Join us for a 10-day river cruising experience like no other: Uniworld's very first Mystery Cruise! This is your chance to go on a truly once-in-a-lifetime vacation that will leave you amazed at every turn, and our chance to pull out all the stops on one of our most incredible journeys yet. The catch? Every detail of it will be a surprise, so you’ll just have to trust us to do what we do best.
If you know Uniworld, you know we have a knack for meticulously curating everything from the grandest affairs down to our signature Tiny Noticeable Touches®. So, while you might be heading into your cruise not knowing what to expect, you can expect a masterpiece.
WHERE
That’s for us to know and you to find out.
Just know that you will need your passport to get there. And when you do, we’ll immerse you in every destination with new-to-Uniworld experiences. Each shore excursion will be a one-time-only exclusive for our Mystery Cruise guests. You won’t find these experiences anywhere else—even on other Uniworld cruises.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
In a word? Everything.
We’re providing the usual wealth of all-inclusive, luxury amenities offered on every Uniworld river cruise. For the price of your trip, you’ll enjoy unique excursions, gourmet food and beverages, onboard entertainment, all transportation plus airfare, the excitement of being among the first to embark on these new voyages and the suspense of never knowing what’s coming next.
PRICE
From $6999 All Inclusive
SPECIAL GUEST
Ellen Bettridge - Uniworld CEO
WHAT TO BRING
Your sense of adventure and willingness to have a great time.
Of course, you’ll need to know more than that when it’s time to pack. But don’t worry, we’ll be sending you a detailed packing list before you go.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state is filing a lawsuit against the federal government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to allow cruise ships to resume sailing immediately, after they were shut down for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DeSantis announced the legal action during a news conference Thursday at PortMiami.
"The CDC has locked down this industry for over a year, this is not reasonable, this is not rational," DeSantis said. "We don't believe the federal government has the right to mothball a major industry for over a year based on very little evidence and very little data."
The governor, who signed an executive order forbidding Covid vaccine passports, said the cruise industry won’t get an exception. He’s adamant that public entities, along with the private sector, not require people show proof that they have been vaccinated.
Even if cruise lines wanted to move forward with a vaccine passport, DeSantis said he would oppose it.
DeSantis and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said the cruise industry shutdown was harming tens of thousands of Floridians in the state who depend on it for their livelihood.
Florida is the nation's cruise capital with three of the world's busiest ports: Miami, Port Canaveral near Kennedy Space Center, and Port Everglades near Fort Lauderdale. Millions typically cruise from Florida each year and the industry generates billions for the state's economy.
The CDC shut down the cruise industry a year ago when several coronavirus outbreaks were tied to ships worldwide.
On Friday, the CDC updated its guidance to say that fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without getting tested for the coronavirus or going into quarantine afterward. It also issued more technical details around its conditional plan to allow cruise ships in U.S. ports, but it did not say when cruise lines could resume sailing.
DeSantis has maintained the ban disproportionally impacts Florida and has said that cruising has resumed in much of the world, forcing Americans to fly to other ports in the nearby Bahamas. Industry leaders say there have been no new outbreaks tied to their ships.
“People are going to cruise one way or another. The question is are we going to do it out of Florida, which is the number one place to do it in the world, or are they going to be doing it out of the Bahamas or other locations?” DeSantis said.
AmaWaterways has announced the river cruise industry's longest itinerary—a new, 46-night "Seven River Journey Through Europe" on four ships, departing June 1, 2023.
Curated by Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder, AmaWaterways, this new, grand experience will take 144 guests through 14 European countries. Guests will receive a choice of more than 130 complimentary excursions plus new tours and exclusive experiences.
This new concept is akin to the lengthy, all-encompassing itineraries that ocean lines operate as grand voyages or World Cruises; those have proven extremely popular in late 2020 and early 2021 with many of those selling out immediately.
Reservations will open to the general public on March 15. "Seven River Journey through Europe" fares will start at $25,999 per person, based on double occupancy Category E accommodations. Port charges are additional. Fares will include transfers between ships; complimentary laundry and portage service; all gratuities onboard and for shore excursions; and a dedicated cruise manager.
Four Different Vessels
Guests booking this itinerary will sail on four different AmaWaterways' river vessels during the five-week journey.
