Experience all there is to see in Rome, Pisa, Florence, Verona and Venice By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Fabulous Firenze I love visiting Italy, partly because I am of Italian heritage. But also because it’s such a warm and welcoming part of the Europe. And, you can’t beat the food. Or local wines [...]
A little shipboard humor to brighten your day By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Photo of ships in St. Kitts by Richard Pietschmann During decades-long travels I have heard some of the funniest-- and as stated in the headline-- dumbest, questions posed by cruise passengers. A favorite is, “Where does the crew live?” This [...]
Dramatic coastlines, castles and luminous loughs By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva, photos courtesy of Trafalgar Tours If you've never visited Ireland, these pictures will make you want to. And Trafalgar Tours plus a Pavlus travel specialist can make it happen. See castles steeped in myth and legend, glass-like lochs (aka lakes or loughs) and amazing [...]
Leaf peeping with Costsaver tours By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva When you live in areas such as Los Angeles, as I do, you rarely get to see the changing leaves of fall. This is why many of us head off to cooler climes where we can get our fix of Mother Nature’s art work. [...]
A chocolate lover's guide to the best in the world This article was provided by Trafalgar, an award-winning travel brand that creates dream trips around the world. One of which is a foray into its favorite chocolate regions. Just as travel is one of life’s greatest gifts so is chocolate. Trafalgar traces the delicious candy [...]
Quirky up and coming cruise line to offer bubbly by demand By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Sir Richard Branson is really working it. The dare-devil billionaire, entrepreneur keeps creating eccentric experiences for his Scarlet Lady. His newest attention grabber is the offering of a Champagne on Demand app that delivers a 750ml bottle of Möet Chandon [...]
First class air, raptors, mushers, sled Dogs, the Tlingit are a few highlights By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Having just returned from a glorious 12-night Alaska voyage on Regent Seven Seas Mariner I can’t imagine the experience getting any better. But Regent is upping its Alaska ante for 2020 an unprecedented collection of authentic [...]
The chic cruise line creates a world of sea-going choices By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Butler service for all, fine food, exciting ports, gorgeous suites and laid-back elegance define Silversea, the cruise line that continually redefines luxury. If you have yet to sample the fare you might want to consider booking any of 197 [...]
Totem represents token of appreciation for Alaska's 50 years of support By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva It's always nice to hear about companies giving back. And that's what Princess Cruises did recently. The Santa Clarita-based cruise line had a special totem pole carved out just for the city of Ketchikan. The totem pole is the [...]
Tauck providing seamless ways to explore Australia and New Zealand By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Looking for some exotic experiences to put on your 2020 travel calendar? Who isn’t? Tauck has a few exciting options to consider. Next year the company’s “Exotics’ journey collection features a 15-day tour of South Austalia and a two [...]
Serene Spa & Wellness to feature globally-inspired treatments By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Couple's massage photo by Patti Pietschmann Hitting the spa is one of my favorite cruise ship indulgences. Especially getting a couple's massage with my first mate. Happily, shipboard spas and treatments continue to improve each year (while prices soar). No [...]
Last port of a 12-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles By Patti Pietschmann with photos by Richard Pietschmann The sleek RSSC Mariner pulled into the port of San Francisco early yesterday morning. Friends picked us up and took us out for a tasty Chinese lunch at the popular Fang. The weather was divine. [...]
Vineyards and historic sights included By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Well this wine lover perked up when learning that luxury riverboat operator, AmaWaterways is offering more than a dozen wine cruises next year. The voyages showcase famed vineyards and historic sights of France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Top North American wine experts, certified sommeliers, [...]
Estonia-born captain commands mighty fine ship By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Captain Aivo Palm keeps a high profile on board the country club-style RSSC Mariner. He's easy to see at an imposing 6 feet four, elegant in his dress uniform as he strolls around greeting and talking to passengers. As I write this Regent Seven [...]
Michael Coghlan says happy crews create contented passengers By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Photo of GM Michael Coghland at work by Patti Pietschmann Michael Coghland hails from Canada but makes his land home in Southern California. The amiable chap retains his Canadian accent and his fondness for cool climes. "I love sailing in [...]
New tours and bargain shopping take the edge off By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva with photos by Richard Pietschmann It's impressive how quickly Regent Seven Seas arranged tours and activities for an unscheduled stop in Skagway. The 350-suite, all-balcony, all suite Mariner, on a 12-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles, was schedule to [...]
Hitting our first port on an Alaska cruise By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva with photos by Richard Pietschmann Although RSSC offers several free shore excursions in Ketchikan we opted to go off on our own. We've been here many times. It was chilly and rainy but we had the right gear and Regent gives [...]
Happily sailing out of Vancouver after a trying airport experience By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Happiness was getting into our Concierge Suite on Regent Seven Seas Mariner after a most excruciating experience at Vancouver Airport. We’ve never gone through anything like it. Our flight from Los Angeles on American was smooth and pleasant. And then [...]
