The Avid Cruiser Videos

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Sønderborg, Denmark: A New Cruise Destination

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

This past summer, I had the opportunity to spend a few days in a destination that eagerly wants to welcome your cruise ships. Sønderborg, Denmark, is a small city with a natural harbor and a variety of attractions to offer your guests. I was fortunate enough to experience some of the activities during my visit. Large ships will need to drop anchor, but small ships, up to 135 meters, can tie up along the harborfront, which has amazing access to all that Sønderborg has to offer. As an avid cruiser, I know it is exceptionally rare for ships to dock in a location that puts guests within easy walking distance of an ancient castle, a charming city center and an extended network of hiking and biking trails, but when your ship ties up in Sønderborg, your guests will have access to all of this — and much more. Sønderborg Castle is only a few steps away. The castle has not only a fascinating history, which is interpreted in the castle museum, but also a rousing event called the Tilting of the Rings. I know your guests will enjoy the event as much as I did. If your guests want to stretch their legs, they can step off the ship and onto a nature trail that runs for more than 70 kilometers. There are also many opportunities for extended shore excursions. Just 10 minutes away, there's a historic battlefield where living history exhibits tell a story similar to the American Civil War. Your American guests will recognize the date, 1864, when their country was embroiled in a deadly war. A similar battle was taking place in Denmark, and the story is well-told Not far from the battlefield is the summer residence of Denmark's Royal family. When Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik occupy Gråsten Palace, there is a changing of the guard just like in Copenhagen (although this one is smaller). If your ship carries families, you'll be pleased to know that there is a theme park called Danfoss Universe less than 45 minutes drive. Although particularly suitable for kids, visitors of all ages will enjoy this fun immersion into physics and natural science. So where is Sønderborg? It's near Denmark's border with Germany so your guests can actually enjoy a visit to two countries on one stop. You may want to be a well-established player in the region should Sønderborg succeed in being nominated European Capital of Culture in 2017 So I encourage you to consider putting Sonderborg on your cruise itineraries. The city warmly welcomes you. This is Ralph Grizzle. Thanks for tuning in.

Silversea's Splendors Of Luxor

Friday, May 27, 2011

“Tourists have been coming back to Egypt since early March,” our tour guide told Silver Spirit guests as we began the “Splendors of Luxor” tour from Safaga. “We appreciate you and those of you who are coming back. We really need visitors to return.”Our fist stop: The Temple of Dandara, a well-preserved temple complex, about two hours from Safaga, Egypt, where Silver Spirit is docked. Building began by Ptolemy XII and was dedicated to the goddess Hathor, commonly depicted as a cow goddess with headdress of horns and a sun disk. The 13.5-hour shore excursion was provided free of charge for Silversea passengers.

A Silversea Fine Dining Experience In St. Paul de Vence

Thursday, May 26, 2011

On a Silversea shore excursion, many of went to St. Paul de Vence, where we stepped inside the Relais & Châteaux property ;Hotel Le Saint Paul

Come Casual To Silversea's Outdoor Dining Venue: The Grill

Friday, May 20, 2011

For an evening of fun, Silversea's outdoor dining venue uses the Black Rock concept to allow guests to cook at their tables.

Silversea's Sintra, Portuguese Charm On A Shore Excursion

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Saturday, May 14, 2011 - This morning in Lisbon, I joined a Silversea shore excursion called Romantic Sintra & Portuguese Riviera. The 4.5-hour tour on a modern and uncrowded motorcoach took us to the enchanting fairy-tale town of Sintra, a mountainous and multi-castled town that was once a favorite destination of 19th-century aristocrats. We had about 90 minutes to tour the town with a guide or on our own. We then went to Cascais, a fishing village turned resort on the Portuguese Riviera, where we spent about an hour before heading back to Lisbon. The tour also gave us time to explore Lisbon (our guide gave us an overview and pointed out some of the key attractions on the way out of - and into - the city), and fortunately, Silver Spirit was docked within walking distance of the city center. And as in most destinations where Silver Spirit calls, complimentary shuttles also operated between the ship and city center for those who preferred not to walk. For more information, visit avidcruiser.com

Silversea's Sicily: Market Visit & Cooking Class In Catania

Friday, May 06, 2011

In Sicily, our Silversea Silver Shore Collection tour took us to one of Sicily's oldest markets in Catania, then to an 18th-century home for a lesson in Sicilian cooking. ;

Igaliku, Greenland

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Avid Cruiser visits ;Igaliku, Greenland.

