Have you dreamed of sitting on the deck of a luxury yacht and cruising the high seas in VIP style? You are not alone. The joy of sailing has long been a passion for many people. Leave your worries behind and sail off into the sunset with ocean mist in the air.

Whether you rent or take a luxury yacht charter, make sure you do your research and find the right yacht for your personal needs and preferences. There are many yachts and superyachts to choose from. Some have geographical limitations of where you can sail.

One top travel destination is the Balearic islands. They are an archipelago just off the eastern coast of Spain. Located in the Mediterranean, Mallorca is the largest of all Balearic islands. It has fantastic beaches and a scenic coastline. The perfect combination to enjoy fantastic sailing off its coast.

“Midas Touch” is a 24 meter luxury yacht from MySea. This boat is the perfect way to jump between the popular hot spots of the Balearic islands, including: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. It’s what I call taking the joy of sailing to a whole different level!

Midas Touch is an incredible luxury yacht and offers its passengers a VIP experience you will remember for a lifetime. The yacht can accommodate up to 8 guests and features four cabins (2 double and 2 twin), all located on the lower deck. Each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom.

As you sail across the Mediterranean, take in all the beautiful sights. You will find several areas to your viewing pleasure even more enjoyable. The luxury yacht has a comfortable, yet private area in the front. Try the aft deck, perfect for a terrific dining experience with delicious, alfresco dinners. Also use the roomy sundeck that is equipped with a dining table and large sunpads.

The interior is simply gorgeous. The elegant decor and top notch craftsmanship is evident everywhere you turn. If you want a quiet place to unwind, head to the contemporary saloon that includes  luxurious, walnut flooring. All the guest cabins look amazing and will you make you feel like you’re staying in a top, luxury resort.

The crew of Midas Touch is professional and have done everything to make your cruise the best experience you can imagine.

When it’s time to have some fun, you can’t forget about the yacht’s toys. There a re ample options to try and play in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. There’s a tender, kayaks, waterskis, wakeboard, monoski, paddles and even towable donuts. What an awesome selection to toys!

If you are ready to experience the joy of sailing, let us help. We can assist booking a luxury yacht like Midas Touch or almost any yacht in the world. Come back soon to read about other yacht news in our luxury blog.

A visit to the amazing British and US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean is always a great vacation. But to tour the Virgin Islands by luxury yacht is an incredible, VIP experience.

Hallas Travel is offering a 6 night and 7 day luxury travel package. For up to six people, you can cruise around the Virgin Islands by luxury yacht that’s fully staffed. Be pampered on a luxury private yacht and have everything taken care of by both a professional and attentive staff.

Land in the Virgin Islands by private jet, then begin your magical 1 week vacation in VIP style. You get the opportunity to visit some of most exclusive island retreats up close. This unforgettable, VIP experience is the perfect vacation escape for you and your friends or family. Soar above the area’s many islands by private helicopter. Enjoy a fine dining experience with five course gourmet dinners served right on deserted beaches at sunset. How romantic is that?

Day 1: Miami
You depart from Miami, Florida and arrive in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands via private jet. Meet your Hallas Travel rep and transfer via Private Seaplane to the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. Once you arrive in the North Sound, you’re taken to your private yacht for the week. After meeting your staff for the week, enjoy the afternoon with an array of watersport activities or gourmet selections for your enjoyment. Enjoy a North Sound sunset on the yacht prior to yourlocally inspired Five-course dinner. Conclude your day under the North Sound stars before retreated to your private accommodations on your yacht.

Day 2: Virgin Gorda
The next morning, awake to the stillness of the North Sound and to a gourmet breakfast. Enjoy Virgin Gorda for the day by starting with a sail to the Baths, a unique geologic formation with natural tidal pools, tunnels, arches that open to the sea. Enjoy the afternoon with a selection of watersport activities or a privately chartered scuba dive excursion at one of the world-class dive sites in the British Virgin Islands. Your day will conclude with a private gourmet meal on the beach.

Day 3: Anegada
Spend your second morning in the British Virgin Islands with a local nature tour that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. As your nature tour concludes, you will sail north to Anegada, the British Virgin Islands only coral atoll. Experience marine life such as needle fish, mojarra, rays, and parrot fish while snorkeling the waters of Anegada. As your days conclude, experience local cuisine and entertainment aboard your private yacht.

Day 4: Scrub Island & Marina Cay
Depart Anegada in the early morning for Scrub Island and Marina Cay. Have the option of relaxation and wellness activities or watersport activities upon arrival. Enjoy lunch at Marina Cay before your private helicopter tour of the British Virgin Island’s 60 islands. Spend your evening enjoying dinner surrounded by the cool Caribbean breezes upon the stern private yacht.