Get your twang on at Tauck's Nashville Country Music Event September 2020 By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Fans of Tauck and country music will want to put this on your 2020 travel schedule. The popular tour-and-more operator is sponsoring a one-time "Tauck Nashville Country Music Event." The festival, which runs from September 9 – 13, [...]
What price pampering By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva A hundred years ago. Well maybe 20 I got regular massages on cruise ships for $8 to $25. Not any more. The price for pampering has sky rocketed. We’re talking $300 and up a rub or facial in some cases. While I have no real basis for [...]
Luxury ship operator offering exclusive culturally-intense cruises by Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Elite ship operator, Regent Seven Seas shines the spotlight on eight special culturally-intense voyages in 2020. With titillating topics on wine, wars, journalism, gardening, Broadway shows, genealogy and more. Wars of the world On May 4, 2020, Major 20th century conflicts is the [...]
Man takes time out from Africa expedition cruise to help students We just had to share this story about a Silversea passenger who gave back. Robert Lapin was on board Silversea Silver Cloud last April cruising the west coast of Africa. He volunteers his time to teach students in Ghana. Lapin connects with a dozen [...]
Sir Richard Branson brings style to ship staff By Patti Pietschmann,TravelDiva By now every cruise insider knows that Sir Richard Banson's up and upcoming Virgin Voyages sails outside the box. The entire concept is as unique and quirky as the billionaire daredevil/entrepreneur himself. Following months of teasers about other worldly activities and amenities slated for [...]
How the forces of evil on 9/11 changed how we live and travel By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva My husband Richard were in New York to gather travel articles and assignments on September 11, 2001. The memory of that horrific day is etched in our minds. It still feels like it happened yesterday. We flew [...]
It only costs a little more to get the very best by Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva All-inclusive means caviar and Champagne plus more on Regent Seven Seas Mariner (Photo by Richard Pietschmann) Figuring out how much a cruise will wind up costing you in the end can be daunting. You need to consider [...]
What a difference decades make Patti Pietschmann, Travel Diva A savvy seafarer looks back The following article, by me, is an edited reprint from 1992, not long after Crystal Cruises (1990) and before Silversea Cruises (1990) restyled luxury cruises. Some of the ships and cruise lines are long gone. But cruise historians might enjoy seeing [...]
Carnival and its subsidiaries sending funds and supplies to Bahamas The Carnival Foundation along with its nine cruise line brands and the Arison Family Foundation are stepping up to the plate with a pledge to donate $2 million for relief in the hurricane ravaged Bahamas. Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA [...]
Luxury line giving first class flights on 16 sailings By Patti Pietschmann, Travel Diva Well this was music to the diva’s ears. Starting in 2020 anyone flying to Alaska on a Regent Seven Seas cruise will get to do so in the front of the plane. The super luxe, all-inclusive cruise line is providing first [...]
Do you care how your cruise tickets come By Patti Pietschmann By Patti Pietschmann Once upon a time when cruise lines didn't have web sites and still sent your tickets in the mail you got handsome folders/wallets in which to carry your passport and tickets and attractive luggage tags often with your name [...]
Passengers off on epic eight-month voyage By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva The Viking Star near the Grand Canal of Venice An epic event is about to happened. Viking® is attempting to break a Guinness World Record with a 245-day Ultimate World Cruise. The eight-month voyage, which begins in London August 31 on the [...]
Cruise lines altering course Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Cruise lines are on the alert for Hurricane Dorian which is suspected to blast into Florida this weekend. There have been many changes that you should be aware of if you are scheduled to cruise Florida or the Caribbean soon. Royal Caribbean is closing its private Bahamian [...]
Much anticipated ship is just a year away from launch by Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva It was a momentous occasion watching Silversea Cruises' stunning Silver Moon hitting the water for the first time. The ritual 'baptismal' took place at Fincantieri Shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Manfredi Lefebvre, executive chairman of the line officiated the event saying, [...]
Cruising to a different drummer By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva My husband Richard and I began cruising in our 20s. Since then we have taken hundreds of voyages on ships of all sizes and shapes. We tend to lean to luxury options such as Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Paul Gauguin and the [...]
Broaden your mind, not your butt By Patti Pietschmann, Travel Diva It's not easy walking past offerings such as this in Crystal Symphony's Bistro Do you worry about gaining weight when you cruise? Or when traveling in culinary kingdoms such as Italy or France. You’re not alone. And, you really can avoid adding [...]
Magical moments By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva My first mate Richard and I have taken more than a half dozen Silversea cruises in Caribbean, Med, French Polynesia, Australia and New Zealand waters. Every voyage brings wonderful memories. Here are just a few caught by our cameras. Silversea restyled the way we cruise when it launched [...]
With words of wisdom from cruise industry doyenne Edie Rodriguez by Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Tauck in the Netherlands River cruises continue to be hot tickets. You can credit companies such as Crystal, Viking, Tauck, AmaWaterways, Uniworld and others for glamorizing the experience. No longer your grandparents’ riverboats, most now come with butlers, [...]
Turmoil on the tarmac at JFK Passengers irate over an eight-hour flight delay erupted into airplane rage yesterday. Delta flight 2385 was due to take off for Miami from New York’s JFK. But weather conditions caused a postponement. Obviously this didn't sit well with passengers stuck on board. No food or beverages After a while [...]
