By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva The line is also loved by just about every past passenger Viking Cruises is all the rage. Passengers rave about the ships. And Travel + Leisure continues to award it high marks. In fact this marks the fourth consecutive year that the popular magazine's readers gave Viking® a World’s Best [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Amazing odyssey circumnavigates the Pacific Rim Regent Seven Seas' acolytes have been anxiously awaiting to book the line’s 2022 World Cruise. And now they can. The super deluxe ship operator just opened reservations its Navigate the World-Elements of the Pacificvoyage. The odyssey begins on January 2022 in San Francisco on [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Gallivanting the Galapagos on a most exciting expedition ship Ahoy mates! It’s happening. Sales are opening on July 16 for Silversea’s Silver Origin-- one of the most amazing ships ever built to explore the Galapagos Islands. And a Pavlus Travel specialist is ready to get you onboard. The all-suite, 100-passenger [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Vegans rejoice. The chefs of the uptown, all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas Cruise line are dishing out 200 plant-based menus. The delectably creative dishes, served at breakfast, lunch and dinner, could easily convert carnivores. Every vegan voyage begins with breakfast That fresh sea air always jump starts my morning appetite. And [...]
Detail-oriented ship By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva A real game-changer The Celebrity Flora, which sets sail on June 30, 2019 raises the bar on Galapagos cruises. The amount of detail that went into planning each public space, each cabin, and each experience is unrivaled among cruise ship designs. The 5,800 ton, 100-passenger purpose built ship [...]
Silver Origin debuts in 2020 with extraordinary features By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Silversea's Silver Origin is one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships ever built. The destination immersive expedition ship features uniquely immersive Ecuadorian-themed shore and on board experiences led by Silversea’s Expedition Team. Her stunning interior design displays luxury, inspired by Silversea's [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Now here’s an opportunity to mingle with two key Silversea Cruises executives. Peter Shanks (pictured left below) and Mark Conroy will be on board a special sailing of the reimagined Silver Shadow on December 10, 2019. Mark Conroy is managing director of The Americas for Silversea, and Peter Shanks, [...]
We all live in a yellow submarine Yellow submarine, yellow submarine We all live in a yellow submarine Yellow submarine, yellow submarine By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Seabourn Venture rendering courtesy of Seabourn Cruises. Wow. You won’t believe what’s in store for passengers on Seabourn’s expedition ships. When the Seabourn Venture and her sister [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Always book a suite on long cruises. On Silversea they all have butlers who really do cater to your every whim. My husband Richard and I have taken cruises of all lengths. Even over night ones (special for journalists). The most carefree and glorious were 28 days long [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva The eagerly-awaited debut of the knock-down gorgeous, 750-passenger Regent Seven Seas Cruises Splendor happens in less than a year. The ship is simply dazzling with tons of marble and elegant appointments. She also houses 14 astonishing suite categories. The cream of the crop is the lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suites. Designed [...]
By Wes Weiner It’s time for a behind the scenes Silversea Silver Cloud crew member profile Let’s meet the Silver Cloud Expedition’s Desk Top Publisher (DTP) Fely. Born in Manila, in the Philippines, Fely has four wonderful children; ranging in age from 24./Kai, Marc/23, Brian/21, and her youngest at 17, Angelo. Her sister takes wonderful [...]
Good Morning from the Artic Ocean as we cruise to the Svalbard region of Norway. We will land in Burgerbutka and Gnalodden areas of Svalbard starting early tomorrow morning. We begin our Zodiac landings in this icy region at 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Burgerbutka. In the afternoon we move to Gnalodden. Today, the [...]
By Wes Weiner Jan Mayen Island-- Meterological Station Commander briefed all Silversea Cloud Expedition cruisers this morning before our five hour stop at this Volcanic rock--a black and grey sand island marked with hilly terrain. Except for the near 15,000 foxes, there are no animals found on this island. Its last volcanic eruption was in [...]
By Wes Weiner Thanks tons to Dear Wife Ida for awarding me yet another kitchen pass to travel to the Arctic (Iceland & Norway) , to hopefully view the elusive “Polar Bear--The King of the Arctic.” Board the Silversea Silver Cloud Expedition ship on Tuesday in Reykjavik, Iceland and will head out on a 14 [...]
By Wes Weiner Tonight will share my only cuisine post during this Silversea Silver Cloud Expedition voyage. Enjoyed one of the best French dinners in Le Dane on board any SS ship tonight on the Silver Cloud Expedition ship. Cuisine served exceptionally well by Norway who hails from the Philippines. Impeccable wine service by Igor [...]
