Cruising: A Truly Unique Vacation
Looking for a unique vacation for you or your family? You might want to take another look at cruising. With a recent explosion of options, cruises now have something to offer everyone–have a hobby that you’d like to delve deeper into but haven’t found the time? Excited by the prospect of traveling with others of similar interests? Looking for a new adventure? You might want to try a theme cruise!
Exploring a new destination can be far more engaging and memorable when it is paired with activities that you are passionate about. And with an endless variety of itineraries to choose from, a cruise can provide the perfect opportunity to maximize your vacation, both while at port and at sea.
It was actually a theme cruise that first lured me out to sea about 15 years ago. My husband and I signed up for a Western Mediterranean cruise with an agenda inspired by top PBS programs and their hosts. We participated in lively topical discussions with distinguished news legends Robert McNeal and Jim Lehrer, scoured European antique shops with respected appraisers Leigh and Leslie Keno, and learned how to cook authentic Italian cuisine with Mary Ann Esposito, the host of Ciao Italia. Add the thrilling ports we visited:Athens, Rome, Sorrento, Sicily, Barcelona–and we were hooked!
But don’t take my word for it; there are many different theme cruises you can try for yourself, five of which I’ve highlighted below. There just may be something that inspires you to unleash your inner sailor!
#1 – Bourbon
The American Queen Steamboat Company’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a 9-day journey through the heartland and into the roots of Kentucky Bourbon Country. Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon. On the most opulent riverboat in the world, The American Queen, guests are immersed in the rich history and craftsmanship of America’s native spirit through an “eclectic blend” of music, food, creative workshops and complimentary tours of the finest bourbon distilleries on the planet!
#2 – Grand Prix
Live the yachting lifestyle at its very pinnacle with an insider’s experience at Monaco’s legendary Grand Prix with Windstar Cruises. On this exceptional voyage you’ll visit some of the world’s most glamorous ports – St. Tropez, Portofino, Portoferraio, Portovenere. Shop the boutiques, sample the charming cafés, indulge in a little people-watching along famous promenades, and on the pristine white beaches. Surrounded by the glitterati, you’ll fit right in. Best of all, you’ll experience all of the opulent excitement of racing’s most storied event – Grand Prix of Monaco. You’ll have exclusive access to special Windstar private Grand Prix events and two days of world-class Formula One® time trials and racing. This is the ultimate Grand Prix experience – available only on this cruise. Space is limited to 212 guests.
#3 – Diving with Jean-Michel Cousteau
Join Paul Gauguin Cruises and world famous oceanographer and award winning environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau onboard the 332 guest m/s Paul Gauguin. On the only luxury ship in the French Polynesian islands with PADI certification, Jean-Michel (son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau) will offer lectures and videos of his work as well as accompany several dives from the ship. 2016 sailings include three 10-night sailings to the Society Islands and Tuamotus and a 14-night sailing to Marguesas, Tuamotus and Society Island. The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available for children ages 9 to 17 on certain sailings.
#4 – Top Chef at Sea
Celebrity Cruises has teamed up with Bravo TV for a Top Chef at Sea voyage on Celebrity’s Reflection. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean boat will depart Miami on November 14, 2015 and will feature talented chefs from the popular television series. Signature activities include dual cooking demonstrations, chef hosted shore excursions, private cooking classes, and private dinners created and cooked by each chef and served in one of the specialty restaurants. Enjoy a meet and greet with your favorite chef and get ready to judge a Quickfire Challenge!
#5 – Yoga
On Star Clipper’s Yoga Cruise, travelers looking to integrate body and mind with fresh sea air can enjoy yoga themed departures. World-class instructors provide unique opportunities to practice yoga and meditation on board the open deck of a 170 passenger ship. Explore Spain’s spectacular coast on a 7-night Balearic Island sail boat, while channeling your inner yogi with expert Christel Vollmer. You can even begin each day with 60 minutes of power yoga and wind down every evening with sunset yoga and meditation.
Interested in booking one of the cruises above? Contact Simply Juicy today to get started. And if you have an interest or hobby not listed above that you’d prefer to enjoy while cruising, we can help you with that too!