Here's the line-up of voyages in this 46-night adventure:
June 1 - 8, 2023: AmaLyra will sail roundtrip from Paris, France on the Seine River
June 8 - 13: AmaKristina will sail from Lyon to Tarascon, France on the Saône and Rhône Rivers
June 13 - July 4: AmaPrima will sail the Rhine, Moselle and Main Rivers from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Vilshofen, Germany
July 4 - 17: AmaVerde will sail the Danube River from Vilshofen, Germany to Giurgiu, Romania.
Guests will have the opportunity to visit 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites and enjoy local epicurean experiences. Highlights will include sailing through romantic Paris, visiting Normandy's D-Day landing beaches, enjoying an exclusive visit to Germany's Lahneck Castle and visiting off-the-beaten-path sites in Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, among other countries.
"With the pent-up demand for travel we are seeing and the increase in requests for our longer cruises, we feel this is the perfect time to introduce our incredible, all-new Seven River Journey,” said Schreiner in a press statement. “The initial response has been remarkable since we first teased the news of this experience, and I am confident that we will exceed expectations when we set sail in June 2023."
Onboard, guests can expect fine dining and wines at every meal in multiple onboard venues. An onboard wellness host also will offer such classes as core strengthening, stretching and yoga.
For information on this voyage or any other you might be contemplating please contact me at francine@grandexplorer.com or 800-903-5750
Since we have been cooped up for so long and can't travel I have been passing the time in drooling over my pictures and reminiscing about visiting my favorite cities. One of my top favorite European cities is Lyon, France. This was a fabulous surprise the first time I discovered it.
Lyon is the ancient capital of Gaul with a rich history of more than 2000 years. There still exists today evidence of its long past, in landmarks such as the Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre and its 15th century cathedral at Saint-Jean.
People lived on the banks of the Saone River for several centuries before the city was officially founded by the Romans in 43 BC. Lyon served as their capital and nearly became the capital of France!
I was not aware before I went there that Lyon is the number 1 gastronomic city in France! Who knew? I always thought it was Paris, but Paris is actually third after Lyon and Marseille. It only took me one meal in Lyon to see how it got that reputation!
Walking around the town you're stirred by the wonderful smells of this city. Baked goods shops are everywhere and as you pass them you get whiffs of fresh bread mixed with ginger and cinnamon as well as the aroma of crepes being made in a kiosk by the side of the street accompanied by the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee.
I stayed in the old-town at the gorgeous "Cours Des Loges" hotel which is a medieval treasure. The old-town is filled with tons of small restaurants, most with an open frontage exposing maybe only 8 tables. They have cute names and ornate decorations with incredible delicious food which I indulged in for three days.
Here are some photos of this wonderful French find:
They have a section of the city which has trompe-l'oeil murals such as these ones, they are all painted on flat walls but look so real!
U.S. Congressional Committee Asks Canada To Reconsider Cruise Ban
As each day passes, hope for salvaging part of the 2021 Alaska cruise season becomes more challenging—given the combination of current U.S. law and Canada's recent decision to ban all cruising from its waters through February 28, 2022.
The latest? The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently sent a letter about the negative impact of that ban to Canada’s ambassador to the United States. That bipartisan letter was signed by U.S. Congressional representatives Peter DeFazio, Bob Gibbs, Sam Graves, Salud Carbajal and Don Young.
Finding a Solution
Current U.S. law does not permit foreign-flagged ships (most of the global cruise fleet) to sail between U.S. ports without a foreign port call. So, port calls at such Canadian destinations as Victoria and Vancouver, B.C., are essential during the Alaska season.
It's also expected that the current Canadian cruise ship ban (if that continues) will adversely impact the fall New England/Canada season.
The committee's letter encouraged the Government of Canada to work together with U.S. officials and cruise and travel stakeholders to find “a mutually agreeable solution.” It suggested that Canada could permit ships to make a “technical stop” in Canada with those ships not letting any passengers go ashore.
"It is our hope that this solution would both address the important health concerns of Canadian authorities and allow cruises to resume with the approval of U.S. government authorities when it is deemed safe to do so," the letter stated.
In a statement, Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), said: “Government action—here and abroad—has played a key role in the decimation of our industry, the most recent example being the Canadian government’s announcement that it is closing its ports to cruise ships through early 2022."
Given U.S. law, "Canada’s decision (unless soon reversed) imperils any chance to execute the 2021 Alaska and Canada/New England cruise seasons," Kerby added.
ASTA said it's seeking a solution to the impasse whether that be legislative, regulatory or diplomatic: "With the vaccination rollout underway and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention working with cruise lines to resume cruising from U.S. ports, there is promise for the summer and fall seasons. Government and industry must work together, find a solution and keep that promise.”
