Cruises Archives - Bravo Travel Services LLC | Family Vacation Planning

New Travel Ideas for 2023 Awaits You

02/26/202312/15/2022 by Debby Leong

someone holding a phone and planning a trip

I’m so excited about what’s to come in 2023! So many new and exciting products and services to suit everyone’s travel desires. Here’s just my shortlist. I can’t possibly list all the ships and hotels and flight routings, but I think you’ll agree these are some great choices picked for you.

Air:

United Airlines is now offering 3 new routings from New York for the summer of 2023 – Malaga Spain, Stockholm, Sweden, and Dubai, UAE. United flies to more destinations across the Atlantic than all other U.S. carriers combined. Maybe the WorldCup has you wanting to visit Qatar. You can also combine with UAE or Saudi Arabia!

And for Bay Area residents, we will have SFO-Rome nonstop starting in May! Italy is the most popular request for Europe. This will make traveling to Italy so easy now!

Delta will have nonstop from Atlanta to Cape Town! Usually, we connect in Europe. But this opens up easy US connections to amazing South Africa. Those safaris are calling!

Hotels and Resorts:

Have you heard of or stayed at Kona Village in Big Island, Hawaii? It was a well-loved Hawaii resort when I first joined the industry 25 years ago. It distinguished itself with individual hales and it was an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii! However, it was closed after a hurricane and was never reopened. The grounds have now been completely renovated and rebuilt and will become a Rosewood property, still named Kona Village. On sale from July 2023 onwards. It will still be stand-alone individual 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom suites. But it will not be an all-inclusive resort. Check it out here! https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/kona-village/overview

Four Seasons resort is opening two new spaces on the West Coast of Mexico. They now have luxurious camping tents experience in Punta Mita. And a brand new Four Seasons Tamarindo resort in a secluded nature reserve! You can read about them here: https://www.fourseasons.com/openings-and-enhancements-news/

Tours

Whether it’s guided tours or custom-tailored trips, I have the right partnerships to help you explore the world. I’m particularly excited about these itineraries:

South Korea is a trending country for all K-pop culture. This Classic Korean itinerary will take you to all the interesting places in the island nation.
https://www.insideasiatours.com/us/south-korea/tailormade-trips/skh001/south-korea-highlights

Iceland Diamond Circle: most first-time visitors are familiar with the Golden Circle of Iceland. This one explores the Diamond Circle, which is the northeast area of Iceland and combines some of Iceland’s most stunning natural attractions with coastal views looking towards the Arctic Circle…all without the crowds elsewhere in Iceland.

https://www.cietours.com/tours/iceland/icelandic-explorer?package=46651

Yachts!

This has been a trending small cruise option in the last 8yrs.

Now, more and more brands are adopting this idea to take you to more places in a more intimate setting. Ponant and Sea Dream have been around for some time. Ritz Carlton’s first yacht, the Evrima, has begun its inaugural sailing in Oct and has received rave reviews. https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/ Four Seasons has plans to follow with new yachts too.

Cruises

Explora Journeys is a brand-new cruise line with new ships, new itineraries, and experiences.

A must for those looking for a pampering sail. They start sailing in July 2023 in Northern Europe and Iceland. https://explorajourneys.com/us/en/ships/ships-highlights

While not new, Crystal Cruises, after stalling for 2yrs due to financial troubles, have new ownership! And it’s with A&K, the luxury travel provider worldwide. A&K has taken over the Crystal ships and I can’t wait for you to experience them. It’s open for reservations now with special incentives. https://www.crystalcruises.com/

Of course, we also have brand new Disney Wish and currently the largest ship at sea: Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas which just started sailing this year. Many other familiar names like Celebrity, Princess, and Norwegian will unveil new ships in 2023 and 2024 as well.

It’s an exciting time. So many new experiences to try. Which one will you pick? Put your thinking cap on this holiday with your friends and family and let’s plan an epic vacation for you in 2023!
More to brainstorm with me? Go to Plan a Trip page, fill out the form, and schedule a 30 min Vacation Planning Consultation with me!

Will you be on board for an Adult Only Cruise???

11/21/202108/27/2021 by Debby Leong

Exterior image of Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship

I know children are cute and fun to be around. And family vacations are what I try to emphasize and plan the most. However, sometimes, we all crave some adult-only time. Away from kids. Enjoy grown-up conversations with other like-minded travelers. Your wish comes true with Sir Richard Branson’s newest luxury cruise line– Virgin Voyages. Their Scarlet Lady is the first adult-only cruise ever debuted. They had inaugural sailing in the U.K. at the beginning of the month and have been sailing there throughout. They are planning to come to the US and operate Caribbean cruises from Oct 2021 onwards. They will also have Mediterranean cruises in the summer of 2022. So what’s this new cruise line about?

