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

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.

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

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.

It’s the ultimate battle of cocktail mixology on the high seas! 5,500 of the world’s best bartenders will go head to head in an epic competition.

Diageo Reserve World Class™ is sponsoring this battle in partner of 4 of the biggest names in the cruise industry – Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

Diageo Reserve World Class has been transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture, both around the world as well as at home. The brand offers some of most recognized spirits known today. Their luxury portfolio includes the following popular labels:

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® PLATINUM LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended Scotch Whisky, The SINGLETON™ Single Malt Scotch Whisky, CÎROC® Vodka, KETEL ONE® Vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ Gin, DON JULIO® Tequila, ZACAPA® Rum, Bulleit® Bourbon, and Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

This year’s competition will see a huge increase in participation as 5,500 cruise line bartenders from around the world will compete for supremacy. That’s almost 15 times more participants than last year.

Photo: Ian Derry

The goal of this incredible bartender battle is to discover the next generation of bartending talent by introducing and sharing the latest mixology trends, then carrying these learnings to the best bars worldwide.

The head to head rounds will go on until only four bartenders remain. The final four will compete at the glamorous Diageo Reserve World Class Global Travel semi-final event on 5th June, and held in tropical Miami, Florida. Who will be crowned the mixologist extraordinaire?

World Class Global Winner for Latin America & Caribbean 2013, Mario Seijo, will be managing the training program this year. Seijo will be supported by leading mixologists Joseph Brooke, Julio Cabrera plus Michael Parish. The team will coach the on board bartenders in various showmanship skills in addition to the latest cocktail making trends to create great tasting drinks for their cruise ship guests. Two of those trends include ‘Gin and the Secrets of Distillation’ and ‘Mediterranean Mastery’.

Louise Higgins is the Marketing Director of Diageo GTME Western was was quoted, “WORLD CLASS has become synonymous with creativity, style and sophistication, constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary and experiential cocktail culture. Through DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS, the drinks industry’s largest investment in luxury drinking experiences, we are delighted to be collaborating with the best cruise lines in the industry to transform fine-drinking for holiday makers. This is our biggest year ever by some way and we are excited to see these bartenders will take their cocktail making skills to new levels in the world’s most credible cocktail competition.”

Due to the large increase in participating bartenders, Diageo Reserve World Class decided to bring in two more cruise line heavyweights. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will join this year and are excited to add fine-drinking experiences for their passengers as well.

If you would like to learn more and book a reservation on one of these luxury cruise ships to watch the bartender competition. please contact The Life of Luxury. A travel concierge member will be happy to assist you. Come back often to read the latest news on our luxury blog.

Norwegian Pearl

Country music lovers get ready to set sail for the second country musical festival at sea. Enjoy a seven-day cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl for the Country Cruising “Best Country Cruise Ever.”

Depart from Miami on January 12, 2014 and sail to the Western Caribbean where you will spend a week at sea with some of your favorite country superstars including, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Wynonna, Neal McCoy, Love and Theft, Craig Morgan, Lonestar and many more.

Enjoy a fun-filled cruise with live concerts and live music every night as you mingle and move from one location to the next aboard the ship. Sway to the music as each country superstar performs two live concerts in the Stardust Theater.

Included in the country musical line up are: Steel Magnolia, Brett Eldredge, Maggie Rose, Frankie Ballard, Chris Cavanaugh, Brandon and Leah, JJ Lawhorn, James Wesley, JT Hodges, Ray Scott, McKenna Faith, Her and Kings County, The Mantz Brothers, Clayton Anderson, Bryan Edwards and other emerging artists to be announced.

Other exclusive Norwegian Pearl cruise perks include:
• Songwriter workshops;
• “The Competition”– a karaoke contest judged by the pros;
• Surprise unplugged performances and jam sessions;
• Question and answer sessions with the artists;
• Opportunities to get up close and personal with musical guests;
• Late night dance parties.