Day 5: Jost Van Dyke & White Bay
Arrive at the shores of Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands 4 main islands. Enjoy the classic Island life in and around Jost Van Dyke – local establishments you will experience include Foxy’s, Ivan’ Stress-Free Bar and of course, the world famous Soggy Dollar Bar in nearby White Bay. Conclude your liming and fun with a private dinner on your yacht.

Day 6: Saint John & St. Croix
Work through the British Virgin Islands memories of enjoyment with exploration of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park in St. John. Over 7,000 acres to enjoy in paradise! Take a step back in time learning about the stories related to the local windmills and ruins. As your day concludes, enjoy dinner at a famous restaurant in St. Croix.

Day 7: St. Croix
Spend your morning aboard your private yacht for one last picturesque breakfast view of the Caribbean sea and reminiscing of the islands and adventures your experienced the 6 days prior. Experience a seamless departure as you take one last Seaplane experience to your private jet for departure from your Virgin Islands “Island Hopping” Experience.

This once in a lifetime trip to tour the Virgin Islands by luxury yacht should not be missed. The total cost for the 1 week luxury vacation getaway is $252,000.

The founder of Hallas Travel is Mo Sallah and was quoted, “Our clients are some of the world’s most discriminating travelers. We put our travel savvy to work for them, crafting exclusive experiences that are soul satisfying.”

If you would like more information about this luxury vacation to tour the gorgeous Virgin Islands by luxury yacht, contact us today. We can help plan and arrange your entire Caribbean trip. Feel free to extend your stay or visit other nearby countries. We hope you enjoy reading about all the luxury travel stories we publish on our luxury blog. Stay up to date on all the latest luxury industry news.

Photo: U.S. Virgin Islands

Last week, Viking Ocean Cruises announced their next, luxury cruise ship has left the shipyard dry dock in Ancona, Italy. Construction will still continue. The “Viking Sky” ship will hold up to 930 passengers and is scheduled to make its maiden voyage in the first half of 2017.

Each luxury cruise line offers an incredible array of VIP experiences to its passengers. The entire cruise industry continues to evolve as the major brands try to position themselves with an ever increasing list of amenities. For those you want to enjoy an elegant time on sea, consider staying in the Owner’s Suite from Viking Ocean Cruises.

On the Viking Star cruise ship, there are numerous, luxury suite cabins to choose from. There is the Explorer Suite, Penthouse Junior Suite, Penthouse Veranda, Deluxe Veranda and the Veranda. The Owner’s Suite was actually, personally designed by Torstein Hagen, who is the Chairman of Viking Ocean Cruises.

Measuring 1,448 square feet, the lavish Owner’s Suite is the ultimate in luxury. It’s also the largest suite on board this luxury cruise ship. This stateroom has a large veranda to relax and take in the awesome ocean views. The spacious suite is equipped with a large flat-screen LCD TV and a complimentary mini-bar that is replenished on a daily basis throughout your cruise.

Don’t worry about missing out on what’s going on in the world. Your suite on the Viking Star cruise ship has a direct-dial satellite phone plus includes complimentary Wi-Fi to surf the web.

The suite’s decor has been described as a modern Scandinavian design. The opulent bathroom includes luxury robes and slippers, a hair dryer, plus high-end toiletries. Don’t worry about keeping your personal valuables safe. The suite comes with a personal safe. Enjoy a cup of coffee with a coffee maker.

When it’s time to turn in for the night and get a good night’s sleep, be pampered in a king-size Viking Explorer bed. The bed is fitted with luxury linens. There’s also a cashmere blanket.

It doesn’t matter what time of the day or night, you can expect prompt attention with complimentary 24-hour room service. Got a spot on your shirt or dress or your pants a little wrinkled? Enjoy the complimentary laundry dry-cleaning service, in addition to free shoe shining.

When you want to get off the ship and tour a port of call, you will receive priority bookings for all shore excursions. This is a great amenity, particularly for those popular destinations.

If interested, we would have to inquire with Viking Ocean Cruises for the latest Owner’s Suite rates. Currently, reserving that cabin begins around $2,120 per person, , per night for double occupancy. This rates is based on Viking’s 10 day “Empires of the Mediterranean” cruise. Applicable taxes and fees are not included in that price.