All About Virgin Voyages & Scarlet Lady, the first Adult Only Cruise ship.

You must be 18+ to sail. Currently, they are requiring all guests to be vaccinated. It is a product that wants to disrupt traditional cruising and BE DIFFERENT from the start. Starting with no kids allowed.

It’s a ship that holds 2700 guests at full capacity. 17 decks. It doesn’t come with the waterslides, roller coasters, zipline, or ropes course. But it’s fun in her own way unlike a very traditional cruise like Holland America or Princess. They call their guests Sailors and us travel advisors First Mates.

Ship & cabin designs:
The line is definitely focused on design elements and brings in a lot of fun vibes and mood & themed experiences. There is no large atrium but lots of small spaces of seating areas, lounges, and bars, coffee shops, ice cream shop, retail shops, even a tattoo parlor Squid Ink that is always busy. Lots of places for everyone to hang out. Small venues make for an intimate feeling and you don’t feel the actual size of the ship. The standard cabins are quite spacious and modern in décor. The bed can magically turn into a sofa. Room lighting, curtains, and temp are all changeable to suit your mood. I highly recommend their RockStar suite for you!

Wine & Dine:

There are 20 different venues. They are adamant about not going to have a buffet but they offer 9 different specialty restaurants, all included in the cruise fare. Alcoholic drinks are not included. No more traditional dining room where you get a set time, table & servers. There is a real Korean BBQ restaurant where you cook your food at your table and a full-on vegetarian & vegan-only restaurant. But there are still seafood & steak house, Italian, Mexican, craft beer breweries, etc. Reviews are that the food is excellent, well presented and the best experience on a large ship this size.

Entertainment:

There is no traditional theater & musical productions like a regular cruise. But still plenty of entertainment options. A 2 level nightclub that stays open till the early hours. Acrobatic performances. Live bands; impromptu pop-up performances by a crew of different talents; cocktail cabernets, comedy, and game shows, and some tend to have some adult innuendos to it. If you like the traditional routine of dinner and then go watch a show, then, this will not be available.

Wellness:

Really big focus on fitness and wellness on this line. Of course, has the gym with all the machines, but also a lot of Pilates, yoga, HIIT, spin classes in the fitness club and out on decks. Seminars. Spa. A separate suspended running track just for joggers and a full-size promenade deck.

Itineraries:
The Scarlet Lady is scheduled to sail out of Miami this Oct. for the Caribbean, calling on their private beach club in the Bahamas. They have another ship Valiant Lady for the Mediterranean in the summer of 2022 that you can start reserving now! Sea Terrace ( balcony) cabins start at $1800 double occupancy and suites start at $2800 for a 4, 5-night cruise in March 2022.

What do you think? Are you onboard? Click on the Plan A Trip button above or schedule a consultation so we can tell you more and see if you are a good fit for this new cruise line!

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Top 10 Travel Ideas You Can Use Now

03/21/202103/21/2021 by Debby Leong

excited little traveler sitting on suitcase with arms extended

A lot of my clients are feeling that we’re finally seeing the end of the tunnel. After all, it’s been a full year of extremes. The pandemic hit so sudden and changed our lives in so many ways. Many are truly feeling a big relief and freedom from getting the protection of the vaccine and are ready to travel again.

Here are some of the many ideas that you can consider. I might come back with part 2 next time!

1. Iceland Iceland has announced it will open to all tourists who have been fully vaccinated or have been previously infected with Covid. They will not need to quarantine or test. Iceland has had very good control of the disease cases. If you travel a little beyond Reykjavik and the usual waterfalls that attract tourists, you’ll see there are so many vast landscapes and adventures to experience and be very socially distanced and feel safe. I plan many custom-tailored itineraries so do connect if you are interested. OR I can find you the right tour. The short distance from the US makes it very attractive, no?

2. Greece Though still fighting a surge in cases, Greece believes they will have it under control by mid-May as more citizens get vaccinated. Starting May 15th, they will allow travelers who have been vaccinated, had Covid-19 antibodies or a negative covid test to enter. You can experience all the historical culture, the food, the beach. Cruises here, unlike Iceland, will resume. Celestyal Cruise line, a preferred partner of our agency, is worth checking out. I also have other travel partners who can whisk you off to a remote island if you prefer to stay away from the usual Mykonos, Santorini, or Crete.