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise industry’s trade association, thanked the House members for their leadership in facilitating dialogue with the Canadian government. In a statement, CLIA said that it "looks forward to working with the Canadian and U.S. authorities on a solution that addresses the public health needs of Americans and Canadians alike, while responsibly restarting a critical economic driver for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska."
Princess has a beautiful new ship, Enchanted Princess, which offers a fabulous 22 day Mediterranean cruise this October.
It's part of the new Medallion Class category which offers many new features not seen on other cruise ships.
A Princess MedallionClass™ vacation offers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with your OceanMedallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device^ that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating your loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever you need, delivered.
You can be sun-bathing on the top deck and be able to order a drink from the Princess app on your phone and the bar can locate you from your Medaillion and bring you your refreshment without you ever moving from your chair....now that's service!
You will find beautiful cabins and suites onboard Enchanted Princess
Date Port Arrive Depart
Sun,Oct 24Barcelona, Spain ------ 07:00 pm
Mon,Oct 25Marseille (Provence), France 07:00 am05:00 pm
Tue, Oct 26Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy 07:00 am07:00 pm
Wed,Oct 27At Sea
Thu, Oct 28Valletta, Malta 07:00 am10:00 pm
Fri, Oct 29At Sea
Sat, Oct 30Kotor, Montenegro 07:00 am05:00 pm
Sun, Oct 31Corfu, Greece 08:00 am10:00 pm
Mon, Nov 1At Sea
Tue, Nov 2Sicily (Messina), Italy 08:00 am06:00 pm
Wed, Nov 3Naples, Italy(Capri & Pompeii) 07:00 am07:00 pm
Thu, Nov 4Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy 05:00 am07:00 pm
Fri, Nov 5At Sea
Sat, Nov 6Kotor, Montenegro 09:00 am05:00 pm
Sun, Nov 7Dubrovnik, Croatia 07:00 am06:00 pm
Mon, Nov 8At Sea
Tue, Nov 9Athens (Piraeus), Greece 07:00 am10:00 pm
Wed, Nov 10Mykonos, Greece 07:00 am06:00 pm
Thu, Nov 11Katakolon (Olympia), Greece 09:00 am06:00 pm
Fri, Nov 12At Sea
Sat, Nov 13Corsica (Ajaccio), France 08:00 am06:00 pm
Sun, Nov 14Toulon/Provence, France 07:00 am04:00 pm
Seabourn has always been associated with small ship luxury and in 2021 they will continue the tradition with an all new cruise experience!
SEABOURN VENTURE
Seabourn's ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, will pay tribute to the remote destinations visited by the brand's highly successful expedition and Ventures by Seabourn excursion programs and the fascinating places yet to be explored in the future.
Seabourn Venture is scheduled to launch in December 2021, with a second yet-to-be-named sister ship slated to launch in 2022. Both ships will be designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and will include a plethora of modern hardware and technology that will extend the ships global deployment and capabilities. The new ships, which are being built by T. Mariotti, will be a brand new innovative design, created specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition traveler, and will include many features that have made Seabourn ships so successful.
A new and exciting offering will be two custom-built submarines carried onboard, providing an unforgettable view of the world beneath the ocean’s surface. The ships will also be designed to carry a complement of double sea kayaks, mountain bikes and ebikes as well as 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all onboard guests at once, which will allow for a truly immersive experience. Each ship will feature 132 all veranda, all ocean-front suites.
INAUGURAL SAILING
Join Seabourn on a Norway Winter expedition, the first of its kind, as they explore twilight snowcapped mountains, giant fjords and the second longest coastline in the world, searching not only for the Northern Lights but once in a lifetime experiences that will make this expedition truly extraordinary. Dogsledding, snowshoeing, snorkeling with whales, Sami culture, overnight winter camps, kayaking and exploring the underwater world of Norway with Seabourn’s two submarines.
In May, they leave the North Cape behind and head even further north to Spitsbergen - Svalbard Archipelago. They arrive in Svalbard early to explore its frozen coastlines, deep fjords and glacial mountains. The early arrival is timed with the changing of the season, approximately one month after Polar bear mothers and cubs leave the den and head down to the coast to hunt for seals on the sea ice. Seabourn Venture is specifically built and designed to safely explore these frozen Arctic coast lines, searching for bucket list wildlife encounters..
Here is the least expensive cabin onboard.....pretty great!