We are available to help you plan and book that dream, luxury cruise. For a VIP style treat, stay in the Owner’s Suite from Viking Ocean Cruises. We love sharing the latest, luxury cruise news in our luxury blog. We hope you come back soon

Photo: Viking Ocean Cruises – (c) Linda Garrison

Many travelers, even avid ones, still have not had the opportunity to sail on a luxury cruise ship. The majority of travelers go land based, but times are changing. Based on research from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), cruise industry growth is 23 percent higher than land-based travel.

For 2016, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is estimating that 24 million passengers will take a cruise. That number is 1 million higher than in 2015. From appealing destinations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Panama Canal and more, cruising is extremely popular.

So what is driving the growth and strong interest in cruise travel? Of course it’s a combination of various factors, but a popular trait felt by many is – variety. Today cruise options are plentiful. They range from family cruises with kid friendly experiences, to singles cruises to find that special someone, to a luxury cruise where you feel like you’re staying in a five-star, luxury resort with endless amenities.

The luxury cruise ship sector has seen a surge in popularity. These cruises appeal to a traveler who wants to experience the best services available. Rivaling many of the best resorts and hotels around the world, a luxury cruise provides a unique VIP experience. Attention to detail, the finest quality, high-end accommodations and personal service are important to the affluent traveler.

The luxury cruise ship industry is also in tune with vacationers who desire something different. With a few traditional cruises under their belt, customers begin to demand more and seek new services or destinations. The luxury cruise brands need to stay one step ahead of consumer demands. Once they stagnate, cruise passengers will begin to plateau and eventually decline.

Luxury cruise lines have focused on upscale cabins, non-stop activities, personalized concierge service, unique ports of call and all-inclusive travel packages. The majority of luxury cruise lines today are all-inclusive. This is an important key to their appeal and how they have differentiated themselves from the rest of the cruise industry.

Although appealing at first, many travels balk at the high price for a luxury cruise. But is it really all that expensive? Let’s take a closer look and compare apples to apples. Competition among the numerous, cruise industry brands is very fierce. They often compete simply on price to attract customers. But is that rock-bottom cruise deal really a good deal? We need to take a look at what is included in that package and what the customer must pay once the cruise commences.

In addition to a basic, discounted cruise fare, the cruise passenger will need to pay for many extras. For example there are fees for some restaurants, laundry services, various cruise staff tips, beverage packages, internet access and much more!

For almost all of the luxury cruise lines, there is no charge for alcoholic beverages. These drinks are quite expensive and just a couple a day can really add up over the course of a week or two of traveling the high seas. This usually covers your alcoholic beverages during restaurant meals, in a lounge or bar and even in your cabin’s minibar.

Unless you want to stay on your cruise ship during the entire trip, taking advantage of a shore excursion is a great way to see the world. Learn about a destination’s culture, history and try their local cuisine. These port calls can be really pricey and travelers get home shocked at how much they actually spent. Including free shore excursions is another awesome perk you often receive on a luxury cruise ship. For example, Regent Seven Seas Cruises claims it’s the only luxury cruise brand that offers Free Unlimited Shore Excursions in every port of call. Take as many as you like at no additional fee. Now that’s a terrific deal!

Crystal Cruises

Gratuities is another area that can really add up. During a typical day, you are dealing with various onboard ship services. There is the dining room staff, room steward or stewardess who does your cabin cleaning, concierge, bartenders, wine steward, and maitre d’. The tips or gratuities can be either daily or per occurrence. You’ll notice a no-tipping policy on a luxury cruise ship. It’s due tot he fact thse fees are included in your per-passenger cruise fare.

Cruise ships get bigger each year and hold many more passengers than ever before. But for those who desire a quiet and relaxing cruise experience, they may not happen with thousands of other passengers. Luxury cruise ships tend by smaller, so it’s more of an intimate environment. Enjoy a luxury experience with higher crew-to-passenger ratios. The service is top notch and you’ll notice an unlimited number of luxury amenities you won’t find on a standard cruise ship. Due to the smaller ship size, you’ll be able to visit intimate ports that the bigger ships can’t access.

Many teaser rates on standard cruises advertise an inside cabin. No window, no fun. Then when you inquire, you notice upgrade costs can be steep. Most luxury cruises offer all-suite accommodations. These provide awesome ocean views and many of these staterooms even have a balcony! Relax, read a book, sip your favorite cocktail and enjoy the view. Now that is what cruising in VIP style is all about.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Of course, one of the highlights of any cruise is the dining. Food is available 24 hours a day. Enjoy fine cuisine and Michelin star dining. Your taste buds will come alive with delicious meals made by the best chefs from around the world. You’ll quickly notice that luxury cruise brands have invested millions of dollars toward renovating their dining rooms. The ambiance is spectacular and provides an appealing environment to enjoy your fine dining experience.