Qaqortoq, Greenland

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Avid Cruiser 's visit to Qaqortoq, the fourth-largest town in Greenland, with a population of just over 3,000. ;

Ipiutaq Guest Farm In South Greenland

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Video of Ipiutaq Guest Farm in South Greenland.

Narsarsuaq, Greenland

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Edda

Exploring Narsaq,Greenland

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

I enjoyed my day in Narsaq, a Greenlandic town poised at the edge of Greenland's ice cap. Narsaq is situated in the heart of an ice-choked fjord, with icebergs and mountains setting the backdrop from this town of 1,700. For more information: http://www.nto.gl/

A Cruise Passenger's Guide To Exploring Venice

Monday, March 07, 2011

Hi, I'm Ralph Grizzle, and I'm in Venice, Italy. In this video, we're going to look at some of the arts and crafts that have kept this city alive and that give Venice its life. I hope that on your next cruise to or from Venice, you'll take time to visit some of these hidden gems. If you really experience Venice, you could not do better than meeting the people who make up this great city's cultural heritage. They are the merchants of Venice, the artists and craftsmen. Their shops are all within easy reach of the Venice Passenger Cruise Terminal, and you'll enjoy getting to their workplaces as much as you enjoy meeting the people who create Venice's greatest treasures. You can visit textile shops that boast the world's finest fabrics; glass artists who carry on one of Venice's finest traditions; lace makers who artfully needlework intricate designs to create world-renown Venetian lace; ;the master craftsmen who build gondolas and the accessories that steer the gondolas; you'll meet mask makers and costume makers; and artists who work with paper as well as silver and glass. These are just a few of the people who make Venice so special. And by visiting their shops and purchasing their goods, you support local artisans and craftsman, so you can feel good about how you spend your time and money in Venice. If you're staying in Venice before or after your cruise, I recommend the newly opened Molino Stucky Hilton. A long-neglected 19-century flour mill, the much-loved landmark was transformed into a luxury hotel. The Molino Stucky is a good base to begin your adventures in Venice, and it's right next door to the first of our featured artists.

Fact Or Fiction? Crystal Cruises, World's Best?

Sunday, March 06, 2011

It's our last day here on Crystal Symphony. Over the last 11 days we put Crystal to the test to see if it lived up to its world's best status? We've experienced a variety of choices, including enrichment programs and Broadway-style shows, that only a large luxury ship can deliver. And the quality and level of service is what we would have expected of a world's best resort. No other large ship can match Crystal Cruises. So Kudos to Crystal.

Passengers Discuss The Value Of Cruising Crystal: Up To $1000 Per Person Credits

Sunday, March 06, 2011

Interviews with passengers aboard our Crystal Symphony sailing about the value of cruising Crystal Cruises.

Time Lapse Panama Canal: A Full-Day Transit In Less Than Two Minutes

Saturday, March 05, 2011

The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel, with three series of locks lifting ships 85 feet above sea level, to cross the Continental Divide and one of the world's largest manmade lakes. ; In1880, the French attempted to to cut a sea-level canal across the Isthmus of Panama, but their efforts were continually flooded out.

