If you are in New York City the week of July 4, then be sure to check out the “The Festival of Tall Ships.” Get the opportunity to step onboard El Galeón, which is a replica of 16th century ship that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet.

It’s a great way to see an authentic wooden replica up close and personal. The impressive El Galeón ship will sail into New York Harbor and the South Street Seaport and can be seen between July 4 – 12, 2015.

Sponsored by Hornblower Cruises & Events, Cameron Clark, who’s the Vice President and General Manager of Hornblower New York was quoted, “For one week only, El Galeón is commandeering South Street Seaport which will be a boom to the lower Manhattan community during the busy July 4th period. We are also donating a portion of ticket sales from El Galeón to the South Street Seaport Museum and the New York Harbor School, both staple institutions that represent the best of the maritime industry and its links to New York Harbor and also provide an important piece of history for visitors and its neighbors, including the Museum’s sail training and sea education programs on the Lettie G. Howard.”

El Galeón will be docked at Pier 15 at the South Street Seaport’s Waterfront Esplanade. Visitors can relive the route of famous explorer Ponce de Leon aboard the amazing, 170-foot wooden ship. Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer lived between 1460 and 1521. He explored a nearby, San Juan Bautista island, which later was named Puerto Rico. He actually as the island’s governor.

There will an available exhibition tilted, “San Pelayo” where you can learn about 16th century European sailing techniques and navigational technology during that era.

El Galeón is an impressive Spanish ship. It features three large masts, seven sails, six decks and even crew quarters. As you step onboard and tour the ship, explore the expansive main and upper decks, plus the quarter and gun decks and Admiral’s room.

El Galeón tours are available 9am – 5pm each day. If you would like to host a special event one evening, the ship can hold up to 225 people – making it ideal for business conferences, VIP events and other special occasions.

To learn more, please visit www.hornblowernewyork.com

Has visiting New York City always been a dream of yours? Contact The Life of Luxury and have us plan and book your luxury travel itinerary. Come back to read other stories like the El Galeón Spanish ship and follow this luxury blog.

Who wouldn’t want to sail on a luxury yacht and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the ocean. Silver Star has an awesome portfolio of luxury yachts, including the largest yacht in their fleet – M/Y Serene superyacht.

To receive the ultimate luxury yacht charter experience available, the M/Y Serene is 134 meters in length and has been described as one of most technically advanced superyachts that has ever been constructed. That is saying a lot since there are some incredible luxury yachts around the world.

M/Y Serene was built in 2011 by Italian shipyard Fincantieri. The stunning superyacht can accommodate up 24 guests, has a crew 52 people and features 12 luxurious cabins.

For those who want to simply relax and soak in the sun’s rays, M/Y Serene offers several different swimming pools, steam room, a jet stream swimming pool, hot and cold spa pools and even a snow room!

If you are an adventurous type and want to enjoy your time on the open seas to the fullest, M/Y Serene features – sea kayaks, sports fishing safeboat with full diving support, deep sea fishing equipment, various inflatable toys, two lasers, plus water skis and wakeboards. In addition, there’s a storage area for a submarine and a large internal seawater swimming pool, plus even two helicopter platforms for your VIP escape to the mainland.

The interior of this incredible superyacht was designed by famous yacht interior designer- Reymond Langton. The yacht’s decor is stunning and guests will even find a drop-dead gorgeous spiral staircase.

The twelve luxury staterooms include a principal’s suite, VIP staterooms and guest staterooms that come in both double and twin configurations. The spacious principal’s stateroom includes an oversize California King bed, a beautiful en-suite bathroom and a full walk-in dressing area. The attached deck has a hot tub located on the private terrace.

For those families bringing children, no worries. M/Y Serene yacht is equipped to keep the little ones busy at all times. Children can have fun in the playroom, equipped with its own climbing wall. Between the yacht’s decks, kids can try the slide or visit the magical Nemo Room. For gamers, you are in luck. The yacht’s own game room comes with video games consoles, large toy collection and even a cinema to watch your favorite movies.