We wanted to share a few, incredible luxury cruise deals available today”

Regent Seven Seas Cruises:
* Their 2017 World Cruise sails roundtrip from Miami, Florida. The cruise on their Seven Seas Navigator ship starts January 5, 2017 to May 13, 2017. Cruise to 6 continents, 31 countries and 62 ports. You will visit 29 UNESCO World Heritage sites and the package also includes 6 overnights stays. Fares begin at $55,999

* They offer 75 different cruises as part of their 2016 Summer and Fall collection. Passengers can enjoy 2-for-1 All-Inclusive Fares. Receive free Roundtrip Air and plus free unlimited WiFi. Take advantage of early booking savings as much as $6,000 per suite.

Crystal Cruises:
* This brand offers luxury cruise deals starting at just $1,845. If you dream of a boat cruise to Europe, take a look at their Enchanting Europe cruise options. Embark on a 7-day Europe escape on their Crystal Serenity ship. It departs from Barcelona and travels to Monte Carlo. There is also a 12-day itinerary option leaving from Rome and ends in Lisbon.

* Alaska has long been a popular cruise destination. Now sail Crystal Serenity to become the first luxury ship to sail the legendary Northwest Passage. Enjoy a incredible Pacific-Atlantic sea journey and sail beyond the magical Arctic Circle. Take this luxury cruise from Anchorage to New York, leaving August 8. Pricing begins at $21,855.

Seabourn Cruise Line:
*Offering intimate ships with none more than 300 suites, cruise the Mediterranean with your choice of 7 to 21 day itineraries. See Greece, Turkey, Spain, Italy, France and more! Prices begin as low as $2,999 per person.

* Their 21-Day Mediterranean Nights cruise is amazing. Ranging from $8,999 and up, you sail on the Seabourn Sojourn ship. It departs on July 14 from Monte Carlo, Monaco.

There are many luxury cruise ship lines to choose from – Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Paul Gauguin, Silversea, SeaDream, and more! Isn’t it time you travel in VIP style and take a luxury cruise? Let our luxury cruise booking service make your next vacation magical.

Are you finally ready to enjoy a memorable experience on a luxury cruise ship? Contact The Life of Luxury for help in booking your vacation of a lifetime. Read about other luxury cruise deals by returning to this luxury blog.

Featured photo: Silversea

When complete, the first, luxury cruise liner built in China will be greater than twice as large as the Titanic. Although it won’t be making its maiden voyage until 2020, the new China cruise liner will be massive.

The luxury China cruise liner will be built by the largest largest shipbuilder – China State Shipbuilding Corp or CSSC. In a joint venture with Carnival Corporation, the two companies signed a staggering £2.6 billion agreement. Carnival is the largest cruise ship operator in the world, so it’s a great fit to help build the biggest China cruise liner.

In addition to the two companies named above, China Investment Corp (CIC) is also involved in the joint venture. CIC is one of the biggest sovereign wealth management funds anywhere in the world.

The focus is to clearly create a new luxury cruise-line industry in China and capture a share of this booming, worldwide market. Chinese travelers have caught the cruise bug and are cruising in record numbers. Tourist industry analysts are projecting that mainland Chinese travelers will spend approximately US$11.5 million on cruises by 2018. That number was about US$6.8 billion in 2013, so the estimate is almost doubling

The new cruise ship is expected to carry about 5,000 passengers and weigh about 130,000 tons. The ship will also be about 300 meters long.

Alan Buckelew is the Global Chief Operations Officer at Carnival and was quoted, “This joint venture is a significant step forward for the cruise industry in China and a tremendous opportunity … to increase awareness, interest and demand for cruise vacations among domestic Chinese travelers.”

The role that Carnival Corp will fulfill in this joint venture is to do “ship design and shipbuilding expertise”. Carnival currently operates to other cruise line brands – Princess Cruises in China and Costa Cruises.

To give you a great example of how much mainland China travelers love to cruise, they accounted for about a 45% increase over 2013, totaling almost 740k passengers in 2014. We expect 2015 to also show a large year over year increase.

As China continues to grow as a leading travel country, we should see more news on new cruise ships and joint ventures to capitalize on the business opportunity.

Contact The Life of Luxury to help book your next luxury vacation. Would you like to be one of the first passengers to sail on the new China cruise liner in 2020? Return again to read about the latest luxury news and cruise industry press releases by following this popular, luxury blog.

