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Reaching The Port Of Perfection: Saint-Malo

Friday, December 18, 2009

This past fall, I had the good fortune to visit Saint-Malo, France. Knowing little about the destination before I arrived on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, I found myself astounded by the region’s rich diversity.One of France’s most attractive coastal towns, Saint-Malo has something to offer all cruise ship passengers: sublime scenery, bustling bars, trendy restaurants and cafes, cultural attractions, outdoor activities and Brittany’s best beaches.In a single day, I walked the ancient city wall above and around the town of Saint-Malo; visited Dinard, with its lovely sea promenade and Victorian-era homes; dined exquisitely (for lunch, no less) on shellfish in Cancale, known throughout France for its mussels; and stood in awe at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Saint Michel.Saint-Malo is situated on the English Channel, in Brittany, on France’s west coast. The port is ideally situated between northern and southern Europe.Oceania Cruises' Regatta anchored in Saint-Malo, France.Getting AshoreMeasuring more than 150 meters in length, Regatta was required to tender passengers ashore from its anchorage between Dinard and Saint-Malo. The city can accommodate four ships at once. Vessels measuring less than 150 meters can dock at the terminal (a new terminal will open in the spring of 2010). Ships from 150 meters to 240 meters can anchor only a few minutes away by tender. Both the terminal and the tender landing are within less than a five-minute walk to gates of the walled city.Exploring Saint-MaloI recommend that cruise passengers begin their exploration of Saint-Malo by walking the town wall. Allow at least 30 minutes to walk the entire wall (an hour allows a more leisurely pace), taking in the views of the city and sea on either side.Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, where Saint-Malo is situated, boasts Europe’s most dramatic tides, so you can count on a view that is ever-changing. The tidal range can be as much as 15 meters between high and low water, and the sea can recede as much as 15 kilometers. During low tide, you can walk to nearby islands that you’d have to swim to during high tide. The force of nature here is remarkable.Saint-Malo also boasts something else that few, if any, other destinations in France can claim: Shops that are open on Sundays.Few things are more disappointing to sea-faring passengers than to arrive in port and find the shop doors shut. Saint-Malo is open for business, however, with lots of good shopping, cafes and a must-see “gourmet” street, otherwise known as rue de l’Orme.There’s lots more to see, including the home and tomb of the writer Chateaubriand; and the Privateer’s House known as La Demeure de Corsaire, a ship-owners house built in 1725. But the real pleasure of Saint-Malo is to permit yourself to wander and to enjoy and to sit down and relax in a cozy cafe.Into The CountrysideOnly a few minutes from Saint-Malo, cruise passengers can visit beautiful 18th-century country homes, known as malouinières. Built by wealthy corsairs (French privateers and pirates), the homes are grand estates with a trove of treasures inside. One of the corsairs was Jacques Cartier, who sailed into the Saint Lawrence River and is credited as the discover of Canada.Saint-Malo’s architectural heritage claims more than 800 chateaux manor houses and malouiniéres. Some of the malouinières are open to the public for tours.One option for lunch in Cancale: Fresh oysters overlooking Mont Saint Michel Bay.The World Is Your OysterOften, cruise passengers rush back to the ship for lunch. After all, lunch is free on board.Don’t make that mistake when you’re ship calls in Saint-Malo. The region boasts one of Europe’s highest concentrations of seafood restaurants, and in nearby Cancale you can dine in a village known throughout France for its oysters. You can buy freshly harvested oysters and dine on a bench overlooking Mont Saint Michel Bay, or you can dine at one of the restaurants, taking a table on the terrace to enjoy a seafood platter that you’re not likely to forget anytime soon.You’ll want to spend at least 30 minutes before or after lunch for a stroll through Cancale, making sure to see the oyster beds if you failed to see them earlier and the views of your next destination across Mont Saint Michel Bay.Mont Saint MichelSaint-Malo boasts the shortest — and most scenic — route to Mont Saint Michel, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marvel of the Western World is only 30 minutes to 40 minutes from the docks in Saint-Malo. But there’s no rush. The road along the Emerald Coast makes for a beautiful drive to get to Mont Saint Michel.

The Avid Cruiser: Baltic Cruises

Friday, December 11, 2009

This 25-minute travel show highlights cruising the Baltic on Regent Seven Seas Voyager, from Stockholm to Copenhagen.

Oceania Cruises' Regatta

Monday, September 28, 2009

Ralph Grizzle's update on Oceania's Regatta.

Silversea Cruises: Silver Spirit Sea Trials And Walk-Through

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Join Avid Cruiser Ralph Grizzle in Ancona, Italy, for Silver Spirit's sea trials and a walk-through of Silversea's newest ship with Christian Sauleau, executive vice president, fleet operations; Rudi Scholdis, Silversea's culinary director; and Silver Spirit's two captains.

Silver Spirit: Seishin Restaurant

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Taking its name from the Japanese word for "spirit," Silver Spirit's Seishin restaurant features a large, round chef's table as its centerpiece. Guests can watch the chef at work sculpting fresh sushi and sashimi. The varied menu ranges from bento lunches and a la carte specialties of seafood salad, lobster and Kobe beef to a nine-course degustation dinner.

Oasis of the Seas: Revolutionary Ship

Monday, August 31, 2009

Raimund Gschaider, project director for hotel operations for the Oasis-class vessels, tells why Oasis is revolutionary.

Oasis of the Seas: AquaTheater Suites

Monday, August 31, 2009

Prepare to pony up big, because there are only six AquaTheater Suites, and they will feature what just may be the best views on Oasis.

Crystal Cruises’ Vintage Room

Friday, August 15, 2008

Crystal Cruises Vintage Room pairs some of the worlds best wines with specially prepared dishes. With a capacity for 12, the special dinners are served in a private dining room. Patrons, who pay on average $210 per person depending on the wines they have selected, are attended to by the ships head sommelier. Want to [...]

Suite Life: Azamara Quest’s Sky Suite 8069

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

All staterooms on the 694-passenger Azamara Quest (and on sister ship Azamara Journey) feature butler service and upgraded amenities such as European bedding with duvet and pillow-top mattress; 100 percent Egyptian-cotton bathrobes; umbrella; binoculars; bottled Evian water; welcome fruit basket; fresh-cut flowers; pillow menu and more. Suites come with all of that and more: priority check-in and departure; priority luggage delivery; complimentary garment pressing (two items); priority tender service; fragrant drawer liners upon request; silk-wrapped hangers; Hansgrohe showerhead; welcome bottle of champagne; daily fruit basket; daily hors d’oeuvres served in-suite between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and complimentary espresso/cappuccino when ordered in-suite. Soft drinks are also free of charge when taken from the suite mini-bar. Also, suite guests receive three nights priority-access dining in the specialty restaurants Prime C and Aqualina. Standard stateroom guests receive two nights. All guests, however, may dine as many times as they like in the specialty restaurants on a space-available basis. There is no additional charge to dine in the specialty restaurants, but Azamara suggests a $5 gratuity, which may be charged to your stateroom.

Choose To Cruise The Danube

Monday, May 12, 2008

Click To Play Video Slideshow Immortalized by Johann Strauss in Blue Danube Waltz, the Danube winds from Germany’s Black Forest through Austria into the Balkans before dumping into the Black Sea. The romantic river flows through six countries and meanders for nearly 1,800 miles. Some of Europe’s most-fabled cities — Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest [...]

When Rudy Does Nothing, You Can Count On A Great Cruise

Monday, May 12, 2008

Of all the jobs in the world, surely Rudolph van der Meulen’s must be among the best. His job, as instructed by his bosses, is to cruise on a river boat and simply to do this: nothing. While most people might call that a vacation, it’s a tall order for the otherwise-ambitious 37-year-old hotel manager on [...]

One & Only Palmilla

Monday, May 12, 2008

Interview with Jorge Villareal, director of sales for One & Only Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Putting Off Europe?

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Click The Image Above To Play Video If the lousy exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro has you thinking twice about traveling to Europe, you may want to think again. And this time, think river cruising. On a river cruise, you’re isolated from much of the expense of Europe, as your accommodations, meals [...]

Mexican Riviera Cruises

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Fifteen nautical miles off the coast of Baja California, Holland America Line's Oosterdam is making 21 knots toward San Diego. For the more than 1,800 passengers on board, seven days of ocean cruising ends tomorrow. The excitement on the last full day at sea, however, is as palpable as it has been on preceding days. Dolphin and whale sightings send spectators scurrying to the over-sized windows in Windstar Cafe, the ship's coffee and pastry shop. Each time a whale blows its spray, a chorus of oohs and aahs competes against the steamy hiss of the espresso machine.

An alternative to Caribbean cruising, the Mexican Riviera is where Tecate (one of the national beers) and tequila meet whales and cacti --and where seven- and 10-day sailings expose travelers not only to marine wonders but also to Mexican culture. Mixed among such shoreside activities as swimming with dolphins and sport-fishing are cooking classes where participants learn to make six types of salsa before being instructed in salsa dancing.

Increasingly also, cruisers are getting away from the docks and into the interior. "As popular as the ocean is, Cabo's desert side is getting more attention," says Sunny Irvine, a tour operator in Cabo San Lucas. Rounding Cabo, some ships even head up into the Sea of Cortez to call at Loreto and La Paz as well as the melodic-sounding Topolobampo, where cruisers can jump ship to explore scenic Copper Canyon by train. Cruise ships sail roundtrip from Los Angeles and San Diego fall through spring to explore Mexico's Riviera.

One of the highest-rated shore excursions in Mazatlan, Mexico, Salsa and Salsa combines cooking and dancing. First, learn to make six different types of Salsa, then learn to dance the Salsa. Available on Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and others.

Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Interview with Eugenio Picazo, director of sales Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan.

Salsa & Salsa

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Highlights from one of Mazatlan's most popular shore excursions.

The Value Of Using A Travel Agent

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, discusses why it's better to use a travel agent than to book directly with cruise lines like his.

Mark Conroy on Signature Travel Network

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, comments on Signature Travel Network.

Touring The Milestone's Apartments

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring The Milestone's Apartments with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter

The Milestone's Stables Bar & Conservatory

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring the Milestone's Stables Bar & Conservatory with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter.

Queen Victoria Naming Highlights

Friday, December 14, 2007

Highlights from the naming ceremony in Southampton of Cunard Line's newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria.

Cunard Line Launches Queen Victoria

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Cunard Line launched a new queen this week in Southampton, England. The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, and The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, attended a regal ceremony to launch Cunard Line's new $500 million Queen Victoria, a 90,000 ton, 2,014 passenger ocean liner. The Duchess of Cornwall performed the official naming of the ship as part of a colorful and regal ceremony. More than 2,000 VIP guests, celebrities and dignitaries observed the ceremony (including The Avid Cruiser) in a marquee auditorium shoreside at the ship's bow, while several hundred people followed the ceremony on a large screen in a nearby park.

Holland America Line’s New Eurodam

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Click To Play Holland America Line’s newest ship makes its debut next summer. The 2,104-passenger Eurodam represents a new class of ship for the Seattle-based company. Another Signature-class vessel is on order following the Eurodam. In my interview, I talk with Rick Meadows, executive vice president marketing, sales and guest programs. Meadows says that with the new [...]

Touring The Milestone's Health Club & Spa

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring The Milestone's Health Club & Spa with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter.

The Milestone's Prince Albert Suite

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The Milestone's Prince Albert Suite. Touring with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter.

Touring London's Milestone Hotel and Apartments

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring London's Milestone Hotel and Apartments with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter.