Veranda Suite
All Veranda Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Panorama Veranda Suite
All Panorama Veranda Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Penthouse Suite
All Penthouse Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Wintergarden Suite
All Wintergarden Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
Signature Suite
All Signature Suites onboard Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet, personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.
For more information you can contact me at 1-800-903-5750 or drop me an email at francine@grandexplorer.com
Personally I have always loved train travel, there's just something so special and nostalgic about riding through the countryside in the comfort of your window seat. I thought I would share with you here some of the most incredible trains in the world.
Trains were the backbone of any country’s economy back in the days of industrial revolution and they still are the lifeline of communication for many. Large coaches sitting on tracks traveling long distances for hours even days, equipped with all the necessary amenities evoke a sense of romance and adventure unlike any other form of travel!
Something to think about when planning your next travel adventure. Here are some of my favorite picks:
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS
This train is probably the father of the concept of luxury train for the masses! No other luxury voyager would evoke a similar sense of romance and adventure as the infamous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the setting for Agatha Christie’s famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express” that has also inspired several movies on the story.
Apart from being a part of a historic novel, the train also has a rich political and dark history behind it. It is said that Hitler was also one of the fans of the train. The train was a French pride and in 1940 the Germans hauled the train to the spot of their previous surrender and took it over. Later, the train narrowly escaped its doom of being exploded by the Nazis when Hitler’s downfall was imminent as he didn’t want this trophy of luxury travel to shine on his enemies’ land.
The legendary train, which is the most popular luxury carriage around the world has more scoop behind it, spies during world wars used it as a secret weapon, a president once tumbled down from it and much more. But perhaps the most understated story of them all is how the train remains the perfect symbol of romance with train rides and classy travel.
An uncontested icon of the rails, this train has long captured the hearts and imaginations of glamorous guests. Three elegant dining carriages exude culinary sophistication, from Lalique glass inlays in Cote d’Azur to black lacquer panels in L’Oriental. A steward in blue and gold livery waves with a white-gloved hand, welcoming you on board with a knowing smile. Settle in to your cabin, adorned with art-deco details and French-polished cherry wood, and sit back as a grand voyage begins.
Take the classic route from London to Venice, the gateway to the Orient. This breathtaking journey through rural French farmlands and Swiss Alpine valleys can be travelled in either direction, or both. Go further afield with Paris to Istanbul, an authentic adventure over six days to the edge of Europe. Delve into culture with stops in Budapest and Bucharest before arriving in soulful Istanbul.
Paris to Berlin is the newest journey in the repertoire, a thrilling voyage connecting two of Europe’s most vibrant cultural hubs. The tradition of the grand tour thrives with a luxurious escape on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
PALACE ON WHEELS
Nothing can beat the romanticism of the royal train tour on Palace on Wheels that chugs along the scenic routes coupled with historical landmarks. The history of Palace on Wheels is as interesting and fascinating as its journey itself. A definite tribute to the royal tradition of Indian Maharajas, this train travels down to the heart of India’s rich cultural and historical heritage, Rajasthan. Dotted with forts, palaces, lakes, sand dunes and green forestry, Rajasthan is the land where the folklores of yore are still alive.
The coaches of Palace on Wheels get their names from the former princely states of Rajputana. There are 4 twin bedded chambers in each coach soaked in the ethnic Rajasthani decor. Each guest cabin is equipped with channel music, running hot & cold water, shower, attached toilets, intercom, and wall to wall carpeting to offer a comfortable and luxurious travel. There also is a personal attendant ‘Khidmatgar’ in each saloon catering to the needs of the guests round the clock.
The 14 Guest Coaches of the train meet the aesthetics and interiors of the prineledom they are named after different cities in Rajasthan like Alwar , Bharatpur , Bikaner , Jodhpur , Jaipur , Udaipur and so on. In each saloon, there is a mini pantry and a lounge equipped with television, DVD player and small library. The guests are offered hot and cold beverage along with refreshments and a place to get-together and relax.
The cabins of the Palace on Wheels are the perfect epitome of regal lavishness and gracefulness. The train has 14 fully air-conditioned coaches in total with 4 Cabins in each coach . There are 39 Deluxe cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins, with an amazing décor that reminds one of complete luxurious comforts, experienced by the erstwhile Indian royalty. The interior of the cabins is inspired from the décor of the palaces of the Maharajas. The use of rich silk fabrics is the main highlight and looks extremely attractive.