3. Alaska Alaska without the large cruise ships guests will be the perfect place to visit! And there are no testing requirements to return home as you’re still in US soil. You will need a negative Covid test result to visit but I think it’s worth it. I can design a land-based touring itinerary for you and you will be able to see the glaciers, the polar bears, and bald eagles in natural habitat, and how about dog sledding on ice or glacier trekking for those who want real adventures? If you still want to cruise, my clients always rave about Uncruise Adventures. It may be the only cruise player this season. It’s a small ship and will clear CDC requirements to operate.

4. Caribbean Cruises Crystal Cruises led the pack and announced it will resume sailing in June with a 7 days Bahamas itinerary to ONLY fully vaccinated guests. They prioritize safety for crew and guests and this is what their loyal guests want to start cruising again. You ask, they give. Then, other cruises like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity will follow as well. For Royal Caribbean, adults must be fully vaccinated and children will need a negative Covid test to board. This will be the first time medium and large size ships will be sailing since last March.

5. Galapagos Combine a Galapagos cruise with a visit to Ecuador and you’ll have a full itinerary of culture, nature, and wildlife for sure. There are small yachts and small ships perfect for navigating the islands and you’ll have an experience just like pre-pandemic. If you’re interested, hurry because of the small size of ships and large demand. Don’t miss the boat!

6. Africa. If you can handle the long flights, you’ll enjoy an even more untouched Africa. Many of my colleagues have traveled and returned and had a fantastic experience on their safaris. My recommendation will be to Tanzania and finish with a beach escape in Zanzibar. Other countries are requiring negative tests and can be tricky over there when you travel from one country to another.
Here’s a wonderful itinerary to consider: https://africantravelinc.com/safari/discover-the-wonders-of-tanzania

7. Costa Rica

a great destination with a diverse array of activities. Whether you want to visit the coffee farms or hike to the volcanos, zipline across the rainforest, or bird watch in the cloud forest, then finish with a beach escape in the Pacific coast in a luxury resort or private villa, Costa Rica will not disappoint. You have so much space and the Ticos are so friendly. This is a top choice for families with teens.

a Jungle Lodge in Belize, the Blancaneaux — PC: Blancaneaux Lodge, a Cappola Family Hideaway

8. Belize another fabulous sort of off-the-radar Central American country. This small country is full of natural attractions such as pristine beaches, lush tropical rainforests, Mayan ruins, challenging cave systems that you can explore, and the second-longest barrier reef in the world! I love combining a jungle & reef itinerary and introducing my clients to the numerous eco-lodges in the jungles on treetops! An amazing experience for couples or families with teens.

9. Disneyland After a year-long closure, Disneyland is reopening its doors in June. Combine with a stay at the Disneyland Resort or the Grand California resort and you will have kids showering you with hugs and kisses all the way. Invite the Grandparents and let’s visit The Happiest Place On Earth.

10. Kauai Kauai is finally relaxing quarantine requirements. Starting April 1, you can visit just like other Hawaii islands with a negative Covid test from a trusted testing partner. The islands are still trying to figure out if they will lift that requirement for fully vaccinated travelers. The lush jungles, the Waimea Canyon, and of course, the lovely beaches that Are Hawaii. How can you resist? All the resorts will be welcoming with open arms. And don’t forget to check out the Ultimate Hawaii Guide to your right.

Na Pali cliffs coastline, Kauai, Hawaii — Na Pali cliffs, Kauai, Hawaii

There are at least another 10 ideas I can offer. So, feel free to call, email or schedule a time to chat to get started with planning. Make up the year lost and save it with a family vacation that you know you want.

Hit the Plan a Trip button above and let a travel expert help take care of you. From brainstorming travel ideas, to planning the perfect itinerary and making all the reservations, we are with you all the way. We’ll even deliver your travel itinerary and documents in a digital app.

We will be just a text away when you travel. The peace of mind… priceless!

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Why you should consider Tauck tour and cruises for your next family vacation

02/28/202101/31/2021 by Debby Leong

a brochure cover from Tauck tours with some lake and mountain scenery

Tauck has been around for over 95 years. They are a family owned tour company. Started with a local tour in New England. Their commitment to service has won them a loyal following and they have greatly expanded their tour offerings across the globe and now also offers their own river cruise ships and have chartered small ships to different parts of the world with a showcase of interesting itineraries. Whether it’s their land tours in Europe and Africa or the very popular family river cruises for multi-generational groups, Tauck products have consistently win the highest mark from my clients. They truly excel in all aspects of a tour.