Spending summers under the warm sun while lying on the plush beds of your superyacht charter sundeck is like a dream come true. You can cruise along the shores of Italy or swing by majestic Sardinia for a touch of class. How about cruise by the Balearics for incredible parties under the moon? Taking a luxury cruise on a superyacht is a dream come true.

Taking a superyacht charter is a VIP lifestyle experience that everybody should do at least once in their life. Relax and the sundeck and read a captivating book or sip on your favorite cocktail. You can cruise by one of the many UNESCO heritage sites strewn along the coastline it can be fun to have plenty of toys to play with on your luxury trip.

For example, the MY Starfire believes in being excited by the high-tech toys of the yachting world. The superyacht charter works hard to offer only the best tenders and toys so your enjoyment is fulfilled. Take your own seabob down beneath the blue waters and surround yourself with the fishes. Slide on down the superyacht’s slides into the warm waters of the ocean or seas. For music lovers, listen to your favorite songs via a state of the art sound system. These are just a small sample of what is available these day for the ultimate yacht charter VIP experience.

Quadski:
James Bond eat your heart out, the Quadski manages to toe the line somewhere between a high powered jet ski and a 4×4 land vehicle. Picture yourself setting out from MY Starfire, tearing across the coastline and as soon as you hit land. Seamlessly changing your floating device into a land quad without even having to pause for breath. Intrepid explorers who want to be mobile both on land and water without having to change vehicles. The impressive Quadski is endless fun.
Submarine:

Imagine drifting down deeper than anyone has ever gone before and not even getting your hair wet. With the innovative, exciting and incredible exploratory toy of the submersible you can sink down to discover ancient ruins, shipwrecks, coral and a fleet of sea monsters. Anyone who has ever dreamed of living Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Beneath the Sea are sure to have their imagination sparked by taking their own submarine into the depths of the ocean.

Flyboard:
Sure wakeboarding is fun, but flying is a lot more fun! The Flyboard is something from another world, a glimpse into the future and get your blood pumping through your veins. Attached to a jet ski the Flyboard allows you to propel to dizzying heights above the water. Then dive back in to create a splash. Imagine that first moment when you realize you are actually flying up to 12 meters above the glazed surface of the sea, casting your gaze across the bay and literally walking on air – even if only for a few moments.

Seabob:
For those who adore diving and snorkeling but wish they could stream through the water to cover more ground and capture even more evocative sights – then welcome to the wonder that is the seabob. The seabob allows you to skim the surface or sink down and buzz around below the waves at speeds of up to 20kph, the result is a splash of fun, even more maneuverability and complete freedom below and above the glittering hues of blue.

Outdoor Cinema:
Not all superyacht accessories have to take you off board and into the water. Having an outdoor cinema on your superyacht charter is truly something special. For those evenings when you are too relaxed or tired to step ashore you can curl up beneath the stars with your favorite film. The outdoor cinema is placed on the deck transforming the space into a movie lover’s heaven. Imagine the moon as your lantern, the sound of the sea providing a background melody and homemade ice cream from the chef as you fall in love with film all over again.

If you desire to sail on the open seas in a superyacht, consider MY Starfire and enjoy a luxury superyacht charter. The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your next luxury travel vacation. Keep up on the latest yachting and travel news by following our luxury blog.

Scenic Lake Tahoe is a majestic alpine lake that is surrounded by the towering peaks of both the Sierra Nevada to the west, and Carson Ranges to the east. Lake Tahoe shares the common border of California and Nevada and is known for its incredibly, clear water.

The lake is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world. It ranks as the second deepest in the U.S., behind only Crater Lake in Oregon.  One of the best ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe is by boat. Departing from Zephyr Cove on the southeastern corner of the lake, the M.S. Dixie II is a 520 passenger, award-winning boat and has been voted “Best Cruise in Nevada” by Nevada Magazine.

The M.S. Dixie II is a paddle wheeeler boat and the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe. The boat has three passenger decks. The top deck is called the Hurricane deck, where you can enjoy incredible lake views and clean, alpine air. There’s also a snack bar to purchase food and drinks during your tour. The second deck includes an entertainment area and gift shop to buy souvenirs. The bottom or main deck has a large dining room for a sit down meal or a refreshing cocktail. On several wall mounted TV’s, watch a biography about the history of Lake Tahoe,  learn how the lake was created and its numerous changes over the years.

The sightseeing cruise lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours. Passengers will be treated to stunning views of Mother nature at her very best. From the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains that surround Lake Tahoe, to entering beautiful Emerald Bay.