Take control of your cruise By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva First day in Queen Mary2 cabin time to prepare ahead 1--Cruise control. Whether you’re a first time cruiser or veteran clip and save the following tips. They can greatly enhance your experience from start to finish. And don’t think you know it all, [...]
After 100+ ocean cruises first Danube cruise proves a charm By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Keith and Anne Marie Steiner on Crystal Mozart Keith Steiner started cruising with his family at the age of 12 on the now defunct Home Lines. Since then, and after retiring from MCI he and his wife Anne [...]
Airline to launch route using new narrow-body Airbus A321 Hawaiians love Sin City. I even know a few who shuttle back and forth once a month on standby fares for a run at that elusive pot of gold. Most of the island to desert flights originate and land in Honolulu. But now there's great news [...]
The thieves are out there By Patti Pietschmann Mask Criminal Male Stealing Thief Purse from Hapless Female Girl Character Isolated Icon Cartoon Design Template Vector Illustration Throw virtual safety net over yourself when traveling I just read a threat on Facebook from several people who were robbed while traveling. Some lost wallets, passports, [...]
RSSC 120-night Pacific Rim odyssey a near sell out on first day of sales By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Balcony on Mariner photo by Richard Pietschmann Regent Seven Seas , one of the savviest cruise marketers in the industry was founded in 1992. In 2008 Frank J. Del Rio and Bob Binder, founders [...]
Chic companies to operate independently Paul Gauguin plies paradise Stylish French cruise line Ponant just revealed plans to purchase Paul Gauguin Cruises. According to a Ponant press release, the two companies will continue to operate as separate entities. The marriage will allow for more diversity for passengers. Nautical bliss "It's with great pleasure [...]
Tasks to help get greater cruise control By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Photo by Richard Pietschmann of day one on Queen Mary2 Whether you’re a first time cruiser or veteran there are ways to foolproof your experience beginning with day one. And don’t think you know it all, you may forget to do [...]
Cruise line tightens Priority Check-in/Planning Center By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva If you're planning to cruise on Crystal Symphony or Serenity better read this. The luxury-cruise and travel operator just release these new requirements for its priority check-in and planning center. New rules go into effect in October and November Starting with Crystal Serenity’s October [...]
Sky suite enhance passenger pleasures with big balconies and amenities By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva New cruise ships are cropping up at jet speed. It’s hard to keep up, but we try. So here you go with a few details about Princess Cruises Sky Princess. Which will rank as the biggest in the fleet at 145,700 [...]
French firm creating crystal panels for Silver Shadow and Silver Moon By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Dining at Silversea Cruises La Dame feels like you've been transportedto France. Heady garlic aromas permeate the room. Champagne and copious glasses of wines take center stage on tables. A certain je ne sais quoi Every time we dine [...]
Not surprising Cunard is queen of the tea service By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Tea time on Cunard One of the highlights of a cruise is afternoon tea service. It is an elegant affair with a selection of yummy treats. A poll of members of one of a Facebook cruise page reveals a [...]
The plus-size ship to join fleet in November 2019 By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva MSC Cruises’ is preparing to launch its first Meraviglia-Plus ship, MSC Grandiosa, in Hamburg, Germany on November 9th. Like the name implies it will be the grandest in the fleet. The ship will make her bow with the usual hoopla. A glamorous [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Musical productions to take center stage and many genres One of the most anticipated ship launches happens Feb. 2020 when Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, Seven Seas Splendor takes the nautical stage. Not only will the new build dazzle with marble and richness, but she will feature five fantastic new shows [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva In addition to five new production shows debuting with Regent Seven Seas Splendor in February 2020, the ship will host an equal number of entertainment lounges. Splendor Lounge This late night lounge is ideal for after dinner drinks and mingling. It offers a selection of signature cocktails accompanied by a [...]
Silversea’s beloved Venetian Society Ambassador is everybody’s friend By Patti Pietschmann, Travel Diva Photo Melissa Cook with Fernando courtesy of Suzanne M. Childers Choozi Entertainment Fernando was in the lush lobby smiling and greeting passengers as they arrived on their first Silversea voyage 25 years ago. Charming and erudite his demeanor made you [...]
By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva What really happens on a cruise doesn’t stay on a cruise You’ve never been on a cruise but you’re thinking about taking the plunge. But even though you’ve been doing the research you’re still not sure what to expect. Well, let me tell you with tongue in cheek. Being [...]
Live large on a Silversea Grand Voyage By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva Fans of Silversea have much to look forward to. The line is offering a stunning collection of Grand Voyages, Some of the cruises last 70-days. And a lot of them include overnight stays and exclusive events. All are designed to create memorable experiences. [...]
Nothing like a Windstar cruise By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva For a definitely different cruise experience nothing beats a voyage on a Windstar sailing ship. The little computerized-sailing ship fleet takes you to island paradises of your dreams. While I’ve been on entire fleet, my favorite is the the 310 passenger Wind Surf. Why? Because [...]
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, [...]