Many of their guests are repeat guests. Most enjoy traveling as a group with other like minded travelers and who enjoy cultural explorations and traveling with ease. When tours started canceling last April due to the pandemic shutdown, over 80% of their guests have chosen to rebook the exact same tour with them for a year later. And for those who did not rebook, got all their money back. That isn’t the case with all travel / tour companies. Many chose to hang on to the guests’ funds. It is a testament to Tauck’s strong financials and integrity.

a large family all wearing berets posing in front of Eiffel Tower in Paris during their Tauck tour — pc:Tauck; Tauck Family Adventures in Paris

Tauck has won Travel & Leisure’s “World’s Best” list for 23 consecutive years. What made Tauck so popular?

A wide presence, offering tours everywhere. You can choose to travel all 7 continents with Tauck if you love their consistent service.
Exclusive access. Tauck’s long standing relationships have gained them partnerships with suppliers and museums to create unique experiences built in to their itineraries. For example, they have exclusive after-hours access to the Sistine Chapel so you’re visiting with your own group of 40 or 20 fellow tour mates and not packed with the general public of thousands.
They have special lunch in castles or exclusive performances arranged for their guests that turns every trip into a trip of a lifetime.
Tour directors and local guides are their true assets. Their tour directors not only ensure a seamless travel experience, but their knowledge and caring attitude fosters a deep connection with guests. Sometimes, I get requests to do the next tour with the same tour director wherever he/she is assigned due to their thoughtful, personal service.
Great value. Tauck is not about spending as little as possible. But about giving you the best they can give for your money. Quality hotels & ships, exclusive access and experiences, and itinerary planning that showcases the best a destination has to offer so that everything you should see is already included in the tour price and nothing extra to offer on tour. In addition, gratuities are included in tour price so you don’t have to stress about getting local currency during tour.

You’ve heard from me and my clients’ feedbacks. Would you like to hear from Tauck directly?
This Thursday, 2/4/21, at 3pm PT, or 6pm ET, will you please join me on this virtual live presentation with Tauck? Hosted by Steve Spivak, Vice President of Global Sales and Partner Relations, the event will cover the current status of travel and what you can expect this year, along with great destinations to consider. Here is the link to register.
https://tauck.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VWcu3823SE2-e_G0YvphGw
If you have another commitment, you can register and they will send you a recording afterwards. But if you can attend live, there will be opportunity for Q&A.

Space is Limited! Register now by clicking the link below:

Thursday, February 4, 2021 3:00 PM PST

https://tauck.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VWcu3823SE2-e_G0YvphGw

Maybe I’ll see you on Thursday! And of course, if after the presentation and you are interested in finding out more about joining their tours or need help selecting an itinerary, I’ll be honored to help. email me, call me, or click the plan a trip button up on top!

Here are a few of Tauck’s popular tours:
America’s Canyonland
Danube Family River Cruise and Tour
Galapagos Island Family Tour and Cruise

All other guests favorites

If you’ve missed this event and would like to be notified of future opportunities, please sign up for our newsletter!

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Christmas Holidays River Cruises Virtual Vacations

12/07/2020 by Debby Leong

As we all know, this has not been an easy year with the pandemic. Many travel plans canceled and postponed.
I know many of us dream of traveling again. International borders remain closed for most countries in order to control the pandemic.
I wonder what I can share to cheer you up and keep your holiday spirits high.

Viking River Cruises is doing a series of 12 days of Christmas virtual vacations that features Christmas traditions around Europe and the World.
You can sign up and watch them over zoom during the live broadcast, or you can register and they will send you a recording if you can’t make
the time. You can still view at your convenience. Maybe have a watch party with your friends.

Here are a lists of them with a quick descriptions and sign up links. You can use our agency info for the invitation!
Bravo Travel, Los Altos, CA — your advisor: Debby Leong

I hope you’ll find these 12 days of Christmas events enjoyable and keep dreaming!

Reservations for 2021 and 2022 cruises are open. When you are ready, please contact us and we can help you find the best cruise, the best itinerary and
arrange everything for you! Put some hope and travel dreams back to your calendar!

Discover British Isles Explorer & Christmas Traditions of the UK
Dec 7th, 2020 12:00PM PT

Immerse yourself in the British Isles, with overnight stays in Bergen, Norway, and Greenwich, England. Discover Scotland’s legendary Highlands and Western Isles and the capital of Edinburgh. Visit the Shetland and Orkney Islands and contrast modern Belfast with traditional Dublin. Witness Welsh culture in Snowdonia. In England, visit maritime Liverpool, see historic Dover and enjoy a tour of London.
Sign up : https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5ylL1X7wTEKKyyRNy31ktw

Experience the Romantic Danube & learn about Christmas in Hungary
Dec 8th, 2020 12:00PM PT

Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.
Sign up: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NKKZFer1SPOw3um-bH9t-Q

Discover the Danube Waltz and Christmas in Austria
Dec 9th, 2020 12:00PM PT

Soak up soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest. Admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau. Witness daily life in an abbey on an exclusive visit to Göttweig. This 8-day itinerary reveals the best of these places, while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery.