The M.S. Dixie II boat departs each day from Zephyr Cove Resort. You can chose from a Breakfast or Champagne Brunch cruise, a midday Emerald Bay sightseeing cruise with lunch or try the popular Sunset Dinner Dance cruise for a truly, romantic experience.

During your boat cruise, there will be nonstop photo opportunities. The lake is a beautiful blue color and complimented by the contrast from the surrounding Sierra Mountains. Depending on the time of year, the mountains are often covered in snow.

After traveling west across the lake, we slow down upon nearing scenic Emerald Bay, which in 1969 became a National Natural Landmark. The bay located in the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe. The boat then enters via a narrow opening and everyone is in awe of the natural beauty that engulfs us. A narration over the ship’s speakers explain how the granite surfaces were carved and formed by glaciers.

Soon, Fannette Island comes into view, literally rising right out of lake’s waters. It’s the only island on Lake Tahoe but has a famous past. Mrs. Lora J. Knight of Santa Barbara purchased the land near the island in 1928 and named it Fannette Island. You can see on the summit the remains of a small, stone building – named The Tea House.

On the shore, we get an up close view of magical Vikingsholm mansion. This 38 room castle was built by Knight and finished in 1929. The stone mansion has a Scandinavian look as it sits just beyond a sandy beach with waves lapping up on the shore. She lived in the home until her death in 1945. Vikingsholm can also be reached by hiking or walking along the scenic trail, down to Emerald Bay.

As we circle around the back side of Fannette Island, one can simply admire and appreciate the area’s natural beauty. We slowly exit Emerald Bay and return to the open waters of Lake Tahoe. As you gaze to the south, you’ll notice the ski runs of Heavenly Mountain Resort and the towering, hotel casinos of world famous South Lake Tahoe.

The original M.S. Dixie boat began service on Lake Tahoe back in 1949. Operating first as a pleasure boat, it was expanded and became the inaugural paddle wheeler, serving the public in 1972. Then in 1994, the current M.S. Dixie II went into service bring modern technology that has served many thousands of passengers ever since.

The price for the Emerald Bay Sightseeing Cruise is $55 per person ($20 for a child 3-11) and Dinner Dance Cruise is $85 ($35 for a child 3-11). Get more pricing at: http://www.zephyrcove.com/msdixie.aspx

Taking a boat cruise on the M.S. Dixie II is one of the most affordable and rewarding water activities to do while visiting Lake Tahoe. It’s an incredible VIP experience that should not be missed.

If you are interested in traveling to Lake Tahoe and enjoying this wonder of nature high in the Sierra Mountains, contact The Life of Luxury. When visiting, be sure to plan a boat cruise on the M.S. Dixie II. Return soon to follow our luxury blog and read about other luxury travel destinations.

If you are looking for perhaps the biggest and most expensive superyacht ever built, then you’re in luck. Take a look at the ultra-luxury Admiral X Force 145 yacht from Italian Sea Group. It’s a thing of beauty and once completed, will feel like you’re traveling at sea in one of the top luxury hotels.

Known as a top builder of luxury superyachts, the Italian Sea Group first announced plans for Admiral X Force 145 last November. Their venture could become just another record breaker in the luxury yacht industry.

The luxury superyacht measures 465 feet in length. Its exterior is extremely modern with a sleek, low profile. The yacht main deck level features a continuous pane of glass that seems to go on for miles. The curved glass ends in the yacht’s bow to highlight an incredible observation lounge. The floor-to-ceiling windows bring in tons of natural light inside.

The yacht was designed by Monaco-based Dobroserdov Design, and the yacht’s interior is as luxurious as you can ever imagine. The interior is simple stunning and carries the same curved line design as the boat’s exterior. Once inside you’ll be dazzled with exquisite marble floors, expensive pieces of art, gorgeous crystal chandeliers, plus rare and unique exhibits.

This luxury mega-yacht offers an endless number of luxury amenities that truly provides a VIP experience like no other. The Admiral X Force 145 yacht will have two movie theaters, two swimming pools, in addition to two movie theaters. But that’s not all as you’ll discover luxury at every turn and level of this luxury yacht. Wondering where you will land and take off in your own helicopter? No worries. You’ll have two different helipads to arrive onboard and shuttle friends and family for land excursions and live a life of luxury. It’s literally a floating dream come true.

To stay in shape during your cruise at sea, you can work out in one of multiple, onboard gym facilities. If you don’t want to sunbathe outside, then take advantage of the yacht’s sunbeds to get that perfect tan. Want a cocktail to unwind and quench your thirst? The vessel also has several bars to try your favorite spirit or glass of fine wine.