The antique wooden furniture with beautiful delicate artworks adds an amazing character to the rooms and the padded beds in the cabins offer a comfortable sleep. Every cabin is well-laden with all the world-class modern facilities including attached bathroom with plush toiletries, electronic safety deposit, internet connectivity, individual temperature control, telephone, etc. Availability of a special attendant called Khidmatgar to meet all your travel needs is a major attraction.
The dining experience on-board the Palace on Wheels is itself an extraordinary affair. Maharaja and Maharani, the two royal restaurants aboard, serve sumptuous food of Indian and other popular world cuisines. Dishes of Rajasthani and Marwari cuisine are the highlights. The expert chef and his team take care of hygiene and cleanliness. The guests can enjoy the highest level of hospitality services. The ambiance of both the restaurants is welcoming because of the luxurious fabrics, imported crockery, delicate glass carvings, mahogany paneling, striking chandeliers and colorful wall lamps, aptly matching the mood of the train.
THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN
Riding Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of those pinch-me moments. Ranking among the world’s most luxurious trains, our mahogany-clad cars marry Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house. Ten intricately designed carriages, including the sublime Bamford Spa, form a palace on wheels.
From the moment you step onto Belmond Royal Scotsman, you are swept up in a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury. Delve into a land of soaring peaks and deep valleys, mirror lochs and looming castles. Enjoy a tasting in a world-famous distillery, then enter the forest for an exhilarating clay pigeon shoot. As night falls, mingle with fellow guests over candlelit dinners and live ceilidhs—a fine finale to the day’s adventures.
The train first launched in 1985. Following a whirlwind five-year operation of award-winning success, the original carriages were retired and replaced by a new set of Pullman cars to be renovated by James Park Associates. Lacquer-polished wooden-panels and warm tonal fabrics perfected the Edwardian country-house appeal. En-suite cabins, complete with steamy showers, established unprecedented comfort and the birth of a luxury legend.
In 2007 the train was christened Belmond Royal Scotsman and has continued to raise the bar of style and innovation since. The recent addition of the Bamford Haybarn Spa carriage marks a world first in the pursuit of perfect pampering. A true chieftain of the rails, Belmond Royal Scotsman is an awe-inspiring way to delve into the soul of the Scottish highlands.
Feast on the best produce from Scottish land and sea. Rich game, seasonal seafood and wild salmon are all regular highlights on our acclaimed menu.
Fuel up with classic kedgeree, or savour steamed Scottish mussels after a day’s outdoor pursuits. Dining is an extravagant affair and may include delicate pigeon salad or spiced roast halibut. Just add superb wines and new friends.
GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS
Aboard your luxurious private train, you can expect well-appointed en-suite cabins, fine dining and elegant surroundings - no matter where you choose to explore. First-class service is included as standard, with a personal cabin attendant service, available at all times, to look after all of your needs.
The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with emphasis on your comfort, relaxation and enjoyment. In addition to our private en-suite sleeping cabins, we offer a beautifully appointed Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars.
Throughout your journey the Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host a variety of entertaining and enriching activities such as Russian language lessons and engaging lectures on local history and culture from expert guest speakers.
It is also here that our Tour Manager will organise a programme of activities for the journey ahead. Daily itineraries detailing train arrival and departure timings and information on the following day’s excursions and activities will be provided, plus useful weather forecast and time zone information.
As evening falls, enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing on the baby grand piano in the Bar Lounge Car. Each night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.
Each morning, enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet in the beautifully appointed restaurant car, offering a fresh selection of fruit, cereals, cold plates and freshly squeezed orange juice. For something more substantial enjoy a breakfast cooked to order by the onboard Chef, all accompanied by steaming hot tea and coffee.
At lunch and dinner you will be welcomed by their resident Guest Relations Manager to enjoy a delightful culinary experience inspired by the countries they venture through. Whether it is some of Russia’s gastronomic specialties, such as black sturgeon and red pacific salmon caviar or their quality international cuisine, all meals are skillfully prepared by the Executive Chef and his onboard team, using the very best ingredients and locally sourced wherever possible. Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available.
Attentive service and an excellent choice of wines, personally selected by the Company Founder, Tim Littler, accompany all the meals at lunch and dinner, in addition to bottled mineral water, draught beer and soft drinks.
Expect a relaxed and convivial atmosphere at meal times with the freedom to dine wherever, and with whomever, you please in a single sitting. An informal dress code is applied throughout the journey.
