Combining a couple of cruises, whether on the ocean or the river, makes for some interesting possibilities. Scenic Tours, the Australian-owned river cruise line, is doing just that by expanding its program in France for 2013 with a combo that starts in Amsterdam and finishes in Nice.
This "double dip" is composed of one seven-day Amsterdam-to-Basel river cruise, followed by another sevennighter from ChalonsurSaone to Arles.
Of course, the same cruise operates in the opposite direction, so your choice can be determined by the embarkation or disembarkation city where you want to spend more time.
Accompanying these cruises are some fascinating land tours, such as a meal in the home of a French family near Tournon, and a visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting in the Beaujolais Village of Oignt.
And if you're a car-racing nut like I am, the land tour that takes you to the Formula One track at Hockenheim is a magnet.
Many ports are included but when you're in Rudesheim, make sure you visit the musical museum.
It's an amazing collection of player pianos and other displays in the player piano mode - well worthwhile.
March, April and September prices - in other words, outside the peak summer period - range from $6,290 to $10,140 and that includes air if booking before Sept. 30.
Also included in the package:
? All meals
- Wine and spirits for lunch and dinner
? Private butler service
- Wi-Fi
? Airport transfers
- All tipping and gratuities, on board and on shore. - Private concerts
- All excursion programs - Scenic Cultural, Scenic Enrich, Scenic Free Time and Scenic Free Choice
You can add land tours before and after the cruise. Visit Scenictours.com.
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If you buy a package of items you are supposed to save money. I'll let you be the judge of these two distinctive packages from Norwegian and Carnival Cruise Lines.
Carnival is testing a bar program called My Awesome Bar Program on its ship, the Victory. The cost is $42.95 a day plus a 15 per cent gratuity.
For that, you can select from a wide variety of wine, beer and spirits, as well as sodas, bottled water and nonalcoholic frozen cocktails. It does not include drinks valued at more than $10.
I know - already you're thinking of sharing the package with the person in your room, right?
Forget it. Carnival has that covered: If you buy one of these packages, the other person or persons in the room also each have to buy the package. With an automatic 15 per cent tip, that's about $50 a day.
Norwegian, on the other hand, is combining its restaurants.
The "Signature Trio" package will allow consumers to eat one meal at each of the French, Italian and the steak house restaurants on ships for $47. Buy each specialty restaurant individually and it costs about $8 more.
The package has to be bought from Norwegian before sailing.
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Awards for "best of" are announced by a variety of sources throughout the year.
Virtuoso, a major travel agency specializing in premium and luxury brands of cruise lines, has announced its awards, as chosen by the agents that sell the travel.
Voted "Best Luxury Cruise Experience" was Regent Seven Seas.
The former Radisson line has three ships: Mariner, Voyager and Navigator.
According to accolades by the committee of agents, it was chosen for dedication, innovation, hospitality and overall performance.
In the premium category, Oceania Cruises was honoured as the "Best Premium Contemporary Cruise Line." Oceania's two newest ships are the Riviera (2012) and the Marina (2011).
Visit portsandbows.com for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information. Phil can be contacted directly at [email protected]