The master bedroom is pure luxury. Get a great night’s sleep in VIP style. To get in touch with your inner zen, the master bedroom also includes a Zen garden that surrounds your large bed! Each guest bedroom has a spacious seating area to relax and have a cup of coffee or read a good book. Some of the guest bedrooms even have private balconies to take in the tranquil views at sea.

The centerpiece of the Admiral X Force 145 luxury yacht is the salon area. It features a massive chandelier, hanging above the indoor pool and centered between a spectacular circular staircase. Rising out of the pool are exquisite curved sculptures. A wrap-around couch invites you to relax and unwind in the luxurious sitting area.

Current estimates are that Admiral X Force 145 will cost a mind blowing $1 billion or even higher. Not many people in the world can afford a luxury toy like this mega-yacht, but will it remain the most expensive superyacht for long? Expecting to be completed in early 2018, the “Triple Deuce” yacht from 4Yacht may very well break that record. At 722 feet in length, this massive ship will be the talk of the yachting industry.

The Life of Luxury can assist you if you are in the market to purchase a luxury yacht. We can also help you charter a superyacht to make it a vacation you will never forget. We enjoy offering the latest luxury news like the update on the Admiral X Force 145 yacht, in our popular luxury blog.

Photos: Italian Sea Group

Fall is here and the much anticipated NFL year is underway. Fans and pro football experts alike are already making their Super Bowl predictions. Will the New England Patriots and superstars Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski get back to the big game and try and repeat as NFL champs?

Well one thing we do know for sure. Either way Rob Gronkowski will be celebrating after the game at the EPIC Super Bowl After-party at sea. This will be an unbelievable VIP experience to party big time with Gronk.

This February after the Super Bowl, party on the luxury Norwegian Pearl cruise ship from NCL. The Norwegian Pearl offers passengers 15 decks of terrific dining and non-stop on-board entertainment. The luxury cruise ship features 19 different dining experiences, 13 bars and lounges, an award-winning spa, plus an amazing outdoor pool and numerous hot tubs.

The Gronk party ship is not the only headliner who will partying on the high seas. In addition, top music rapper Flo Rida, Redfoo (LMFAO band) and Waka Flocka Flame will also be joining Rob Gronkowski. But that’s not all. The celeb list keeps growing. Also see Sammy Adams, 3LAU, Dante, Brooke Evers, Costa, Brazabelle plus Big Rock Show.

The cruise is sponsored by Sixthman, who has been offering themed cruise experiences for bands, major brands, and of course fans since 2001. To date, Sixthman has put on 81 full ship charters and hosted more than 170,000 guests for one of the best, sea vacation experiences money can buy.

This could be you.

Video: TMZ

The list of past participants includes – KISS, John Mayer, Train, Kis Rock, Florida Georgia Line, Zac Brown Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Barenaked Ladies, Alabama, Sister Hazel, 311 and many more!

As we get closer to big date, expect to see man other celebrities wanting to be part of this party ship. Space availability is limited so get your party cruise tickets with Rob Gronkowski as soon as possible.

So what are you waiting for? You’ll be the envy of all your friends or family by getting the chance to party with Rob Gronkowski and the rest of the above named performers.

If you want to celebrate in VIP style, then take part in the EPIC Super Bowl After-party at sea with Rob Gronkowski. Get your cruise ship cabin booked today on luxury Norwegian Pearl cruise ship from NCL by contacting us. Stay on top of other luxury experiences by following our luxury blog and read it here first!

Photo: Sixthman

Hornblower Cruises & Events is headquartered in San Francisco, California and offers charter yacht and public dining cruise experiences, Hornblower operates over 70 water vessels, including the three largest dining yachts found on the West Coast of the U.S.

Three top destinations in the U.S. include – The Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, Alcatraz Island in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the amazing Niagara Falls.

If you are looking for an incredible travel experience, then consider booking a cruise from Hornblower and make it a memory that will last a lifetime. Take a look at the three cruise packages listed below.