. By Wes Weiner Good afternoon all from the Silversea Silver Cloud Expedition. Join me as we sail to our next Arctic Island, Jan Mayen. Our seas our calm, the weather is foggy and overcast. Here are some first photos. I am enjoying the ongoing Expedition ship learning process. Instead of slow and smooth [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Regent Seven Seas jaunty Navigator is sailing from London to Dublin today with a whole new look. The ship spent two weeks in dry dock in Brest France getting a full make-over. It was her first refurbishment in three years. According to Jason Montague, RSSC CEO/president, the redo went well. [...]
Choose from 4 festive Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea or Regent voyages By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva If you are one of those who doesn’t want to be home for the holidays, this post’s for you. It’s about Christmas cruises of which my husband and I have taken a few. While I did have trepidations about my [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva You might have thought Tauck only did tours. Wrong. The 94-year-old company caters to every traveler's taste from river cruises to ocean voyages. It's a discerning traveler's go to company for personalized travel. During decades of operation the award-winning company amassed a loyal cultural-curious clientele who will follow them anywhere. [...]
Plan an active summer vacation to magical Whistler Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Do you love to go hiking or bike riding and are looking for a great place to do it this summer? Have we got the spot for you. It’s Whistler Mountain Bike Park. With world class cross country trails, events and festivals for [...]
Stunning new designs and decor By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Oceania Riviera sports a glamorous new look after her stint in dry dock. It's all part of the brands OceanNEXT program—a continuance of fleet-wide enhancements which includes the Marina in 2020. “This is not just a refurbishment but a way to elevate guest experiences by the [...]
Yearly stop-over in Monte Carlo attracts racing fans Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Monte Carlo oozes with wealth and hedonism What a treat for Grand Prix fans. Every May swish Silversea Cruises sails into chic Monte Carlo for the Formula One Motor race where passengers can buy an exclusive two-night shore excursion. The tour [...]
New rule sending shock waves through travel industry By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva The Trump administration just stripped Americans of rights to travel by ship, tour or private vessels to Cuba. Not the news people who planned to visit the island by ship or tour want to hear. And definitely not what cruise lines bargained [...]
A super luxurious expedition ship set to sail June 2021 By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Luxurious expedition ships are the latest rage. Just about every high-end cruise line worth their sea salt is getting on the bandwagon. And swish Seabourn is no exception. The company is adding two expedition vessels as we speak. The first [...]
Silver Spirit's face lift proves welcoming change for most By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Frankly we didn't see anything wrong with Silversea's Silver Spirit the first two times we sailed on it. But her owners apparently did. So they decided to not only upgrade her pretty self but give it a big stretch. So far [...]
A posh haven for the rich and famous that redefines luxury By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva The European-style Montage Beverly Hills exudes class. But that's not to say it's in any way stuffy. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. Even the valets who take your car at the porte-cochere--which is usually lined with limos, [...]
Affordable fares for single seafarers are just a click away So many people who prefer to go solo are concerned about paying those sometimes inflated single supplements. But there are some cruise lines that do make it more affordable to go it alone. Some of the best bargains for single seafarers can found by clicking [...]
Quirky co-founder of Virgin Voyages says South Dakotans need vacations Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Daredevil, entrepreneur and c0-founder of the new adult only Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson, has waged a quirky campaign to get South Dakotans to book cruises. Branson says the rest of the country has gotten behind his cruise line why not South [...]
Here's a great easy to do Chicken Kiev Recipe from Viking Cruises. We'd like to hear if you made this dish or tasted the chicken kiev on your Viking Cruise. Or post your own recipe. This dish originated in Paris, where 19th-century Russian nobility sent their chefs to train. Initially it called for veal, but [...]
A handy guide to get your off on the right foot By Patti Pietschmann Wow! Alaska is on track to greet a record number of cruise passengers this season. We’re talking 1.3 million people heading off ships and into the wondrous cities of the Last Frontier. But, will they be prepared? Will you? Cool and [...]
Carrier offers best fares from New York to Paris or Nice Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMistress The Diva doesn't do coach. It’s an expensive habit, especially if flying to France. On many airlines a business class ticket costs close to $5,000 each way. But not on La Compagnie which offers bargain-priced luxurious business class seating from [...]
The 19-year-old ship to be brought up to snuff with enhancements Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMistress The spunky, little 388-passenger Silver Shadow, sister of Silver Whisper debuted in 2000. Both siblings bring joy to the luxury line’s upscale passengers offering smart, casually chic and offering seamless sailings. My husband Richard have spent many days on both [...]
There's nothing like a holiday cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMistress Photo of Capt. Vorland and Patti by Richard Pietschmann Crystal Cruises goes overboard adorning its ships for the Christmas holidays. The mood is always festive. And, when the master of the ship is Captain Birger Vorland, it's even [...]
Largest ship in MSC fleet sets sail in November By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMistress If you’re a fan of big, new ships, put MSC Cruises Grandiosa on your to do list. The majestic vessel launches November 9, 2019 as the fifth of the line’s next-generation crafts. Like her name implies, the 6,300-passenger behemoth will certainly [...]
