Luxury

If you’re in need of a phenomenal island getaway, there’s no better place to head than to the Seychelles islands. You can find plenty of adventure at this fantastic destination, and of course breathtaking scenery everywhere you look. Are you dreaming of an adventurous trip full of luxurious touches? Check out some of our favorite luxury trips to the Seychelles.

Explore our list of 17 cruises

Considered to be heaven on earth, the Seychelles archipelago actually contains 115 dots of land, some of which remain totally unspoilt and devoid of human activity. With tropical forests, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, breathtaking sea beds and giant tortoises, the Seychelles ecosystem delights travellers looking to spend time in the last-remaining earthly paradises.

Seychelles: Jewel of the Indian Ocean

The softness of the trade winds, the turquoise of the ocean, the shimmer of the verdant vegetation… the incredible beauty of the islands in the Indian Ocean is striking. During an all-new 14-day expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, time stands still and, between the island country of Madagascar and the Mascarene Archipelago, nature will plunge you into a dream.

Create Your Own Luxury Seychelles Adventure

You don’t have to do a guided tour if that’s not your style. If you want to explore on your own, there is plenty of fun to be had on the islands. If you love hiking, be sure to visit Spiagge di Anse Marron to explore the quiet beach and hike the challenging but fun trail. While in the capital of Victoria, head to Morne Seychelles National Park to take in all of the incredible beauty. If you want to do some diving while in Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll is one of the best spots.

Ponant’s Holiday Savings!

Adventure, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Destinations, Luxe Life-, Ponant, Small Ship Yacht

Ponant’s Holiday Offer Includes 10% Savings

Ponant is offering 10 percent additional savings on top of Ponant Bonus rates on select 2023, 2024, and 2025 sailings. The holiday offering was announced by the company in a press release.

Travelers can take advantage of the discounts to explore the fjords of Norway, the subtropical islands of Japan, the snow-covered mountains of Alaska, among other destinations, Ponant said.

While certain restrictions apply, the offer is valid for all new deposited bookings from November 30, 2023, through January 2, 2024.

Several new itineraries are included in the holiday incentive, including expeditions to Japan, Ponant said.

One such adventure will see Ponant teaming up with The Explorers Club, a not-for-profit organization made up of explorers devoted to scientific expeditions of all disciplines, on a seven-night journey to the islands of southern Japan, with stops in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iriomotejima as well as a remote area home to the largest concentration of blue coral in the world.

Also new is a weeklong “Kyushu’s Secret Islands and Ancestral Heritage” itinerary, which combines the wildlife-rich islands of Jeju and Yaushima, historic coastal villages, and five new ports of call including the island region of Amakusa.

The offer is also applicable to bucket-list itineraries to the polar regions, including a 23-day adventure through the Northwest Passage, a springtime voyage along the East coast of Greenland aboard Le Commandant Charcot, and a weeklong expedition to discover Svalbard.

The complete list of eligible sailings can be found on Ponant’s website. Starting rates range from $4,450 per person, based on double occupancy, exclusive of the ten percent discount. To unlock the savings at time of booking, guests must use discount count XMAS10.

According to Ponant, the offering is subject to availability and may be change

Silversea Opens Up Bookings for 2024, the leader in Luxury Cruising.

Around the World, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Europe, Luxe Life-, Luxury Cruising, Small Ship Yacht

Silversea Cruises has announced itineraries for 2024.

ALL-INCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVITY

With Silversea cruises you enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service for every suite and of course all gratuities. Savour the peace of mind of knowing that there is no salient price-tag at the end of a wonderful night of entertainment. Which is also complimentary, by the way. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.

Silversea Cruises, leader in Luxury Cruising.

Ponant continues Art, Culinary, Culture, History Theme Cruises as Part of “Quintessential Collection”

Europe, Luxe Life-, Malta, Mediterranean, Mediterranean Western, Ponant, Small Ship Yacht, Theme Cruises

PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions and the only cruise line carrying the French flag, has announced the “Quintessential Collection,” a series of themed cruises designed to inspire travelers in destinations. The sailings include speakers and performances aboard the ship, and excursions ashore that embrace the local culture and theme.

Among the offerings are:

Green and Gentle Lands: Exploring Gardens and Historic Sites, : Guest speaker, Holly Shimizu, retired Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden and internationally recognized horticulturist for more than four decades will lead discussions onboard while sailing to the British Isles, Belgium, and Norway. Guests will enjoy special access at Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to more than 40,000 plants; Chelsea Physic Garden, London’s oldest botanical garden founded in 1621; and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, for a gala luncheon hosted by the grounds’ director.

Sicilian Food and Wine Experience (pictured above), Embark on a circumnavigation of Sicily joined by guest lecturer, Mary Taylor Simeti, travel and food writer for The New York Times and the Financial Times, who has lived in the region for more than five decades. Meander through the outdoor markets and enjoy the street food of Palmero, famous for its specialties including focaccia; and see ancient Greek Temples from 3600-2500 BC. Guests will enjoy dishes paired with wines carefully chosen by Wine Spectator – all under the guidance of local wine ambassador and educator, Marco Scapagnini.

