Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/375781
b y now, many canadians are beginning to plan their fall and winter escapes. some may choose European and Mediterranean destinations while others think of remote tropical islands and far-fl ung southern loca- tions. Whatever your preferences or interests may be, cruising continues to be a popular holiday choice anywhere in the world. here are some ideas to get you dreaming about your next trip. Msc cruises (msccruises.com) is offering special fall cruise departures featuring a Grand Voyage that explores some European and south american capitals. The 20-night Grand Voyage on board the 2,500-passenger MSC Magnifi ca sails from hamburg, Germany, on november 8 to such diverse destina- tions as le havre (France), southampton (England), lisbon (Portugal), santa cruz de Tenerife in the canary Islands, fol- lowed by a fi ve-night transatlantic crossing to Brazil with stops in Recife, salvador, Rio de janeiro and buenos aires (argentina). If 20 days at sea is too long but you still yearn for thrills, consider a cruising expedition with the Great canadian Travel company (greatcanadiantravel.com), which is known for adventur- ous trips to Iceland, Greenland and the archipelagos of orkney and shetland. From october 2014 through april 2015, the company is offering a new four-day cruise program that begins in ushuaia, the world's southernmost city located on the island of Tierra del Fuego at the very tip of the south american con- tinent. here, you'll board the 136-passenger via australis to explore breathtaking wildernesses at the "bottom of the world," such as the Garibaldi Glacier, Pia Fjord, cape horn national Park and historic Wulaia bay before returning to ushuaia. seabourn (seabourn.com) is a yacht-like cruise line for the discerning few. Each of its fi ve ships feature between 104 and 229 ocean-view cabins so crowds are never an issue. Itineraries include such destinations as south america, antarctica and Patagonia; arabia, africa and India; asia; australia and new Zealand; canada and new England; the caribbean; and the Mediterranean and northern Europe. other cruising options are the Windstar (windstarcruises.com) yachts and the star clippers tall ships (starclippers.com). accommodating only 148 to 310 guests in luxurious ocean-view cabins, Windstar sails to arabia; asia; the caribbean; the Greek Isles, Turkey and the black sea; Italy; the Mediterranean; northern Europe; the Panama canal; and Tahiti. The star Clippers fl eet is considered a "greener" choice for those who wish to sail to the caribbean; western and eastern Mediterranean destinations; spain and the balearic Islands; the Panama canal; and northern africa. both Windstar and star clippers also offer ocean-crossing experiences and, because their ships are smaller, all can sail into out-of-the-way ports of call where larger mega-ships dare not go. a relaxing, albeit more expensive, option is the European river cruise and scenic's new ship, Jade, launched in april 2014, may be among the most luxurious of all (scenictours.ca). as you glide along Europe's waterways, you'll be treated like roy- alty at every turn. Every cabin features a balcony as well as a butler and a steward to ensure exceptional personalized ser- vice. a diverse range of dining options is available and, except for a few rare vintage wines, champagnes and spirits, all bever- ages are complimentary. There are no hidden extras; tours, Wi-Fi, port charges, tipping and gratuities are all included. For those who have never cruised before, if you fi nd your- self in Edinburgh, scotland, visit the Royal yacht Britannia, which served as home at sea to Queen Elizabeth II and her family for more than 40 years. once you've checked her out, you just might be tempted to book a cruise holiday. still not convinced cruising is for you? Then plan a stay on board the mv Windsor castle, which is being converted into a 25-bedroom luxury "boatique" hotel scheduled to open in spring 2016 and berthed permanently adjacent to Britannia in Edinburgh's historic port of leith. It could be a stepping-stone toward your fi rst cruise. from my travel bag b y d o n n a s . v i e i r a 6 Fa l l 2 0 1 4