Explore Paris & the Heart of Normandy & Christmas traditions of France
Dec 10th, 2020 12:00PM PT

Explore Giverny and visit the beautiful gardens and charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked, the setting that inspired many of his masterpieces. Trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen. Walk hallowed ground at Normandy’s American Military Cemetery and World War II beaches. Savor Normandy cuisine. This 8-day cruise along the Seine River celebrates history, art, food and customs in the country’s most dazzling urbane and pastoral settings.

Tour Viking Homelands & Christmas traditions of Norway
Dec 11th, 2020 12:00PM PT

Sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day cruise. Enjoy overnights in cosmopolitan Stockholm, majestic St. Petersburg and scenic Bergen, and explore charming historic city centers in Tallinn and Gdańsk. Visit Helsinki, Berlin and Copenhagen and witness breathtaking scenery from your ship as she glides through majestic Norwegian fjords in the legendary homelands of the Vikings.

Experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas Markets
Dec 14th, 2020 12:00PM PT

A Viking holiday river cruise is pure magic. From Nuremburg to Vienna, Germany and Austria light up with Christmas markets offering hand-carved toys and ornaments, spicy glühwein and aromatic gingerbread. Celebrate an Old World Christmas on the Danube or Rhine.

Experience Bordeaux and learn about Christmas in France
Dec 15th, 2020 9:00AM PT

Discover the ports, vineyards, farms and forests of Aquitaine, once Europe’s richest kingdom. See Bordeaux’s fountains and cellars. Hunt for truffles in Périgord, and create your own personal blend of Cognac at the Camus distillery. Savor France’s finest oysters fresh from the bay at Arcachon. Sip Saint-Émilion, Médoc and Sauternes in their own ”terroir” on an 8-day cruise through Bordeaux—a region synonymous with fine wine and finer living.

Discover Tulips & Windmills & Christmas in the Low Countries
Dec 16th, 2020 9:00AM PT

Admire the genius of the Dutch Masters at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Explore Hoorn’s seafaring heritage, Arnhem’s World War II history and Antwerp’s Renaissance splendor. See colorful ribbons of farmland as Dutch tulips come into bloom. Sample Belgian beers and chocolates. Step into the Middle Ages in Bruges. Roam Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s largest floral park. The best time to see the Low Countries is spring, and the best way to see them is on our 10-day cruise.

Sail West Indies Explorer and learn about Christmas in the Caribbean
Dec 17th, 2020 12:00PM PT

Set sail on a roundtrip voyage from San Juan to explore the colorful Caribbean. Start deep in the heart of the Caribbean and avoid the long sea days associated with most Caribbean cruises—allowing you to visit more ports and spend more time discovering rich island cultures. Immerse yourself in the British, French and Dutch cultures of the Lesser Antilles as you cruise azure waters from Tortola and St. Lucia to Dominica, St. Martin and St. Thomas.

Sail Passage to Eastern Europe discover Christmas traditions of the region
Dec 18th, 2020 9:00AM PT

See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Visit a Croatian family’s Osijek home. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruisetour.

Discover Christmas along the Elbe and German Christmas traditions
Dec 21st, 2020 9:00AM PT

Linger longer with multi-night city stays as you explore the historic sites along the Elbe and Vltava Rivers. Experience Berlin’s modern chic, Dresden’s baroque castles and Prague’s architectural gems. This journey offers a rich blend of traditional hotel stays, Viking ships showcasing their elegance as fine floating hotels, and scenic excursions. Unlike our traditional cruises, every night is spent in port, providing an opportunity to experience enriching Viking evening excursions.

Experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas Markets
Dec 22nd, 2020 9:00AM PT

Again, I hope you’ll enjoy these virtual vacations. Please contact us if we can help you with your next river cruise vacation.
Allow us to take care of all your travel arrangements so you can fully enjoy the experience. Click here to get in touch!

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New Travel Ideas for 2023 Awaits You

Will you be on board for an Adult Only Cruise???

Top 10 Travel Ideas You Can Use Now

Why you should consider Tauck tour and cruises for your next family vacation

Christmas Holidays River Cruises Virtual Vacations

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