Interview With Guests About Crystal Symphony's Deluxe Staterooms

Friday, March 04, 2011

Crystal Symphony's Deluxe Staterooms measure just 202 square feet with a large picture window or 246 square feet with verandah. Too cozy for comfort? Rather than answer myself, I put the question to passengers staying in those staterooms (as well as a few staying in Penthouses) on my sailing. ;

Dining On Crystal Symphony, Perfect Choice, Prego & Other Options

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

[Transcript] You can't say you have the world's best resort unless your dining has incredible quality, variety and flexibility. Crystal says its Perfect Choice Dining gives you a taste of true freedom. Let's see if they live up to to the claim. "Remi, what are our dining options here in the main dining room?" Remi: "You can enjoy traditional dining, either main seating or late seating. Or take advantage of our open dining by reservation." If you choose the traditional dining, early or late, you enjoy the benefits of having the same waiter every night, who gets to know your preferences and dietary needs. And you have the opportunity to build a friendship with the staff. If you prefer more freedom when you dine, you can choose open dining by reservation and reserve a table in the Crystal dining room at a different time and at a different table every night, giving you the opportunity to dine with new-found friends. Whichever you choose, you'll still get the gracious service from Crystal's European-trained waiters serving you the award-winning cuisine. Of course, variety is the spice of life, and Crystal offers a multitude of dining options outside the main dining room, including Prego, serving the flavors of Italy and featuring the menu of legendary restaurateur Piero Selvaggio. There's also Nobu Matushisa's Japanese cuisine in Silk Road and the sushi bar. Crystal also offers in-room privacy dining as well as casual dining on deck on some nights of the cruise. All are complimentary, except for the intimate and beautiful Vintage Room, which pairs gourmet courses with extraordinary wines. ; So did Crystal live up to its claim of offering quality, variety and flexibility? With seven venues for lunch or dinner including Perfect Choice dining,

Crystal Symphony, But Is It A Real Nobu Experience?

Monday, February 28, 2011

I'm here at Silk Road and the Sushi Bar featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa. You can easily spend a few hundred dollars for a night of dining at Nobu restaurants around the world. Crystal charges nothing for dinner, but is this a true Nobu experience? Let's find out. Nobu himself created the menu, and it includes many of his innovative dishes, which we've come to love. I learned the chefs are Japanese and trained by Nobu himself. They're responsible for maintaining Nobu's high standards and for ensuring the quality of the seafood is what Nobu would expect. The presentation of the food and selection of the ingredients reflects Nobu's vision. And the quality and grade of the fish meet his uncompromising standards. Crystal does an impeccable job executing the Nobu experience, and Nobu himself often comes on board to ensure his standards are maintained. Well, that was an extraordinary meal, as great as I would expect at any Nobu restaurant worldwide. Nobu at sea, it's the real deal.

Crystal Spa, A Day Of Pampering - For Men

Sunday, February 27, 2011

We're at one of the most popular places on Crystal Symphony, the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa. I'm looking forward to splurging on a few treatments. Let's see how Crystal handles the art of pampering for men. ; My shave treatment began in a real barber's chair. Crystal has mastered the art of shaving and my barber Kayoko has perfected it. She began by applying a hot towel wrap, giving me a light facial massage and a cleansing. She practically lulled me to sleep. Kayoko worked her magic to whip up a specially formulated shaving cream. It reminded me of when I was a boy going to the barber shop with my dad.

Crystal Cruises, Meet The Tech Concierge & CU@Sea

Sunday, February 27, 2011

A lot of cruise lines have a concierge, but Crystal Cruises has taken it one step further, with a technology concierge, where you can get one-on-one personalized instruction to help you the master the latest gadgetry. ;Learn more about the tech concierge and Crystal University At Sea in this video.

Crystal Cruises, Staterooms & Suites

Saturday, February 26, 2011

I'm on the veranda of a deluxe category stateroom on Crystal Symphony. As you can see, this category stateroom offers gives you an open window on the sea. What a gorgeous day. The deluxe veranda stateroom is certainly comfortable, but if you want to take full advantage of staying at the world's best resort, you'll need to take it up a deck. This is the Penthouse Suite, it's hard to imagine more luxurious living at sea. ;Just take a look at this gorgeous room. But if you really want the ultimate indulgence, take a look at the Crystal Penthouse. It's like having your own apartment on the ocean.