Treasures of the Mediterranean World: A Family Learning Adventure, : While traveling from Rome to Athens, Kathleen M. Lynch, Professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati and Greek archaeology/mythology expert; and Jason Weiser, host of “Myths & Legends” podcast will lead discussions designed for all generations about the region’s history, literature and culture. Flexible cabins are available to accommodate families, and activities including photo workshops and a mock Olympics competition on the original grounds are also on offer as part of the Young Explorers children’s program.

A Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean, Explore Greece’s landmark sites along the Aegean, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian Seas. Visit Delphi, an archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage Site; and see the third-century Ancient Theater in Taormina aboard the new Le Bougainville. Michael Parloff, former principal flutist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for more than 30 years will lead a series of private recitals from world-class musicians, including flutist Jasmine Choi, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, and pianist and composer, Michael Brown.

World War II History – From Hong Kong to Japan’s Inland Sea, Follow in the footsteps of American General Douglas MacArthur, who sailed from China to Japan to accept the Japanese surrender at the conclusion of the war. Walk along Okinawa’s beaches; hike the snow-capped Mount Fuji; and see the “floating” torii gate as part of the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima. James Bradley, expert World War II historian and son of John Bradley, who raised the flag on Iwo Jima, will lead discussions onboard.

World Affairs Cruise – Origins of Greek Civilizations, Travel into the heart of the ancient Greek world with ports of call in Athens, to roam the ruins of the Acropolis and Parthenon; and Crete, home to the earliest recorded civilization in Europe. The voyage will be accompanied by Fareed Zakaria, CNN host and Washington Post columnist; Michael V. Hayden, retired US Air Force general and former Director of the CIA; and Daniel Mendelsohn, internationally best-selling author and columnist for Harper’s.

PONANT, www.ponant.com

Scenic Kicks Offers Early-Bird Fares 2024 – Scenic Eclipse

Antarctica, Destinations, Europe, Oceania South Pacific, Scenic Cruises, Small Ship Yacht

Scenic is kicking off the 2024 Wave Season with multiple offers. Guests wanting to be one of the first to experience the world’s first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse (pictured below), enjoy early-bird fares – up to 10% off regular fares – on 13 different itineraries between September 2024 and July 2024. Including the Scenic Eclipse “Panama & Columbia Discovery” itinerary, just named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world’s best cruises for 2024. They also receive deposit protection at no charge, an early payment discount of up to $1,000 per couple, and free airport transfers to and from their homes on itineraries longer than 10 days. Free round-trip air is being offered on the 15-day “South America to Canary Islands” transatlantic sailing. Scenic Eclipse offers are on new bookings made by February 28, 2024 and space available.

Those wishing to explore Europe’s rivers in 2024 on one of Scenic’s luxury Space-Ships can “Choose Your Savings” – a new program that offers a choice of either free round-trip airfare, up to $1,500 per person fare savings, or a two-category balcony suite upgrade on any of many European river itineraries. Bookings on “Choose Your Savings” must be made by Feb. 15, 2024.

The Scenic Eclipse, is a “6-star” ultra-luxury mega yacht, carrying just 228 guests, (200 in the polar regions of Arctic and Antarctica). By marrying luxury, discovery and safety with world-class innovation, Scenic guests can explore above and beyond what was previously possible from a cruise ship. The itineraries in the Wave Season offer cover much of the world. From an incredible 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands adventure to a relaxing away-from-the-world 14-day Transatlantic crossing to 11-day discover your roots in the British Isles to a five-day Argentina & Brazil exploration.

The ship has 10 dining options, a 5,900ft² Spa Sanctuary, staterooms that range in size from the generous 345ft² Verandah Suites to the 2,660ft² two-bedroom Penthouse Suite, eight spacious bars and lounges offering unlimited complimentary beverages, butler service, and numerous pools. A six-passenger helicopter and six-passenger submarine take guests far beyond the environs of a normal cruise.

Guests interested in seeing Europe from its many rivers get to choose both their savings offer and their itinerary: eight-day Rhine Highlights or Gems of Danube itineraries; 15-day Jewels of Europe, sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube; 11-day Unforgettable Douro (Portugal); 11-day Normandy & Gems of the Seine, sailing from Paris to Honfleur; and 14-day Spectacular South of France Paris to Nice exploration. Each itinerary offers its own slew of included tours and Scenic Enrich events – from a concert at Palais Lichtenstein in Vienna to a French extravaganza in Lyon, that includes the can-can and other great performances – all exclusive to Scenic.

The 5-star Scenic sips offer all-inclusive luxury experiences – from private butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including mini-bar re-stocked daily, to full-size private balcony staterooms – all making use of Scenic’s unique Sun Lounge technology – where the walkout open-air balcony can convert to an all-weather lounge with a push of a button, expanding the living area of the stateroom.

As with all Scenic river cruises, guests will never have to reach for the wallet or purse as everything (except a haircut or massage) is included: tips and gratuities, all meals in any of the multiple dining options, all drinks, expert local guides, transfers, all Scenic Freechoice activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, wwww.scenicusa.com