Whether ocean, river, expedition or closer to home, here are the trips on ships to book now.
Ocean: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The Ship: Seven Seas Explorer
The Date: October 18, 2024
Name of the Voyage or Excursion: Dreams of Japan
The Itinerary: Sail round trip from Tokyo, visiting such ports as Shimizu, Kyoto (Kobe), Kochi, Hiroshima, Busan (South Korea), Nagasaki, Kagoshima and Miyazaki.
The Ultra-luxe Option: Enjoy a four-day pre-cruise immersion in the culture of Tokyo, including the Tokyo National Museum and the Ginza area, considered one of the most luxurious shopping areas in the world, the Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, founded in the early 7th century and more.
Must Have Experience: After visiting ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese art, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples, look for the deer that live in Nara Park, near the stunning Kasuga Grand Shrine, Later, tour Osaka’s imposing castle and then, in Kobe, dine on world famous Kobe beef, exquisitely prepared and served. rssc.com
River: AmaWaterways
The Ship: AmaCello
The Date: May 2, 2024
Name of the Voyage or Excursion: Flavors of Burgundy
The Itinerary: Sail from the port of Dijon, with stops in Seurre, Chalon-sur- Saône, Tournus, and Mâcon, ending your adventure in Lyon.
The Ultra-luxe Option: Spend three nights pre-cruise exploring Paris, the City of Lights and another three, post-cruise, enjoying all your travel memories and creating new ones in Geneva.
Must Have Experience: Gear up and cycle through the Burgundy region on bikes provided by the hospitable crew aboard your ship. Peddle and peruse the beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Saône, in charming Tournus-Macôn, or along the pathways of Lyon. amawaterways.ca
Expedition: Silversea
The Ship: Silver Origin
The Date: April 6, 2024
Name of the Voyage or Excursion: Galapagos Islands
The Itinerary: Join a privileged group of just 100 guests to visit 17 islands in the remote Galapagos chain, the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s “Origin of Species” and a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark and disembark at San Cristóbal.
The Ultra-luxe Option: Luxuriate in your private ocean view suite with private teak verandah, and enjoy the afternoon hors d’oeuvres delivered by your butler.
Must Have Experience: Swim in aquamarine waters with seals and sea lions, and explore remote islands to photograph albatross, penguins, frigate birds, ancient tortoises, iridescent marine lizards and more. Nowhere else in the world will you find these rare creatures living without fear of human predation – it’s an experience you’ll never forget. silversea.com
Closer to home: Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours
The Ship: Ms Volendam (A Holland America ship, working in cooperation with Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours)
The Date: May 24, 2024
Name of the Voyage or Excursion: Eastern Explorer and Maritimes Cruise
The Itinerary: Embark in the multicultural city of Toronto, then visit a wealth of Canadian and U.S. destinations that include Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Québec City, Montréal, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, and Bar Harbour before you reach historic Boston.
The Ultra-luxe Option: Enjoy an exclusive walking tour of old Québec City’s grandest highlights, led by a well-informed guide. Be sure to have a glass of wine in the elegant Bistro Le Sam at the Château Frontenac, reputedly the world’s most photographed hotel.
Must Have Experience: No visit to Niagara Falls is complete without the grand adventure of sailing into the mighty mouth of the Falls themselves aboard a City Tours catamaran. Prepare to be swept away by the experience. scenic.ca