Cruising Greenland

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Cruising stunningly beautiful Greenland with Avid Cruiser host Ralph Grizzle.

The Spa At Silversea

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

As if you weren't already pampered enough on Silver Spirit, welcome to The Spa at Silversea. The largest spa in Silversea's fleet, the spa on Silver Spirit is an extremely attractive addition to Silversea's newest vessel. ; The Spa at Silversea is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. You'll find a wide range of relaxing spa treatments, including the Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy and the popular Bamboo Massage. Afterward, you may want to relax in the ceramic-tiled Thermal Suite, an exclusive spa area furnished with heated lounge chairs. You'll also find a sauna and steamroom and an attractive outdoor relaxation area that offers bar service, so go ahead and order up that complimentary bottle of champagne before or after taking a soak in the expansive whirlpool. For those who want to keep up their fitness routines while at sea, the spa also features an exercise facility with state-of-the-art training equipment. Your spa experience doesn't have to end at the spa, by the way. Silver Spirit serves up a spa menu, not only delicious but healthy, and a great way to start the day with breakfast at the Pool Grill.

Cruising To La Rochelle

Friday, February 11, 2011

Cruise passengers calling on ;La Rochelle

Oceania Marina Owner’s Suite Decked Out In Ralph Lauren: Interview With The Designer

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Oceania Cruises’ new ;Marina

Mary Hart Christens Oceania Marina in Miami

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Oceania Cruises' newest ship, Oceania Marina christened in Miami

My BEST AquaDuck Video, Disney Dream

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

My BEST AquaDuck Video, Disney Dream

Ann Lee Gibson

Monday, January 17, 2011

Silversea Guest Interview

Silversea Staff Video

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Silversea staff interviews

Seabourn Brand Essence

Sunday, December 05, 2010

The brand essence of The Yachts of Seabourn

Seabourn Sojourn Yacht Overview

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Avid Cruiser hosts Ralph Grizzle and Monica Bengtsson take you on a tour of the Seabourn Sojourn.

Seabourn Sojourn Stateroom Review

Monday, November 15, 2010

A look at the Seabourn Sojourn's staterooms and amenities.

Video: The Faroe Islands

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Decades ago, I was leafing through the pages of ;National Geographic

Azamara Club Cruises, Offering 'Extraordinary' Value Now & Going Forward

Thursday, October 28, 2010

"[Azamara] is clearly being redefined as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s boutique brand," Larry Pimentel, president and CEO tells the Avid Cruiser. "It will absolutely be in the up-market space, but because we have very few people who are dedicated to it, we'll offer extraordinary value. I think we'll be in a very interesting value position going forward, which I believe will make us grow a great deal."

'Seabournizing' Azamara Club Cruises

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Larry Pimentel’s strategy for Azamara Club Cruises benefits from his more than 25 years of travel industry experience catering to high-end consumers.

The Evolution of Azamara Club Cruises, Crew Enthused, Wine Uncorked

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Larry Pimentel is president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. The changes that Larry Pimentel and his team brought to Azamara Club Cruises have infused the on-board staff with enthusiasm. "What's really occurred here is magic with the crew," said Pimentel, interviewed this week on a sailing on Azamara Quest. "And that's the secret ingredient. This crew is fantastic." Pimentel also discusses the inclusion of boutique wines with wine and dinner, complimentary shuttle service into towns and other services now provided free of charge to guests.

Azamara Cruises Brand Awareness

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Larry Pimentel discusses Azamara's brand awareness

Seabourn Dining

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

This is a highglight of the different dining venues aboard The Yacht's of Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Sojourn

Hamburg Cruise Center

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Video provided by Hamburg Cruise Center

Cork, Ireland

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Video featuring Cork, Island.

Sampling Silver Spirit's Dining Venues

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Silversea Cruises' new Silver Spirit features six restaurants, including Seishin, an Asian fusion restaurant, where the signature item will be Kobe beef, served with sushi, sashimi, exotic sakes (the rice wine), and more.