Adult only cruise lines' video shows kids just want their moms to have fun Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMistress Virgin Voyages first ship debuts in 2020 The upcoming Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson and partners quirky new cruise lines will cater to adults only when it launches in 2020. In an effort to make parents [...]
Seabourn loyalty program packed with perks Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMistress Some cruise lines go overboard rewarding repeat customers. And we like it that way. While it often takes thousands of accrued miles to get a free airline ticket or upgrade, cruise companies tend to be more generous. One line that proves faithfulness pays is [...]
Give mom the very best dining experience ever By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMistress Photo by Richard Pietschmann Chef Mavro is forks down one of Hawaii's finest restaurants. My husband Richard and I have been going there since it opened years ago. The romantic restaurant, operated and founded by exceptional chef, George Mavro, is [...]
Shipboard credit good on Seven Seas Explorer and Voyager By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMist Arriving in Monte Carlo by ship $500 bonus can go a long way If you haven't yet experienced Regent Seven Seas this is good time to do it. The luxury line is rewarding passengers with a $500 bonus per [...]
You might get a lot but everything isn't always included by Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster/PostMistress Defining inclusive ‘All-inclusive’ fares sound great when booking a cruise. However many unsuspecting consumers are confused when it comes to the bottom line. When booking voyages we are told that meals, entertainment and “lots of extras” are built-in to the [...]
Luxury line offering slew of enticing odysseys Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BligMaster/PostMistress If you have sailed enough with Silversea’s to be a member of its elite Venetian Society you are entitled to an exclusive pre-sale on 54 new winter 2020/2021 voyages. You have a choice of 26 highly-crafted, appealing winter itineraries on Silver Muse, Silver Whisper, [...]
Crystal Cruises World Cruise 2022 now ready for booking And Pavlus Travel has you covered By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus PostMistress/BlogMaster Pool deck photo by Richard Pietschann Wow! It might seem that booking a cruise for 2022 is too soon. But if you’re considering a World Cruise on the uber-popular Crystal Serenity, it’s never [...]
RSSC Splendor to debut with creative cuisine By Patti Pietchmann Pavlus BlogMaster Courtesy RSSC The food already tops the culinary charts on any Regent Seven Seas ship. But when the Spendor debuts next year it will tip the culinary scales. The luxury cruise line will be dishing out even more mouth watering creative cuisine. Seven [...]
Sail out of Bora Bora Photo by Richard Pietschmann Experience wonders of the South Pacific and beyond By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Fans of Regent Seven Seas will love the line's 14 voyage selection in New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia and Australia. And Pavlus is ready to book you. Imagine exploring a new [...]
The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea Maui exceeds expectations By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster reporting from Maui A vibrant fantasy of tropical plants, flowers and palm trees greet you as you drive through the entry gates of the exquisite Hotel Wailea Maui--a Relais & Chateaux property posed like a sumptuous hojin inn on a slope of [...]
Oh how we danced on the night we were wed An anniversary at sea to remember Patti Pietschmann It doesn't get more romantic that this. Our gorgeous 760-square-foot suite turns into a fantasy of flashing lights and music. A CD belts out Kenny Rogers best love songs. A luscious chocolate cake awaits on a beautiful [...]
All-inclusive just got more inclusive By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the uber upscale ship operator that offers truly all-inclusive fares is providing passengers even more for their money with three new perks. Guests on board the line’s little luxury liners already get free drinks, many shore excursions, WiFi and tip included. [...]
Tell us about it in writing or with photos If you’ve used Pavlus services to take a cruise, tour or land-based trip we want to hear from you. Applaud or vent and tell us how it went. We’d love to hear about and see some photos. It’s easy. Just use the form on Pavlus home [...]
Keep all your cruise memories in one spot with this handy app What a great idea for folks who enjoy sharing their experiences with others. AmaWaterways has come out with “myAmaCruise” mobile app that makes it possible to share and store photos and send email cards. The app, which is available at Google Play or [...]
Cruises have become a food-lover's delight Dessert at Qsine Shipboard food continues to improve as more lines hire big name chefs to main the galleys. Ingredients are fresher and higher quality. Preparations are more creative and painstakingly presented. Especially in alternative dining venues. No longer does size matter. Portions are little smaller but [...]
Cruise operator to replace luxury liner with expedition ship By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Out of Alaska A misleading promotional email arrived a few days ago with the subject line: “Don’t miss Crystal’s last year in Alaska.” It was a surprising to say the least. Scrolling down the message it said, “ LAST CALL! Crystal [...]