Aboard your luxurious private train, you can expect well-appointed en-suite cabins, fine dining and elegant surroundings - no matter where you choose to explore. First-class service is included as standard, with a personal cabin attendant service, available at all times, to look after all of your needs.
ROVOS RAIL - PRIDE OF AFRICA
This train is for those in search of the thrill of wilderness coupled with the unique combination of luxury. This is a trip not to be missed by photographers and artists. The train runs from early April to May which is the best season to venture through the African wilderness. The train offers passengers the opportunity to explore some of Africa’s famous spots like diamond mines, the exciting cosmopolitan city of Namibia, National parks giving sights of wild animals in their natural habitat, and the famous Kalhari desert and more.
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions.
Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration.
The beautifully rebuilt trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys.
The wood-paneled sleeper coaches, remodeled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The suites accommodate one or two passengers with the option of double or twin beds. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves.
The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/hostess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
This is one of the few luxury train services in North America offered by the Golden Leaf Service of the Rocky Mountaineers. This was the last, grueling leg of the great rail expansion westwards that united Canada in the late 1880’s and offers a unique experience of exploring the Rockies. There are several routes to the Rockies but by far the most famous one is the Banff to Vancouver ride that still captures the imagination of travelers with the promise of green panoramic views of the mountains.
You are on the train by day and stay in a luxury hotel room by night.
THE BLUE TRAIN - AFRICA
As time meandered from the 19th Century towards the dawn of the new era, a dream was born. A dream of harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast south to north, around the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, through the apparently arid desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife. From the Cape all the way to Cairo… all of this on parallel lines of tempered steel.
It is from this dream that The Blue Train was born. Cairo was never to be, but the dreamers persevered and The Blue Train now traverses South Africa and its breath-taking scenery in a manner that befits the mystique that has grown around it.
Kings and presidents have indulged on this magnificent, moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels”. From love-struck honeymooners, to adulated celebrities. And even ordinary folk who fantasize about a life of spectacular luxury, a life that has seemed tantalizingly out of reach. Until now…
While The Blue Train lives up to its five-star reputation in every sense, its cuisine surpasses even the highest expectations. It could be said that dinner will be the most unforgettable experience of your adventure.
On board chefs regularly refresh their menus to intrigue and tantalize your palate, as they prepare their signature dishes using the freshest of local ingredients. From Karoo lamb, ostrich and venison, to Knysna oysters and other award-winning Cape cultivars. All artfully presented in delicate crystal or on fine china, all contributing to the ultimate experience.
Underscoring the Dining Car’s atmosphere is a delightful selection of tasteful background music, ranging from smooth jazz to light classical to the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet.
As the sky darkens over the landscape, you adorn yourself in your finest silks and satins, diamonds and pearls, tuxedos and ties, as you prepare to relish a banquet glowing with the camaraderie of new friends or dine entwined in the subtle intimacy of a table for two – or even if you opt to dine in the privacy of your own suite – you become aware that every taste you’re about to experience is a memory in the making, a tantalizing highlight on a menu of magical moments.
And indeed, there’s a menu for every taste. Whether you require Kosher or Halaal meals, or gluten-free vegan options, simply make your needs known at the time of reserving your passage. You’ll also need to reserve your ideal dinner sitting. Our very elegant Dining Car comfortably accommodates 42 guests in a single sitting and, in the event of having more guests on the train, meals are served in two sittings to ensure all our guests experience utter luxury and decadence.
Your Luxury Suite will enchant you from the moment your personal butler ushers you aboard. It extends the offering from a De Luxe suite even further; by an extra metre of your domain, with twin or double bedded suites which offer you long and luxurious bath tubs and a private digital interactive entertainment system, with an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on Blue-Ray DVD.
Luxury coaches have three Luxury Suites that each measure 5,13 by 2 metres and give you the option of twin beds or a double bed.
Your De Luxe or Luxury suites are your home-away-from-home lounges. Need to send an important email halfway across the world or make that urgent phone call? Relax in knowing that all suites are fitted with WI-FI service that is complimentary to all guests. Use the telephone system in each suite to dial your butler, at no extra charge, for an apéritif or even call family and friends across the Atlantic and relay your Blue Train experience at a minimal fee.
An act of alchemy transforms your sitting area into a restful night-time sanctuary. Goose down duvets and pillows and 100 percent percale cotton bedding envelop you as you drift off after a soothing, scented soak or shower in your marble and gold-appointed bathroom, lulled by the rhythm of the whispering wheels.