Reaching The Port Of Perfection: Saint-Malo

Friday, December 18, 2009

This past fall, I had the good fortune to visit Saint-Malo, France. Knowing little about the destination before I arrived on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, I found myself astounded by the region’s rich diversity.One of France’s most attractive coastal towns, Saint-Malo has something to offer all cruise ship passengers: sublime scenery, bustling bars, trendy restaurants and cafes, cultural attractions, outdoor activities and Brittany’s best beaches.In a single day, I walked the ancient city wall above and around the town of Saint-Malo; visited Dinard, with its lovely sea promenade and Victorian-era homes; dined exquisitely (for lunch, no less) on shellfish in Cancale, known throughout France for its mussels; and stood in awe at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Saint Michel.Saint-Malo is situated on the English Channel, in Brittany, on France’s west coast. The port is ideally situated between northern and southern Europe.Oceania Cruises' Regatta anchored in Saint-Malo, France.Getting AshoreMeasuring more than 150 meters in length, Regatta was required to tender passengers ashore from its anchorage between Dinard and Saint-Malo. The city can accommodate four ships at once. Vessels measuring less than 150 meters can dock at the terminal (a new terminal will open in the spring of 2010). Ships from 150 meters to 240 meters can anchor only a few minutes away by tender. Both the terminal and the tender landing are within less than a five-minute walk to gates of the walled city.Exploring Saint-MaloI recommend that cruise passengers begin their exploration of Saint-Malo by walking the town wall. Allow at least 30 minutes to walk the entire wall (an hour allows a more leisurely pace), taking in the views of the city and sea on either side.Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, where Saint-Malo is situated, boasts Europe’s most dramatic tides, so you can count on a view that is ever-changing. The tidal range can be as much as 15 meters between high and low water, and the sea can recede as much as 15 kilometers. During low tide, you can walk to nearby islands that you’d have to swim to during high tide. The force of nature here is remarkable.Saint-Malo also boasts something else that few, if any, other destinations in France can claim: Shops that are open on Sundays.Few things are more disappointing to sea-faring passengers than to arrive in port and find the shop doors shut. Saint-Malo is open for business, however, with lots of good shopping, cafes and a must-see “gourmet” street, otherwise known as rue de l’Orme.There’s lots more to see, including the home and tomb of the writer Chateaubriand; and the Privateer’s House known as La Demeure de Corsaire, a ship-owners house built in 1725. But the real pleasure of Saint-Malo is to permit yourself to wander and to enjoy and to sit down and relax in a cozy cafe.Into The CountrysideOnly a few minutes from Saint-Malo, cruise passengers can visit beautiful 18th-century country homes, known as malouinières. Built by wealthy corsairs (French privateers and pirates), the homes are grand estates with a trove of treasures inside. One of the corsairs was Jacques Cartier, who sailed into the Saint Lawrence River and is credited as the discover of Canada.Saint-Malo’s architectural heritage claims more than 800 chateaux manor houses and malouiniéres. Some of the malouinières are open to the public for tours.One option for lunch in Cancale: Fresh oysters overlooking Mont Saint Michel Bay.The World Is Your OysterOften, cruise passengers rush back to the ship for lunch. After all, lunch is free on board.Don’t make that mistake when you’re ship calls in Saint-Malo. The region boasts one of Europe’s highest concentrations of seafood restaurants, and in nearby Cancale you can dine in a village known throughout France for its oysters. You can buy freshly harvested oysters and dine on a bench overlooking Mont Saint Michel Bay, or you can dine at one of the restaurants, taking a table on the terrace to enjoy a seafood platter that you’re not likely to forget anytime soon.You’ll want to spend at least 30 minutes before or after lunch for a stroll through Cancale, making sure to see the oyster beds if you failed to see them earlier and the views of your next destination across Mont Saint Michel Bay.Mont Saint MichelSaint-Malo boasts the shortest — and most scenic — route to Mont Saint Michel, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marvel of the Western World is only 30 minutes to 40 minutes from the docks in Saint-Malo. But there’s no rush. The road along the Emerald Coast makes for a beautiful drive to get to Mont Saint Michel.