Entree fees for second helpings By Patti Pietschmann This news may not sit well with some seafarers. According to a spokeswoman for Holland America the line may charge extra if you order a second entree. "Holland America is running two trials in the Dining Room. One option is to charge $10 to order a second [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster What makes Hawaii one of the top honeymoon destinations? Well for starters, the archipelago is just about the most romantic on the planet. It's where rainbows appear on almost on cue and scents of heady plumaria fill the air. It's where balmy breezes blow, verdant mountains flank the blue Pacific [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Photo by Richard Pietschmann of Windstar in Tahiti One of the most breathtaking moments on a Windstar cruise is when the captain does a ‘sail around’ while passengers are off to shore. This was especially awesome in Bora Bora where we watched the Wind Star sail by in [...]
Luxury expedition ship Silver Cloud Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Don't miss the boat. Silversea, the paradigm of luxury cruising, is accepting bookings for its Expedition World Cruise on its jaunty Silver Cloud. And Pavlus is ready to book you. The global odyssey departs Ushuaia, Argentina, on January 30, 2021. The dazzling itinerary provides immersive travel [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Seasickness, also called mal de mer, isn't pleasant. But it happens. Like a witty former Princess Cruises' captain, John Young, once told his passengers after a rocky night at sea, "A ship as 'her' or 'she.' And like a woman a ship's bosom often heave." This almost always got a [...]
Behemoth vessel marks 17th in the series Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster New ship builds get a lot of hoopla. And today Holland America’s next Pinnacle Class, 2,662-passenger behemoth was on the receiving end. The company celebrated the milestone cutting of the steel for its main section at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. The yet unnamed [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster with photos by Richard Pietschmann Best restaurant in Maui No trip to Maui is complete without a visit to celebrity Chef Beverly Gannon’s Haliimaile General Store. The charming up country eatery dishes out some of the best food in the islands. And yes, it was once really [...]
Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster with photos below by Richard Pietschmann “E komo mai, welcome aboard” reads the First Class dinner menu on our Hawaiian Airlines’ flight from Maui to Los Angeles. It's just one of the many touches that make the carrier cuts above some of the rest. We were winging our way home from [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster with photos by Richard Pietschmann Although we live in Los Angeles, sometimes we just need a fast break. A quick getaway that feels far from home, but is just a few miles away. So a couple of summers ago we booked a room at Loew’s Santa Monica Beach Hotel—a short, [...]
Seabourn Quest courtesy of Seabourn Cruises Isn't she lovely Part 2 of Amazon Cruise memories By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus Blog Master/writer with photo by Richard Pietschmann Say Cheers Bellying up to the bar was a preprandial pleasure for a coterie of passengers on our Seabourn Quest 15-day Caribbean/Amazon cruise from Fort Lauderdale to [...]
By Patti Pietschmann with photos by Richard Pietschmann If an Alaska cruise is in your bucket list, now is the time to book it. Sure this destination was once a final resort reserved for an older clientele. But now millennials are hopping on board. Much of the allure for the younger folk are [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Pavlus Blog Master/writer The much anticipated launch of Crystal Endeavor is still two years off but the luxury cruise line has opened it for bookings. And Pavlus Travel is ready to get you on board. The German-built, 20,000-GRT ship is hardly your usual explorer craft. The 200-passenger all-suite ship is luxurious, elegantly [...]
By Patti Pietschmann, photos by Richard Pietschmmann Celebrities, rock stars and movie moguls meet for dinners at Il Piccolino. They go not to be seen but to enjoy leisurely, relaxed meals. We're talking some of the best Italian food this side of the old country. But the show biz clientele goes there for privacy, I [...]
by Patti Pietschmann Pavlus BlogMaster Thanks to its foodie founder/CEO Frank Del Rio (affectionately called FDR), Oceania Cruises cares about cuisine. I mean big time. FDR won’t have it any other way. He told us once during a press event, that food presentation, quality and presentation were the most important ingredients to operating his [...]
By Patti Pietschmann We sailed across the Atlantic on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 from New York to England with no land in sight for seven days. Veteran seafarers that we are, we were ready for it, yet a little anxious. No worries, really. Cunard Owns It There are lots of activities offered on this beautifully [...]
Cruise Tips. A Q&A for first time cruisers By Patti Pietschmann with photo by Richard Pietschmann While cruising has gained tremendous popularity over the years, there are still many people who are on the fence on whether to cruise or not to cruise. My answer of course, is go for it. There is nothing like [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Tut, Tut Now here’s a tour I could get behind. Tauk’s taking folks on after-hours visits to the tomb of King Tutankhamun aka: King Tut. It is part of an excursion of the Valley of Kings that includes a multiple-night cruise along the Nile on the swanky Oberoi riverboat. [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Small luxury cruise lines vs behemoth boats Small ships aren't for every seafarer. But you sure can't beat the creature comforts. Especially on all-inclusive lines which come with tips, all beverages hard and soft, WiFi, other amenities that run up big tabs on other lines. Regent Seven Seas even throws [...]