The superyacht M/Y Serene is available for charter on the Mediterranean. So if you are looking for a memorable VIP experience aboard a luxury yacht, then fulfill your dream and cruise along the Amalfi coast of Italy in style.

Please contact The Life of Luxury if you are interested taking a luxury yacht charter. We work with the best yacht charter companies around the world and can also help plan and book your entire trip itinerary. Follow our luxury blog to stay abreast of the latest luxury travel industries news and tour packages.

Photo: Silver Star

Located on the gorgeous French Riviera, Saint Tropez is a small fishing village on the southern end of France. It’s about halfway between Marseille and Nice.

One of the best ways to enjoy of Saint Tropez and the French Riviera region is by luxury yacht. Take in breathtaking views cruising on the Western Mediterranean.

Popular with the rich and famous, taking a luxury yacht charter on the superyacht M/Y MARY JEAN II is the ideal way to experience a VIP lifestyle. M/Y MARY JEAN II was built in 2010 by Italian custom yacht builder – ISA Yachts.

M/Y MARY JEAN II superyacht is 61.73 metres in length. The luxury yacht has accommodations for twelve guests in seven, ensuite staterooms. The roomy owner’s stateroom even features a king sized bed for ultimate relaxation after an enjoyable day of boating.

Superyacht M/Y MARY JEAN II is available to charter in the Mediterranean. Take in stunning views of Saint Tropez and French Riviera.

The yacht’s interior is incredible. You can try the onboard gym for some exercise or enjoy a romantic fine dining experience or host a party in the large dining area. Afterwards, relax and watch your favorite movie on the large cinema screen that’s located in the yacht’s Sky Lounge.

This luxury superyacht also provides an endless selection of water entertainment options, such as – Waveriders, water skis, kayaking as well as diving equipment to explore below the Mediterranean surface.

If a luxury yacht charter has been on your bucket list, plan a luxury travel experience to Saint Tropez and cruise the Western Mediterranean on the M/Y MARY JEAN II superyacht. Let The Life of Luxury help plan and book your travel itinerary. Follow this luxury blog for more travel destination stories.

Photo: ISA Yachts / Marc Paris

The Oasis class of ships from luxury brand Royal Caribbean International are the largest cruise ships in the world. The class will grow once again with the planned launch of the impressive Harmony of the Seas cruise ship in April of 2016.

With cruise travel as popular as ever, cruise lines have been unveiling newer ships to keep up with consumer demand for higher levels of luxury amenities. Royal Caribbean International will launch Anthem of the Seas as part of their Quantum-class ships next month in addition to Ovation of the Seas next April.

Royal Caribbean International is known for delivering both imagination and innovation to its cruise ships. The award-winning cruise line strives to attain a high level of customer satisfaction and make each ship passenger enjoy an incredible luxury travel experience.

Harmony of the Seas will offer even larger staterooms than its predecessors Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Interior accommodations will feature Virtual Balconies that provide guests a view from each stateroom. Guests staying in a suite can enjoy access to gorgeous suite lounge, the exclusive full-service Suite Sun Zone sun deck, as well as Coastal Kitchen, which is a private suites-only restaurant.

The new Harmony of the Seas cruise ship will follow suit of the other Oasis class ships by offering the seven distinct neighborhoods – Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.

Cruise ship guests will be treated to a true VIP experience. For thrills, try the ship’s three multi-story waterslides that offer terrific views of Central Park which is a whopping 10 decks below.

Located on the Royal Promenade is the new Bionic Bar that features robot bartenders that serve delicious tasting, one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Hi-tech can be found everywhere on Harmony of the Seas. You will find RFID technology with Royal WOWBands so accessing your stateroom, making reservations or onboard purchases …. your experience will be seamless. To stay connected by streaming video checking your social media or Skyping with friends and family, enjoy the fastest Internet connection on the open seas.

Foodies will simply love the luxury cruise ship’s Dynamic Dining program. It’s a culinary experience like no other with endless dining options to be your every taste. For more a simple selection, the “Classic” option allows ship guests to try the various complimentary restaurants for either early or a late seating. It’s the perfect opportunity to dine with the same group each evening plus have the same waiter serving you.

The luxury cruise ship from Royal Caribbean International is definitely massive. Harmony of the Seas will weigh 227,000 gross registered tons and have 16 decks. Ship capacity is 5,479 guests at double occupancy offers 2,747 staterooms for accommodations.

If you are interested in booking a luxury cruise on the new Harmony of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International, contact The Life of Luxury today. we can help plan and book your entire luxury travel itinerary. Keep up on all the latest cruise ship industry news by returning to this luxury blog.

Island life has never been so laid back than when you cruise into Rodney Bay Village on your superyacht charter. The splendor of St Lucia is easy to understand; blissful beaches, five-star resorts and a genuine smile at every turn is sure to lighten your day.

Yet Rodney Bay Village seems to take the simple beauty of life one step further with its stretch of shimmering sands, glitzy midnight casinos and bounty of shady spots beneath the swaying palms to sip coconut rum and dream the day away.

MY Starfire will show you the secrets of this favored Pirate Bay, immersing yourself in the wonder of the Caribbean on the luxury superyacht. MY Starfire is sure to take the experience to a whole new level. Imagine sailing into a champagne sunset with a divine gourmet dinner on the sundeck, soothing your soul with a private massage on board and picking and choosing the coastal nooks and crannies you want to explore.

As soon as you enter the divine beauty of Rodney Bay Village you can soak up the visual delight of the pretty little marina. This is the home to high-class activity with a truly natural vibe on the island. Boasting a smorgasbord of designer boutiques, charming restaurants and comfortable bars you can take a sunlit stroll and toast your arrival with a cold beer and picturesque harbor views. Baywalk Mall and JQ Rodney Bay Mall are both a shoppers’ paradise offering you the chance to splash the cash on everything from diamonds to designer clothes and more.

The beautiful bay was once a firm favorite of Pirates in the 1700s and 1800s and with its shimmering sheltered coves and pristine waters it’s not hard to see why. Spend an hour or two bathing in rich azure hues or dive down into the deep with a scuba diving tour to discover the rainbow colored marine life that drifts beneath the surface.

Enjoy a little French sprinkle of magic with lunch at the charming La Terrasse. Nestled away from the throngs on the main drag you can perch in the shade of a palm covered courtyard and soak up the calm. Rustic onion soup, fresh catch of the day and a glazed Caramel Brule make for a fabulously simple lunch without the fuss in this trendy and honest place.

Afternoon activities in Rodney Bay Village are endless and perfect for embracing the great outdoors. For couples seeking a touch of romance you can ride horses across the sands and into the playful surf that caresses the shore. Those seeking a hint of eco adventure can explore the throbbing heat of the jungle with off-the-beaten-track tours.

To learn about about superyacht MY Starfire – go to www.mystarfire.com

Taking a luxury cruise is an unbelievable experience. Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce their newest and biggest cruise ship later this year. In November 2015, Norwegian Escape will make its maiden voyage.

For a true VIP experience, the ship’s Mandara Spa will be amazing! It will be an ultra relaxing getaway. The luxury spa will offer guests the largest Thermal Suite at sea and the cruise line’s first Snow Room.

Mandara Spa on the new Norwegian Escape spans two of the ship’s decks that provide unobstructed views of the ocean and a place for total relaxation. There will be 17 heated loungers, a hydro-therapy pool, steam room, whirlpools, a dry sauna, plus a sanarium and salt room. The ultimate in luxury R&R.

To cool down and get rejuvenated, it’s off to the Snow Room (photo above) and a true arctic refreshment! Temperature in the Snow Room ranges between 21 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, a flurry of powdery snow bursts into the air. Norwegian Escape guests will recieve multiple health benefits such as stimulating blood circulation in the body and strengthening one’s immune system.

