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Episode Notes The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection starts sailing on August 31, 2022! Finally! If you have any questions or if you’d like more detail on itinerary, feel free to call or text 646-276-2727. Toll free 888-365-1515  Or send email to jerzy@upclosetravel.com. BLOG POST WITH PHOTOS CLICK HERE VIDEO UPDATE CLICK HERE The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection is the ultimate in small ship luxury cruising!  The ship, Evrima, has 149 suites that accommodate 298 guests.  With a crew-to-guest ration of 1-1.21, you can expect the incredible service from the Ritz crew.  After all, the Ritz is known for legendary personalized service. All-Inclusive Value: Luxury all-suite accommodationsMultiple dining experiencesBeverages in-suite and throughout the yacht included (alcohol included)Onboard activities and entertainmentOnboard gratuitiesWi-Fi Evrima Dining Options: MistralTalaat NamThe Pool HouseThe Evrima RoomThe BarThe Living RoomThe Marina Terrace24-Hour In-Suite DiningS.E.A.  (specialty restaurant by 3 Michelin Star Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg)Private Dining The multi-functional platform at the back of the ship looks STUNNING!  Lounges all around if you’d like to relax and take in the surroundings.  Direct water access offering complimentary water-sports during port days while anchored.  Here are some of the activities: Paddle-boardsWindsurf BoardsKayaksSailboatsSnorkeling Public Spaces: Intimate, relaxed, and casually elegant atmosphere in all corners of the Evrima. The Living RoomThe Observation TerraceThe Observation LoungeThe HumidorThe Wine Bar You can also pamper yourself at the Spa and Wellness area.  Spa Services include: MassagesFacialsSkin TreatmentsSalon ServicesBarber Services There’s also a sleek looking gym on the Evrima so that you can get your workout in along with a yoga studio. If you’re bringing the kids, there’s a Ritz Kids program as well.  The Ritz Kids program is geared towards children from ages 4-12.

Episode Notes If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (888) 365-1515. I'd love to answer any questions you have and help you reserve your adventure! Jerzy Poznar www.upclosetravel.com jerzy@upclosetravel.com (888) 365-1515 (646) 276-2727

YouTube teaser video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v2ZqxCK77Q Link to sign up for updates: https://upclosetravel.com/amawaterways-seven-river-journey-signup/ To inquire about a wait-list call 646-276-2727. AmaWaterways has announced that they’ll be releasing information on a remarkable Seven River Journey through Europe! There is limited information at this time. We know that it’s going to be a phenomenal 46-night exploration of Europe that sails through fourteen fascinating countries and includes brand new excursions as well as some exclusive experiences. (14 countries, 7 rivers, 4 ships = 46 nights)! Up Close Travel.com www.upclosetravel.com jerzy@upclosetravel.com 646-276-2727

If you fly domestic including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, you won't have to pay change fees for Economy and Premium seats. Starting on January 1, 2021, all United guests will have the ability to standby for free. This eliminates the $75 fee. You'll be able to add your name to the standby list up to 30 minutes before departure for domestic and up to 1 hour for international flights on the United app, their website, or at the airport. If an empty seat opens it'll be available for free. This is only available on day of travel. Jerzy Poznar Up Close Travel Travel Specialist 646-276-2727

There is life in the Alaska cruise season. Uncruise announced that it will set sail in Alaska starting this August 2020. Uncruise is Small Ships, BIG Adventures! They've been sailing for nearly 25 years and they're a great small ship adventure cruise company. If you have questions, feel free to call or text 646-276-2727. Or email jerzy@upclosetravel.com Thanks, Jerzy Poznar upclosetravel.com 646-276-2727

Questions? Feel free to call or text 646-276-2727 anytime 24/7.www.upclosetravel.comjerzy@upclosetravel.comThanks for listening!

Call or text anytime at 305-814-8184 or send an email to jerzy@upclosetravel.comJoin the Solar Eclipse Newsletter/updated here:https://upclosetravel.com/total-solar-eclipse-antarctica/Thanks for listening!Jerzy PoznarUp Close Travelwww.upclosetravel.com

Jeremiah Davis - Instagram @thatoneblondkidJacob Riglin - Instagram @jacobFor more details on this itinerary, please feel free to reach out to me anytime! I love to answer your questions on this show so please feel free to put any requests here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/I'm available to answer your questions 7 days a week at 305-814-8184

Please submit any questions or requests here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/Visit out website at https://upclosetravel.com/Call us anytime 7 days a week at 305-814-8184

Please submit any questions or requests here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/Visit out website at https://upclosetravel.com/Call us anytime 7 days a week at 305-814-8184

There are 24 ken Burns Journeys available between now and 2021. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. You can call 305-814-8184 or email here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/Visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/Thanks for listening!

Check out some photos here - https://upclosetravel.com/new-river-cruise-ships-2020/I love questions! I'd love to answer any questions you have. Please submit them here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/Or call 7 days a week at 305-814-8184.

Here's a link to see some of the photos - https://upclosetravel.com/new-ocean-ships-2020/I LOVE questions! Please feel free to call 7 days a week at 305-814-8184.Thanks for listening!

Website for Passport Requirements for U.S. citizens - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements.htmlWebsite for Visa Requirements for U.S. citizens (it is country specific)- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/americans-traveling-abroad.htmlThe six month passport rule states that your passport needs to be valid for six months beyond your intended return date. So make sure your passport is valid 6 months past the date you are scheduled to return from your trip. I always add some extra months of cushion just in case.If you have questions, please feel free to call us anytime at 305-814-8184. And visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/Thank you so much for listening! Please subscribe and leave a comment if you'd like.

