It seems like everything sleeps in winter, but it’s really a time of renewal and reflection. Our spring has finally arrived. I look forward to sharing the latest news from your Expeditionist, be sure to check out all the links & really great video content.
Celebrations Update
Live the Yacht Life! Having mastered the art of hotel luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company expanded their world-class hospitality with The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection and elegant small-ship voyages. Sailing the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean, from Puerto to the Bahamas, while experiencing the freedom that accompanies the yachting lifestyle. I love the new Evrima yacht. Recently, I flew to Ft. Lauderdale surprising my longtime friends and clients. They enjoyed the Bahamas and the Owners Suite aboard Evrima by Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection. I belong to the inner circle with this group which allows me insider access on your behalf. I took some time meeting with the executives, captain, crew and toured the yacht from top to bottom, inspecting each accommodation type, all bars, restaurants and public spaces. I loved the multiple dining venues and intimate feel. The itineraries offered sail to very exotic places with no crowds. I love that the itineraries do not repeat weekly like big ships do. The yacht spends the winter in the Caribbean, spring sails across to the Mediterranean, late summer will hit northern Europe and cross over to Canada for the fall, making it back to the Caribbean for the next winter. 149 rooms on board and never a crowded moment.
Here are some Virtuoso sailings with added amenities.
Expeditions Update
Silver Endeavour, one of the world’s most luxurious expedition ships ever built will sail in Antarctica November through March, and the Polar destinations, Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, British Isles May through September. If you like big suites, amazing dining, spa and want luxury with your adventure, I can help you find the perfect itinerary. The ship is going to be going into the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard in Genoa Italy on April 3rd, emerging with an array of enhancements that will evolve the onboard expedition experiences for guests. Responding to a high demand for the ship’s most spacious accommodations, Silversea will craft six new upper suites on Deck 8, as well as four new suites on Deck 5, introducing two new suite categories that will immerse travelers even deeper into the destination.
“Silver Endeavour’s refurbishment will strengthen her status as the world’s most luxurious expedition ship,” said Roberto Bruzzone, Silversea’s senior vice president of marine operations. “With our guests’ cruise experience in mind, we are broadening her range of accommodation options by introducing two new suite categories, enriching a selection of public venues, and creating space for additional crew members to maintain one of the industry’s highest crew-to-guest ratios. Building on the success of her inaugural Antarctic season, Silver Endeavour will welcome travelers in the Arctic from June 2023, offering deeper connections and greater destination reach than ever.”
Replacing the former helicopter hangar amidships, Silversea will install two Master Suites and four Signature Suites, introducing two new suite categories to increase guests’ accommodation options. Starboard side on Deck 5, four Classic Veranda Suites will replace the Medical Centre, which will relocate to the space currently occupied by the Casino on Deck 4.
Master Suites: Offering one of the strongest connections with the destination in ultra-luxury expedition cruising, Silver Endeavour’s two new Master Suites, located towards the ship’s aft, will provide uninterrupted, 270-degree views from their 312-square-foot verandas and large living areas, thanks to panoramic, vaulted glazing. Spacious, at 1,163 square foot, the two Master Suites will feature expansive living and dining areas; perfectly proportioned bedrooms with king-sized or twin beds, and a walk-in closet; and a roomy bathroom with a walk-in shower, and separate whirlpool bath. The living room will include a convertible sofa to accommodate a third guest.
Signature Suites: Four new Signature Suites, ranging from 721-850 square feet, will welcome guests in spacious luxury, offering an open living room and dining area; an expansive bedroom with king-sized or twin beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a walk-in closet; and an adjoining bathroom, complete with a generously sized walk-in shower, and whirlpool bath. The living room will include a convertible sofa to accommodate a third guest, as well as floor-to-ceiling glass doors offering far-reaching views. Spacious verandas of between 167 and 269 square feet will provide ideal spots from which guests can relax and admire the destination.