The Avid Cruiser: Baltic Cruises

Friday, December 11, 2009

This 25-minute travel show highlights cruising the Baltic on Regent Seven Seas Voyager, from Stockholm to Copenhagen.

Oceania Cruises' Regatta

Monday, September 28, 2009

Ralph Grizzle's update on Oceania's Regatta.

Silversea Cruises: Silver Spirit Sea Trials And Walk-Through

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Join Avid Cruiser Ralph Grizzle in Ancona, Italy, for Silver Spirit's sea trials and a walk-through of Silversea's newest ship with Christian Sauleau, executive vice president, fleet operations; Rudi Scholdis, Silversea's culinary director; and Silver Spirit's two captains.

Oasis of the Seas: Revolutionary Ship

Monday, August 31, 2009

Raimund Gschaider, project director for hotel operations for the Oasis-class vessels, tells why Oasis is revolutionary.

Crystal Cruises’ Vintage Room

Friday, August 15, 2008

Crystal Cruises Vintage Room pairs some of the worlds best wines with specially prepared dishes. With a capacity for 12, the special dinners are served in a private dining room. Patrons, who pay on average $210 per person depending on the wines they have selected, are attended to by the ships head sommelier. Want to [...]

When Rudy Does Nothing, You Can Count On A Great Cruise

Monday, May 12, 2008

Of all the jobs in the world, surely Rudolph van der Meulen’s must be among the best. His job, as instructed by his bosses, is to cruise on a river boat and simply to do this: nothing. While most people might call that a vacation, it’s a tall order for the otherwise-ambitious 37-year-old hotel manager on [...]

One & Only Palmilla

Monday, May 12, 2008

Interview with Jorge Villareal, director of sales for One & Only Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Mexican Riviera Cruises

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Fifteen nautical miles off the coast of Baja California, Holland America Line's Oosterdam is making 21 knots toward San Diego. For the more than 1,800 passengers on board, seven days of ocean cruising ends tomorrow. The excitement on the last full day at sea, however, is as palpable as it has been on preceding days. Dolphin and whale sightings send spectators scurrying to the over-sized windows in Windstar Cafe, the ship's coffee and pastry shop. Each time a whale blows its spray, a chorus of oohs and aahs competes against the steamy hiss of the espresso machine.

An alternative to Caribbean cruising, the Mexican Riviera is where Tecate (one of the national beers) and tequila meet whales and cacti --and where seven- and 10-day sailings expose travelers not only to marine wonders but also to Mexican culture. Mixed among such shoreside activities as swimming with dolphins and sport-fishing are cooking classes where participants learn to make six types of salsa before being instructed in salsa dancing.

Increasingly also, cruisers are getting away from the docks and into the interior. "As popular as the ocean is, Cabo's desert side is getting more attention," says Sunny Irvine, a tour operator in Cabo San Lucas. Rounding Cabo, some ships even head up into the Sea of Cortez to call at Loreto and La Paz as well as the melodic-sounding Topolobampo, where cruisers can jump ship to explore scenic Copper Canyon by train. Cruise ships sail roundtrip from Los Angeles and San Diego fall through spring to explore Mexico's Riviera.

One of the highest-rated shore excursions in Mazatlan, Mexico, Salsa and Salsa combines cooking and dancing. First, learn to make six different types of Salsa, then learn to dance the Salsa. Available on Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and others.

Salsa & Salsa

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Highlights from one of Mazatlan's most popular shore excursions.

The Value Of Using A Travel Agent

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, discusses why it's better to use a travel agent than to book directly with cruise lines like his.

Mark Conroy on Signature Travel Network

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, comments on Signature Travel Network.

Touring The Milestone's Apartments

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring The Milestone's Apartments with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter

The Milestone's Stables Bar & Conservatory

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring the Milestone's Stables Bar & Conservatory with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter.

Touring The Milestone's Health Club & Spa

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring The Milestone's Health Club & Spa with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter.