For a pampering expereince, Mandara Spa features 24 contemporary furnished treatment rooms. You can receive greater than 50 different signature services for both women and men. Try the Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed massge, an Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial or the Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow – a signature body enhancing treatment.

For adults, try the two private lounge spaces – Spice H2O and Vibe Beach Club. There will also be an all-new grotto area to cool off and unwind after a long day of sunbathing and onboard activities.

The new Norwegian Escape ship from Norwegian Cruise Line is still being constructed in Germany. It will offer weekly seven-day cruises from its homeport in Miami, Florida. She will set sail to the Eastern Caribbean beginning November 14, 2015. Norwegian Escape will weigh 164,600 gross ton and can carry up to 4,200 guests to luxurious, tropical Caribbean destinations such as – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; British Virgin Islands, Tortola and Nassau, Bahamas.

Vibe Beach Club

The ship’s Spice H2O and Vibe Beach Club will quickly become adult-only, outdoor favorites. It’s the ideal way to lounge away. Spice H2O is located toward the ship’s back on deck 17, and will be an adult-only enclave providing a host of day-time, complimentary leisure activities.

Norwegian Escape is proud to offer the largest ropes course of any ship in the world. It will be a massive, three-story high multiplex of exciting challenges, including two planks and five Sky Rails, plus zip tracks enabling guests to fly through the air.

The Aqua Park will also be the largest at sea and features a new Aqua Racer slide. The enormous sports complex will offer kids a fun, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle miniature golf course. In addition, there’s ongoing entertainment from Nickelodeon plus Norwegian Cruise Line’s first dedicated nursery for children two years or under.

If you are interested in booking a cruise on new Norwegian Escape ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, please contact us today. We can help plan and book your entire travel itinerary. Follow this popular luxury blog to read about other luxury cruise and travel industry news.

Photos: Norwegian Cruise Line

Boot Düsseldorf will be held in Germany between January 17 and 25, 2015. Greater than 1,650 exhibitors from over 60 countries will display their finest yachts and boats, including Flyer Yachts.

At this year’s Boot Düsseldorf show, Flyer Yachts will introduce the world premiere of Flyer 33. Flyer 33 the ultimate daysailer yacht and sure to impress yacht lovers from around the world.

Flyer 33 was designed by renowned superyacht designers Dykstra Naval Architects. This luxury yacht is built to the highest quality standards in the Netherlands, which has long yacht building heritage.

The new Flyer 33 luxury, daysailer yacht is ideal no matter when you want to sail – an evening cruise, a club race with friends, or simply relaxing and enjoyable a pleasure sail on the weekend. The Flyer 33 simply delivers a high level of craftsmanship and non-stop sailing fun.

The Flyer 33 yacht is available in two different versions – the Classic and the Ultimate. The Classic model is a fully equipped yacht and is priced at € 123.140,- ex VAT.

If you are interested in learning more or buying the new Flyer 33 yacht from Flyer Yachts, please contact The Life of Luxury. If you enjoy reading about the newest luxury yachts and boats, come back often to follow this popular luxury blog.

This year, Open Lighthouse Day will be celebrated in Maine on Saturday, September 13. This is a great way to visit Maine’s historic lighthouses for free.

Open Lighthouse Day is a very popular event, attracting between 15,000 to 18,000 visitors each year. The lighthouse event is sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the American Lighthouse Foundation plus the Maine Office of Tourism.

In addition to being a fantastic family activity, the primary goal of Open Lighthouse Day is to both increase awareness of the state of Maine’s maritime heritage, plus teach event visitors all about the storied history of Maine’s iconic lighthouses and their devoted lighthouse keepers.

The special day will include a variety of promotions, packages and activities in addition to partnerships with local hotels and other popular state attractions.

Maine is proud to have the most coastal lighthouses found anywhere in the U.S., thus living up to its reference as “The Lighthouse State.”

Lighthouses first began appearing on the coast of Maine back in 1791. The intent was to help mariners navigate through the often treacherous, Atlantic Ocean waters. The coast of Maine also has numerous small islands, shoals and ledges that added to the danger of navigating ships.