Classic Veranda Suites: Four Classic Veranda Suites will be installed on the ship’s starboard side on deck four, maintaining the traditional layout, features, and amenities of Silversea’s existing Veranda Suites. Each of the 356-square-foot suites will include a veranda of 52 square feet and will welcome guests in the cruise line’s trademark level of comfort.
Moreover, the removal of the Casino on Deck 4 will create space for four new crew cabins, which will host seven additional crew members to maintain Silversea’s unparalleled service standards and expedition experience. As well as bolstering the ship’s hotel team, the extra cabins will enlarge the ship’s expedition team to 22—offering guests greater access to more specialists for a deeper immersion into the destination.
Upcoming enhancements will also include the installation of handcrafted Lalique crystal panels in La Dame—Silversea’s signature French restaurant, which offers guests one of the most elegant fine dining experiences at sea.
Silver Endeavour’s inaugural season in Antarctica included numerous highlights that demonstrate her advanced expedition capabilities. On Nov. 24, for example, Silver Endeavour became the season’s first cruise ship to cross the Antarctic Circle, journeying as far south as Marguerite Bay. Other highlights from her inaugural season include the first-ever naming ceremony in the spectacular Lemaire Channel; the Antarctica premiere of long-term Silversea collaborator Steve McCurry’s biopic, McCurry: The Pursuit of Color; and the meeting of three Silversea ships in the White Continent in December – Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind and Silver Cloud.
Following Silver Endeavour’s refurbishment in Genova, she will undertake two voyages in the British Isles and Iceland, before embarking upon her inaugural Arctic season from June 3, with nine voyages set to include many of the Polar Region’s most remote destinations, including Pond Inlet, Cape York and Qaanaaq, among others.
Private Jet Expeditions Update
TCS jet expeditions has been a favorite of mine for many years. How about taking a 24 day trip Around the world?
These exclusive group departures have 26 couples aboard the new Airbus 321 (American Airlines carries 190 guests on the same type of aircraft) December 30, 2023 depart Orlando, Florida for a trip you’ll never forget to Cusco & Machu Picchu Peru, Easter Island Chile, Nadi Fiji, Great Barrier Reef Australia, Angkor Wat Cambodia, Taj Mahal & Jaipur India, Serengeti Plain Tanzania, Luxor and Cairo Egypt, Marrakech Morocco, and return to Orlando, Florida. I often ask you to think about the amount of time it would take to plan a trip to each of these countries, include the airfare, touring, hotels. Not only is the value amazing, the itinerary is designed without long flights, overnight flights, no airport hassles and you maximize the experience in each destination with all the bells and whistles just for you!
Safaris Update
Africa is big, and there is a lot to learn and keep up with. Last June & November I went back to Rwanda & Kenya. I will depart April 5 back to Africa on another educational. First to Botswana to visit Selinda & Duba Plains Camp with Great Plains Conservation, then I will experience Natural Selections camps Tuludi & Jacks Camp. From Botswana, I’ll fly back to Capetown and enjoy the Silo for a few nights, then make my way north to Windhoek Namibia where I will visit three more of Natural Selections camps Kwessi Dunes, Hoanib Valley Camp lodge and end at shipwreck lodge on the famous Skeleton coast. I can’t wait to share more with you, so please follow my social media posts and watch all of these videos I’ve linked for you.
Conservation Corner Update
Supporting Sustainability matters greatly today. In February I flew down to Miami to attend a Gala Dinner honoring Beverly and Dereck Joubert. They have won 8 academy awards for their documentaries, are members with National Geographic and founders of Great Plains Conservation. I am so proud to include Great Plains in my supplier portfolio. Having over 20 years of safari expertise and numerous safaris under my belt, I love that we share the same DNA. Check out our latest webcast we recorded on YouTube.
Giving Thanks!
I was awarded Top Travel Specialist by Conde Nast Traveler for 2023! You can see the article here. This article will appear in April’s printed issue of the magazine. We have a lot to look forward to together!
Thanks for being so engaged with me! I can’t think of anything more exciting in life than travel, I am honored to have received this accolade.