The Milestone's Prince Albert Suite

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The Milestone's Prince Albert Suite. Touring with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter.

Touring London's Milestone Hotel and Apartments

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring London's Milestone Hotel and Apartments with Deputy General Manager Frits Potgieter.

Touring Hotel 41

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring London's Hotel 41 with Assistant Resident Manager John King.

Video Tour: The Milestone's Room 301

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Video Tour: The Milestone's Room 301

Nicolas Clerc: The Milestone's Award-Winning Sommelier

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Nicolas Clerc: The Milestone's Award-Winning Sommelier.

VIP Treatment: Extras Just For Booking With Signature Travel Network

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

An interview with Dirk Crokaert, general manager of The Montague on the Gardens, about extra services and amenities guests receive just for booking through Signature Travel Network.

The Milestone's Star Food & Beverage Manager

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Interview with The Milestone's Star Food & Beverage Manager Stefan Otto.

Holland America Line’s New Eurodam

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Click To Play Holland America Line’s newest ship makes its debut next summer. The 2,104-passenger Eurodam represents a new class of ship for the Seattle-based company. Another Signature-class vessel is on order following the Eurodam. In my interview, I talk with Rick Meadows, executive vice president marketing, sales and guest programs. Meadows says that with the new [...]

Cruising With Crystal Cruises' President

Thursday, June 28, 2007

When you spend $23.5 million on something, you want to show it off. That's just human nature. And that's just what Crystal Cruises did a few weeks ago for the travel trade and press. The cruise company had doled out that princely sum to upgrade its 12-year-old Crystal Symphony, and they invited us to come take a look.

But has the upgrade improved the passenger experience? Crystal Cruises President Gregg Michel thinks so.

I sat down with him during our sailing to talk about how the investment made Crystal Symphony a better ship.

Eze

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Click To Play During our port call on Crystal Symphony in Monte Carlo, we visited Eze, a medieval village perched on a high cliff on the Cote d’Azur. Formats available: Flash Video (.flv), Portable (iPod)

Standard Staterooms

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Measuring 188 square feet and with all new Degrees of Difference enhancements in place, Wind Surf's staterooms are lush and comfortable.

Superior Staff at The Rubens

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Meet some of the superior staff at The Rubens in London.

Family Owned Hotel Group

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Interview with Terry Holmes, executive director of Red Carnation Hotel Group, on the company's family owned philosophy.

The Milestone's Great Location

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Interview with Terry Holmes, executive director of Red Carnation Hotel Group, about The Milestone's great location.

Terry The Butler

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Interview with Terry van Santen, The Milestone's butler.

Home From Home: The Chesterfield

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring The Chesterfield Mayfair with General Manager Oliver Raggett.

The Guv'nor's Suite

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring The Guv'nor's Suite at The Montague Hotel and Gardens with General Manager Dirk Crokaert.

The Rubens and The Royal Mews

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The Rubens at the Palace, situated at 39 Buckingham Palace Road, features prime viewing for The Royal Mews, housing the Queen's horses and carriages.

Tour With Terry

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Touring the area around The Milestone with Terry Holmes, executive director of Red Carnation Hotel Group.

Checking in at The Egerton House Hotel

Thursday, March 13, 2008

General Manager Sandra Anido and her staff take us on a tour of The Egerton House Hotel and a walk outside to show us one of the nearest shopping stores, Harrods.

Mixing It Up With Mr. Martini

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Antonio Pizzuto, known as Mr. Martini, mixes up the his trademark cocktail at Red Carnation Hotel Group's Egerton House Hotel in London. "One martini a day keeps the doctor away," Antonio says.

The Sails Aren't Just For Show

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

A motor sailing yacht, Wind Surf's sails aren't just for show. "There's more power in the sails than there is in the engines," says Captain Tim Roberts. Occasionally, Captain Roberts will cut the engines and proceed under sail. But there has to be a good wind. Wind Surf can make 9 knots in good wind, and in the Caribbean the Leeward islands are famous for tradewinds, so there's a good chance to go under sail power only.