At the turn of the 20th century, Main boasted at least 70 lighthouses to help protect the shipping and maritime industry. Today, 65 of those impressive lighthouses are still in operation.

For visitors who take part in Open Lighthouse Day, Maine’s lighthouses will be on display by a combination of ground visitation or viewings only by sea. Some lighthouses house museums or feature maritime displays within its buildings.

You can visit the following site to view a list of all participating lighthouses who are celebrating Open Lighthouse Day the Saturday, September 13. http://www.lighthousefoundation.org/news/events/maine-open-lighthouse-day-2014/.

Contact The Life of Luxury to help plan and book your travel reservations to Maine and experience Open Lighthouse Day. If you enjoy reading about unique luxury travel destinations, return to follow this luxury blog.

It’s never too early to think about your luxury travel plans for the Christmas holidays. One of the most memorable ways to enjoy the tradition of the Christmas season is taking a cruise and experience the Christmas markets of Europe.

The wonderful Christmas markets are true, holiday tradition across Europe. They are held during the four weeks of Advent and provide a rich, cultural experience like no other.

Emerald Waterways is the first, new river cruise company in Europe in over six years. The river cruise company has announced a fabulous, 15-day Christmas Markets of Europe cruise.

It’s the ideal way to travel along Europe’s greatest waterways in VIP style and celebrate the magic of the upcoming holiday season.

Two popular stops are the Nuremburg Christmas market and Vienna Christkindlmarkt, both rich in history. The Nuremburg Christmas market goes all the way back to 1628 and creates many of the finest toys found anywhere in the world. The Vienna Christkindlmarkt is held in front of the Austria city’s “rathaus” or town hall.

Walk the amazing streets of some of Europe’s greatest cities and enjoy incredible luxury shopping. Shop for holiday gifts such as nutcrackers and hand-crafted toys. After you work up an work up an appetite, try several of the tastie treats including stollen, apple strudel and roasted nuts.

Enjoy a walking tour of the Amsterdam city center its many scenic canals. In Cologne, Germany – stroll along Old Town and discover Germany’s oldest city. In Wertheim and Würzburg, Germany, river cruise guests can experience a slower life in a quaint European village first hand,

The new ships offered by Emerald Waterway are the Emerald Star and Emerald Sky. Each river cruise ship carries up to 182 guests in 72 luxury suites and 20 staterooms. Two of the staterooms are available for single travelers. Take a dip in the onboard, heated swimming pool. The pool’s retractable roof even turns into a movie theater at night!

Foodie lovers can dine at one of two restaurants – Reflections is the main dining room, and The Terrace is available for both breakfast and lunch.

The 15-day Christmas Markets of Europe river cruise visits greater than 25 of Europe’s famous Christmas markets. The river cruise departs from Amsterdam on November 29 and completes its journey on December 13 in Budapest, Hungary.

Cruise pricing ranges between $3,960 and $7,705 per person, based on double occupancy. If 15 days is too long a trip for you, consider sailing on a shorter eight-day itinerary. One cruise leaves November 29 from Amsterdam and travels to Nuremberg. The other choice departs December 6 from Nuremberg and arrives in Budapest. Prices for these eight-day cruises range between $2,080 to $3,955.

If you have always wanted to take a scenic river cruise and experience the fabulous Christmas markets of Europe, then contact us today. We can help plan and book your entire luxury vacation. If you enjoy reading about luxury travel destinations, follow our popular luxury blog.

When Bill Gates takes a family vacation, he goes in VIP luxury style. The Serene is a $330 million superyacht that features 12 staterooms.

Gates is renting The Serene for $5 million per week. The luxury yacht was anchored off the coast of Sardinia. Getting around isn’t a problem as the superyacht has a private helicopter and landing pad, so land excursions a breeze.

The Serene is 450 feet long and has seven decks. The megayacht offers its own saltwater pool, a library, health spa, climbing wall, plus an outdoor theater. For nighttime entertaining, enjoy the combined 48,000 square feet nightclub.