Experience the wonders aboard the Norwegian Pearl as you enjoy the freedom and flexibility of Norwegian’s signature Freestyle Cruising® which includes scrumptious dining options, numerous bars and lounges, casino, spa, pools and so much more which makes this cruise ship a vacation at sea like no other.

To book your stateroom on board the Country Cruising “Best Country Cruise Ever”, please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

Courtesy of: Sixthman

The country music and southern rock band Alabama has accomplished a lot over the years including over 73 million records sold, forty-three #1 singles, and more than 150 music industry awards. But there is one accomplishment the band has yet to make – a country music festival at sea.

Well get ready to celebrate the band’s 40th Anniversary and join Alabama on board Norwegian Pearl for a four-night cruise from Miami to Nassau & Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s own private island in the Bahamas.

Sixthman, known for being the leader in creating festivals at sea, and Alabama are partnering up and inviting some of their favorite bands and fans to a fun-filled four day cruise of outdoor concerts and activities.

You will set sail on October 24, 2013 and celebrate this great milestone with amazing performances including two outdoor concerts from the full band, performances from each of the individual Alabama band members and one autographed cruise poster per stateroom. Plus, guests in each stateroom will also get a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a photo with the band.

Courtesy of: Sixthman

While music fills your ears, you will also have access to Norwegian Pearl’s outstanding amenities some of which include bars and lounges, restaurants, two pools, a waterslide, four hot tubs, and a lavish spa. You will be treated to 24-hour room service and may even strike it rich at The Pearl Club Casino. Enjoy a private island get-away at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas where you can participate in beachside activities and indulge in food and drink.

Teddy Gentry, founding member of Alabama states: “I’m looking forward to enjoying my very first cruise! We have some exciting things in-store for the fans and look forward to making this a lifetime memory for everyone onboard. This will be a one of a kind experience where we truly get to share time together with our biggest supporters over the years. We pride ourselves on creating unique experiences and are excited to embark on this new venture which will not disappoint. I’m bringing my extra-large belt because I hear the food is great. Hope you can join us!”

Cruise fares start at $750 per guest, plus taxes and fees. For full details of the Alabama & Friends Festival, and to sign up for the pre-sale, visit www.alabamafestivalatsea.com

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel cruise request. We will promptly get back to you.

French Country Waterways offers luxury barge cruising aboard one of the company’s four luxury barges. This American-owned and operated premier provider offers upscale amenities on all their French cruises.

Your six-night sailing adventure, April through October, includes private tours and wine tastings, French cuisine dining featuring fine wines and French cheeses, private motor coaches and escorted transfers.

Put your feet up on the sundeck, walk or bicycle along canal towpaths, or just relax in your suite designed with private baths and king, queen or twin beds. Sure to make your cruise memorable is the stellar assistance of the crew …. fluent in both English and French, they will provide attentive and knowledgeable service all contributing to making this an unforgettable experience.

The eight-passenger Horizon II journeys through the Upper Loire Valley, known for its network of canals linking Paris to the château country, where many castles and stately manor houses fill the landscape.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your French Country Waterways travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

The eight-passenger Princess, spends April through June in Champagne – where guests explore the Gothic Cathedral of Reims and the cellars Moët & Chandon.

The 12-passenger Adrienne, luxuriously outfitted with six king suites, serenely follows the narrow 18th-century Canal du Centre and tree-lined Canal de Bourgogne as it makes its way through the beauty of Burgundy’s scenic Côte d’Or wine-growing region.

The 12-passenger Nenuphar explores picturesque Central Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne route between Tanlay and Venarey-les-Laumes.

2013 barge cruise fares from French Country range from $5,095 to $6,695 per person, double occupancy.

For detailed cruise information or for information on individual bookings and for charter groups of up to 12 guests, please visit www.fcwl.com or call (800) 222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada and (781) 934-2454 in MA.

Rhine River

Scenic Cruises is part of Scenic Tours, which provides its clients award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and other popular destinations.