Touring Hotel 41

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring London's Hotel 41 with Assistant Resident Manager John King.

Video Tour: The Milestone's Room 301

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Video Tour: The Milestone's Room 301

Nicolas Clerc: The Milestone's Award-Winning Sommelier

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Nicolas Clerc: The Milestone's Award-Winning Sommelier.

VIP Treatment: Extras Just For Booking With Signature Travel Network

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

An interview with Dirk Crokaert, general manager of The Montague on the Gardens, about extra services and amenities guests receive just for booking through Signature Travel Network.

The Milestone's Star Food & Beverage Manager

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Interview with The Milestone's Star Food & Beverage Manager Stefan Otto.

Superior Staff at The Rubens

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Meet some of the superior staff at The Rubens in London.

Family Owned Hotel Group

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Interview with Terry Holmes, executive director of Red Carnation Hotel Group, on the company's family owned philosophy.

The Milestone's Great Location

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Interview with Terry Holmes, executive director of Red Carnation Hotel Group, about The Milestone's great location.

Terry The Butler

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Interview with Terry van Santen, The Milestone's butler.

Home From Home: The Chesterfield

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring The Chesterfield Mayfair with General Manager Oliver Raggett.

The Guv'nor's Suite

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring The Guv'nor's Suite at The Montague Hotel and Gardens with General Manager Dirk Crokaert.

The Rubens and The Royal Mews

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The Rubens at the Palace, situated at 39 Buckingham Palace Road, features prime viewing for The Royal Mews, housing the Queen's horses and carriages.

Cruising With Crystal Cruises' President

Thursday, June 28, 2007

When you spend $23.5 million on something, you want to show it off. That's just human nature. And that's just what Crystal Cruises did a few weeks ago for the travel trade and press. The cruise company had doled out that princely sum to upgrade its 12-year-old Crystal Symphony, and they invited us to come take a look.

But has the upgrade improved the passenger experience? Crystal Cruises President Gregg Michel thinks so.

I sat down with him during our sailing to talk about how the investment made Crystal Symphony a better ship.

Eze

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Click To Play During our port call on Crystal Symphony in Monte Carlo, we visited Eze, a medieval village perched on a high cliff on the Cote d’Azur. Formats available: Flash Video (.flv), Portable (iPod)

Standard Staterooms

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Measuring 188 square feet and with all new Degrees of Difference enhancements in place, Wind Surf's staterooms are lush and comfortable.

Tour With Terry

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring the area around The Milestone with Terry Holmes, executive director of Red Carnation Hotel Group.

Terry Holmes On Awards & Accolades

Monday, March 17, 2008

Checking in at The Montague

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Checking in at The Egerton House Hotel

Thursday, March 13, 2008

General Manager Sandra Anido and her staff take us on a tour of The Egerton House Hotel and a walk outside to show us one of the nearest shopping stores, Harrods.

Mixing It Up With Mr. Martini

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Antonio Pizzuto, known as Mr. Martini, mixes up the his trademark cocktail at Red Carnation Hotel Group's Egerton House Hotel in London. "One martini a day keeps the doctor away," Antonio says.

The Sails Aren't Just For Show

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

A motor sailing yacht, Wind Surf's sails aren't just for show. "There's more power in the sails than there is in the engines," says Captain Tim Roberts. Occasionally, Captain Roberts will cut the engines and proceed under sail. But there has to be a good wind. Wind Surf can make 9 knots in good wind, and in the Caribbean the Leeward islands are famous for tradewinds, so there's a good chance to go under sail power only.

Let's Go Surfing!

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Barbados - It's Sunday, January 7, and I'm checking out of my hotel in just a few minutes to transfer to the Wind Surf. I'm on board for a seven-day cruise to check out the new refurbishments that has transformed this ship. I think we're all in for a treat, and I'll be filing live reports from the ship this week. Tune in.