The Serene superyacht is currently owned by Yuri Scheffler, who’s a Russian and made his fortune as the distributor of Stolichnaya vodka.

Although Bill Gates doesn’t own a superyacht himself, he does enjoy renting them. Gates got married on the private yacht owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The luxury yacht owned by Allen is named the Octopus.

Photo: Wikipedia

If you have dreamed of renting a luxury yacht, then contact us today. We have access to a wide ranges of superyacht that you can charter or even purchase. Be sure to return again and follow this luxury blog to read about other luxury travel stories.

Chasing thrills aboard your superyacht charter is simple when the whole ocean is your playground. Nothing can compare to the world class cuisine, sumptuous surroundings, dazzling views and the fun to be had on your luxury superyacht charter.

Whilst some guests prefer to spend hazy days feeling the ripple of the waves with a book in hand, others are always looking for the next adventure to get their senses tingling and blood pumping.

Fortunately MY Starfire luxury yacht provides plenty of choice activities for fun in the sun. Take a look at these luscious ways to get the adrenaline flowing out on the seas.

Jump off:
Diving from the polished deck of your luxury superyacht into the cool blue hues of the ocean is an instant revival for the body and mind. A morning dip in the crystal clear pacific, an afternoon jump into the refreshing white water Atlantic or a moonlit swim in the softly shimmering Mediterranean is what fine living is all about.

Water-ski / wakeboard:
Those with a need for speed will adore feeling the salt water spray as they cruise across the tides on their wakeboard or water-ski. One of the best ways to enjoy an exhilarating ride is with these highly popular superyacht toys.

Diving:
Discover another world waiting for you beneath the waves. Many superyacht charters come with specialist diving instructors and down in the deep you can witness blooming coral gardens, finely dressed fish and even dance with the dolphins.

Jet Ski Safari:
See another side to the rugged coast and the shoreline breakers with a Jet Ski safari. Whizzing around the rocky coves, seeking out secret beaches and feeling the breeze through your hair can turn any afternoon into an adrenaline fueled adventure.

Seabobs:
These jet steam powered toys are a must have for any superyacht charter and perfect for immersing yourself in your element. You can use them for racing around on top of the glassy water or for ducking down deep for a faster paced diving experience. Onshore excitement is also waiting for you when you dock and with these European adventures you can pleasure seek away from the sea.

Sky diving – Le Marche, Italy:
There is no greater thrill to be captured in the world then taking to the air without wings. Sky diving is the ultimate adrenaline kick and Le Marche, Italy is one of the hottest spots to coast over. From your bird’s eye view you can see the Apennine Mountains racing down to meet the sea.

Rent a supercar/luxury car for a day – Monaco:
Discover the pearl of the French Riviera in style with an afternoon cruising Monaco in a supercar. From beautiful Bentleys to Fast and furious Ferraris you can take to the winding coastal roads or simply enjoy cruising around the best spots in town.

Paragliding – Olu Deniz:
Imagine sailing across the skies in complete comfort over the shimmering turquoise coast of Turkey. As you glide through the air you can feel the warm Mediterranean sun kiss your face, see the lush mountains and the lagoons beneath you.

Rock climbing – Kalymnos, Greece:
Giant cliffs, panoramic sea views and uncharted crags make rock climbing in Kalymnos a dream come true for those who love to scale off the beaten track. With less than ten percent of the dramatic sheer cliffs explored you can pave your own way and soak up the island life experience.

Hiking – Corsica:
Discover the treasures of Corsica with its gentle wilderness trails or its bold summit hikes. Pretty little villages, hidden swimming holes and dense wooden hills make Corsica a true delight to explore on foot.

To make your dream of sailing on a luxury superyacht come true, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help arrange your entire travel itinerary. If you like reading about the latest luxury travel and yachting news, follow this luxury blog.

To learn more about MY Starfire, click here – http://mystarfire.com/