Statue Cruises, New York/New Jersey:
Visiting the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island is a memorable experience for people from all over the world. For only $18 per adult ($14 for seniors 62+/$9 for children 4-12), visitors can book in advance for general admission.  Access to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island are available year round as well as the audio tours of Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Visitors should reserve in advance for Crown ($3 fee) or Pedestal Access of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and priority entry.
www.statuecruises.com

Alcatraz Cruises, San Francisco:
For the 1.5 million people who visit San Francisco’s notorious Alcatraz Island, planning ahead is a must.  As the official provider of transportation for Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz Cruises has the only website to purchase tickets directly from the provider at the lowest price. Buy your Alcatraz tickets, which are only $30 per (adult) person. Tickets are available for purchase up to 90 days in advance.  (Note: While other entities do indeed sell tickets for Alcatraz Island, there are many unauthorized resellers that offer tickets at inflated prices and Alcatraz Cruises cannot be responsible for tickets bought from other sources).
www.alcatrazcruises.com

Niagara Cruises, Ontario:
Hornblower Niagara Cruises, located on the Canadian side of the falls, has extended its boat tours through the end of November. The intimate boat tours bring passengers as close as possible to the breathtaking flow of water, power and mist that is the magnificent Niagara Falls. Within the Niagara Great Gorge visitors journey past the American Niagara Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls for an exhilarating experience.
www.niagaracruises.com

You can be assured that you will receive a VIP experience with any of the luxury cruise or dining excursions from Hornblower. They have been around for 35 years and have a terrific reputation in the industry plus get countless referrals and repeat customers.

Hornblower services can be found in the following U.S. ports – New York City, San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Newport Beach, Long Beach, Marina del Rey and San Diego.

Due to strong popularity of the above U.S. national treasures, we highly recommended that you buy your tour tickets as far in advance as you can. As you get closer to your desired travel date, you risk the chance the tour may be sold out. A little extra planning goes a long way to make sure you get to enjoy this incredible experience.

Taking a boat cruise is a fun time and everyone should enjoy the experience at least once in their life. Hornblower Cruises & Events is your choice for outstanding service and travel safety. Return often to follow this luxury blog and learn about other luxury travel options and top destinations.

Photo: Hornblower Cruise Lines / Scott Barrow

The luxurious Norwegian Escape cruise ship from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), had been under construction since September of 2014, in Papenburg, Germany. On August 16, the impressive Norwegian Escape ship floated out of the construction building and is currently getting ready to enter into service in late October of this year.

The luxury cruise ship will become the largest ship in the entire Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. NCL reports Norwegian Escape weighs 164,600 tons and can carry up to 4,200 passengers. You’ll be cruising the open seas in VIP style.

The beautiful, signature hull artwork was designed by Guy Harvey, who is a famous marine wildlife artist and conservationist. The mighty cruise ship measures 1,098 feet in length and is 136 feet wide. It will become the first ship in NCL’s new Breakaway Plus Class line.

The Norwegian Escape still has work to be done such as adding the iconic, Norwegian Cruise Line funnel, plus adding a third story to the ships’ ropes course. When completed the ropes course will become the largest anywhere at sea. This review is a follow up to another story we did in January titled – Norwegian Escape.

There is an amazing series of inaugural events planned in both Europe and Miami. Norwegian Cruise Line plans to have Norwegian Escape ready for its maiden voyage on November 14, 2015. The luxury cruise ship will sail seven-day cruises in the Eastern Caribbean, with departures schedule each Saturday. Each cruise is expected to be a wonderful VIP experience for all passengers.

Andy Stuart is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line and was quoted, “MEYER WERFT has done an excellent job with the construction of Norwegian Escape. The ship’s float out brings us one step closer to bringing the next evolution of Freestyle Cruising to the world and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Some exciting features for foodies include the first ship in NCL’s fleet feature enhanced meal menus, in addition to a new per-item pricing policy> This should allow its passengers more freedom and flexibility, plus a wider selection of meal courses for their dining pleasure. Feast away on Norwegian Escapea at the following, signature specialty restaurants – Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, La Cucina, plus the new Bayamo restaurant from James Beard Award winning chef Jose Garces. All the mentioned ship restaurants will offer à la carte food options.

Jose Garces is the James Beard Award-Winning Iron Chef and he will feature two fantastic concepts on the ship. The first is a Latin seafood specialty restaurant and will also run Pincho Tapas Bar, a great place to socialize and enjoy great tasting cocktails.

Of course passengers want to be entertained while sailing and won’t be disappointed on Norwegian Escape. Enjoy several well known brands, such as the first-ever floating Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant. 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar is fun, music venue and outdoor bar located on The Waterfront. The bar will showcase live music performances each night.

Also being introduced on Norwegian Escape, is another new concept. Enjoy a memorable dinner and show and watch “The Record: The Brat Pack™”. This critically acclaimed Hollywood show pays tribute to all the classic soundtracks of motion picture masters in a unique, 360° post-modern cabaret performance. It will be amazing!

For families, there is plenty to onboard Norwegian Escape. The luxury ship will offer an expanded Kids’ Aqua Park, in addition to NCL’s first dedicated nursery just for children ages two years and under.

Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line