An exciting new cruise has been added to the Scenic Cruises “France River Cruising” program for 2013 – an incredible 14-night cruise from Amsterdam to Nice. This sailing combines the popular seven-night Amsterdam-to-Basel cruise followed by a new seven-night Chalon-sur-Saône-to-Arles cruise.

This is an amazing opportunity to discover the treasures of France, in addition to Germany. Cruise highlights includes – dinner in the home of a local French family near Tournon, learning about their everyday life and foods; a visit with local vintner and wine tasting in the Beaujolais village of Oignt; taking electric-assist bicycles out for a spin on the well-developed paths along the Rhine River near Koblenz; and visiting the Hockenheim Formula 1 track, including entry to the museum and an insider tour of the circuit.

The European cruise itinerary begins with one night in the canal city of Amsterdam prior to setting sail along the scenic Rhine River, which is about 600-kilometer in length. Cruise passengers end the Rhine portion in the beautiful Swiss city of Basel. Also enjoy the local charm and beauty of historic Cologne; the 2,000-year-old city of Koblenz; romantic Rüdesheim, the “city of the squares’; Mannheim; and Breisach, the German town with the Celtic name that translates into “breakwater.”

Numerous shore excursions include Cologne’s historic section; Germany’s most beautiful medieval castle, Burg Eltz; and Siegfrieds Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rudesheim, including guided tours of many of the museum’s treasured rooms.

Cruise prices for trip departures in either March, April and September range from $6,290 to $10,140 per person, double including free flights to Europe for guests booking standard staterooms (D&E category) if booked by Sept. 30, 2012.

Scenic Tours also offers three extended versions with you wan to take more time to enjoy Europe: a 20-night version, adding three nights in Paris and three in Monaco’s glamorous Monte Carlo – which includes visits to Cannes and Nice (starting at $9,930); 18 nights, from Paris to Nice (fare starting at $8,285); and 18 nights, from Amsterdam to Monte Carlo (priced from $7,935).

Please contact us to learn more or book your cruise:

International Photobank / Alamy

Cruising anytime of the year is a memorable experience, but enjoying a cruise over the Christmas Holidays is extra special – especially taking in the sites of majestic Norway.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising. They sail the most remote regions of the world including – Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen. In addition, also see Norway’s coast year-round and Europe in the spring.

Hurtigruten just announced that two of their ships will be cruising during the upcoming holidays and are scheduled to meet in Tromsø, Norway as part of their New Year’s Eve Celebrations.

Tromsø, Norway has long been called “Paris of the North,” as well as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Tromø is the capital of the Arctic and truly is beautiful city offering diverse culture and history.

Hurtigruten’s 12-day departures, whether from Bergen (Dec. 27) on the MS Midnatsol or Kirkenes (Dec. 30) on the MS Trollfjord, are priced from $2,203 to $7,657 per person, double.

Tromsø, Norway is located 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a magical place. The Norwegian city has the highest number of old wooden houses in Northern Norway, plus numerous attractions including the Polar Museum, and Norway’s largest planetarium – The Science Center of Northern Norway.

For Christmas Eve, all Hurtigruten ships moor in their respective ports for approximately 24 hours. This stop over allows Christmas celebrations to be enjoyed by customers without interruption. The cruise ship celebrations are based on century-old traditions – and guests may choose to do it all or any part of them.

The planned New Year’s Eve celebrations will be special. Begin with a special service in the Arctic Cathedral, which is one of Tromsø’s most popular landmarks. Next is splendid dinner, followed by dancing and Champagne toasts. Bring in the New Year in style with a dazzling mountain-side fireworks display.

This Norwegian cruise is a must. Set sail along Norway’s scenic western coast, stopping in 34 different ports of call and enjoy 1,250 miles of scenic coastline between the cultural center of Bergen and Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle.

For additional information or to book this incredible Norway holiday cruise, please contact us at: