Cruise Reviews July 2011

Adriatic

In May, Joe and I returned from our Treasures of the Adriatic group cruise. Should you have doubts about visiting Croatia because of the “recent” war history, DON’T; go and fall in love with Dubrovnik - the jewel of the Adriatic; lose yourself at the Diocletian Palace in Split; wander through the criss-cross alleys of Korcula. … and whatever you do, DO NOT sail the Adriatic on a mega-sized cruise ship. Certain destinations are meant to be traversed on small-sized vessels.

Here are some of the comments our guests made about this breathtaking destination and cruise experience:

Raymond and Shirley Mathews:

“Dear Zaneta and Joe: Shirley and I would like to express our appreciation for the wonderful trip we had with you. I commend you on the quality of the tour and the care you provided to us and all the members of the tour. I especially want to compliment your travel consultants who were extremely helpful. We will certainly look forward to further trips with you”.

Alan and Marlies Clark:

“Dear Zaneta and Joe: just a short note from us to thank you for another spectacular and wonderful trip. It was great! Great! … as always. Much thanks for the wonderful memories and looking forward to the reunion.”



In Split, Croatia Zaneta and Bev

Gondolas in Venice near Rialto

Russian Waterways

Another of our groups just returned from an amazing Russian Waterways cruise. This is Cruise Holidays of Clarkson’s third visit to Russia - we simply cannot get enough of this pulsating destination. On this 13-day river cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg, you will witness churches and cathedrals being restored, and private enterprise flourishing. In the countryside, our discriminating travelers discovered villages and landscapes lost in time, imperial palaces and walled monasteries, wide lakes and lazy rivers, and clusters of glistening onion domes everywhere. There could hardly be a more exciting time to visit Russia, a country emerging from the throes of vast political and cultural upheaval. Russia’s approach to tourism has changed. Places we could only dream of visiting before are now open to the world. This destination is a must for history, art, and music buffs. Future Group Departures

Magical Mediterranean Memories

This September, we are off to the Mediterranean for a cruise on the Adriatic and the Mediterranean Seas.

Here’s how Marilyn Lightsone, the radio host accompanying us on this cruise describes this voyage: “I am over the moon with Cruise Holidays of Clarkson’s invitation to host my very first Magical Mediterranean Memories cruise. The very names of our ports of call ring out like lyrics in an aria: Venice, Korcula, Corfu, Taormina, Sorrento and the Isle of Capri, Rome, Lucca, Florence, Portofino, and the grand finale of Monaco”.

China, the Yangtze River and Hong Kong

In October, Jean Stilwell will accompany about 25 of our travelers to the Orient for an 18 day tour of China. This destination is on many of our travellers’ lists of places to visit.

Visit the historic Tian An Men Square where Mao Tse Tung first raised the flag of the People’s Republic. Roam through the Forbidden City where, in earlier times, only members of the Emperor’s family were permitted. Visit the Great Wall, built over 2,000 years ago and covering a distance of 5,000 kms. Admire the 6,000 crafted life-sized Terracotta Warriors and horses in Xian. Sail down the Yangtze on a 5* deluxe cruise ship and cruise through the three fabled gorges for a spectacular view of this picturesque setting. Shanghai (or “Paris of the Orient”, as often referred to by travelers) and Hong Kong are your next stops. Your accommodations on this spectacular tour are all deluxe properties: the Crown Plaza in Beijing, Xian’s Golden Flower by Shangri-La, Sheraton in Gulin, Sheraton Hongkou in Shanghai, and the Grand Kowloon in Hong Kong.

Christmas Markets River Cruise

Tired of the Caribbean? Looking to avoid the pre-Christmas holiday rush? Have you considered escaping to Europe? Better yet, have you thought of a Christmas markets river cruise???

A river cruise at this time of year is a fabulous way to return to the magical, childhood memory of Christmas; to immerse yourself in the authentic festive atmosphere…smell the aroma of freshly baked delicious pastries, admire the absolutely breathtaking display of sparkling lights, colourful handy crafts, and ornate decorations…listen to the Christmas festive tunes filling the air, the jingle of horse-drawn carriages on cobble stone roads … ah! what a joy! Christmas trees, gold-foiled angels, nut crackers, ginger bread, roasted almonds and the legends of Saint Nicholas. Each day is just like unwrapping one beautiful present after another as you sail along the river calling on magical intoxicatingly charming cities … Vienna, Budapest, Prague ... History, art, music … ah, yes, let’s not forget the fine food and aromatic wines.

If you are even a bit intrigued, call us and ask for the details on our November 24^th Christmas Markets Cruise tour.  We’d love to show you Europe at Christmas time.