All the main river cruise lines offer Christmas Markets river cruises. If you have questions about Christmas river cruises, or anything else, please visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/ and feel free to call us anytime at 305-814-8184.Glide by storybook villages and snow-capped castles on the riverside.Each year, timeless traditions spring to life at European Christmas Markets, where rows of colorful lights illuminate cobblestone streets and charming booths brimming with traditional handcrafted souvenirs in historic town squares. A river cruise visits some of the most delightful Christmas markets.Indulge in gingerbread, Christmas cookies and sugary chimney cakesFeast on mulled wine or sip hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.Shop for Hand-carved toys and ornaments from Christmases past.Listen to Angelic songs of strolling carolers. And romantic ice-skating in front of the beautifully illuminated Vienna City Hall.Some of the time honored Christmas Markets include:- The Budapest Christmas Market - it's Hungary's largest. It's strict "handcrafted-only" policy makes it the ideal shopping spot for the one of a kind gift.- Vienna - situated in front their impressive 19th century town hall with awe inspiring decorations that illuminate the city.- Strasbourg, France - the self proclaimed "Capital of Christmas". The oldest, largest, and most famous Christmas Markets in France. - Nuremberg, Germany - One of the largest and most popular in all of Europe. Nuremberg's 400 year old Christmas Market offers live music, hand crafted souvenirs, a nostalgic carousel, and a children's steam train.- Regensburg, Germany - which an independent jury has described as one of the loveliest in Germany- Cologne, Germany - featuring their specialty - potato pancakes with applesauceYou'll be transported from one christmas wonderland to another by river ship. Onboard festivities include music performances, tree trimming, exquisite feasts, and engaging in customs that have long since passed. Christmas river cruises sail on the Rhine, Danube, and on the Seine in Paris. Danube river cruises sail from Budapest to Germany (Vilshofen, Passau, Nuremberg). Extend in Prague which is less than 2 hours from where the cruise ends in Germany. Transfer and hotels included so no need to worry about how you're getting there.Rhine river cruises sail from Amsterdam to Basel. Extend in Paris or Switzerland.Or do a Parisian holiday on the Seine. Christmas river cruises start when the Christmas Markets open (Towards the end of November - could start as early as the 22nd or as late as the 29th).Best time to go, I'd say anytime. My opinion, that early part of December.There's also cruises that are out on Christmas day so you can celebrate on the ship. And you can even celebrate the new year on a river cruise. Keep in mind that most Christmas Markets do end just after Christmas day so if you're most interested in the Christmas Markets, go a bit earlier in the month.Christmas on a European river cruise is magical. It's a great option for couples and families. If you're looking for a holiday getaway, I would highly recommend a river cruise. No better way to get into the Christmas spirit.Thanks for listening! See you tomorrow!

Ready to book your river cruise? When's the best time to book?

To keep updated on Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection - sign up here https://upclosetravel.com/ritz-carlton-updates/If you have any questions, please call us at 305-814-8184 or visit out site at https://upclosetravel.com/The first of 3 ships will set sail this coming February 2020 from Ft. Lauderdale. Coincidentally, Super Bowl 54, is being played in Miami on the day of the inaugural cruise. No better way to launch a new yachting experience.So there’s going to be 1 ship for the 2020 season. A second ship joins in 2021 and a third the following year. Where is it going in 2020?Sailings start in the Caribbean for 4 sailings. The ship then sails in the Mediterranean for 11 sailings before it moves north for 8 sailings in Northern Europe. In the fall the ship sailings in Canada & New England before it heads back to the Caribbean to finish off the season.Sailings have been popular and about 70% booked. But there is still availability.Calling on unique and distinguished destinations alike, most voyages range from seven to ten nights, offering uniquely curated experiences ashore. Each itinerary will be different so you can reserve a back to back cruise and still experience different destinations. The intimate size of the ships gives a unique opportunity to not only visit a wider variety of destinations but also the ability to sail directly into city harbors. Most cruise ships arrive in the morning and leave by the end of the day or afternoon, whereas the Ritz will dock at ports overnight. Each yacht will feature 149 suites, each with its own private terrace, and accommodate up to 298 guests. Rooms range from 312 sq feet for Terrace Suites up to 1,098 sq ft for the Owner’s Suite. There’s also a Loft Suite with a 2 story design. As with The Ritz-Carlton on land, each yacht will feature personalized service, elevated dining (dining venues includes specialty restaurant by Michelin’s-starred Chef Sven Elverfeld) and luxury amenities. The yachts are also available for private charter.Got kids? Bring them along is you wish. You’ll appreciate The Ritz-Carlton’s signature Ritz Kids program. Featuring dedicated space on board the yacht just for young cruisers aged 4 to 12 with enhanced family programs during holidays and summer months. The 2021 schedule comes out in the next month so stay tuned here on this podcast for updates. You can also keep an eye on updates on our website and sign up for Ritz updates, link in the show notes. Thanks for listening. Have a great day! See you tomorrow...

Seabourn introduced 4 new Seabourn Journeys in 2020 to exceptional destinations in Europe. These are extensions that you can add to your cruise before or after your voyage. These are not your ordinary single day excursions from the ship. They can last from 6 to 13 days. These journeys enable you to combine exceptional land and sea experiences seamlessly. They're kept small, between 2 and 10 guests. This offers a more intimate and personalized adventure. There are 14 options and most visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites. UNESCO Banff National Park & The Rocky MountaineerUNESCO SOUTH AMERICA: RIO, IGUAZU FALLS & BUENOS AIRESUNESCO Splendors Of Peru: Lima, Cuzco & Machu PicchuUNESCO Sydney, The Red Centre & Great Barrier ReefUNESCO Lakeside Gems Of The Swiss AlpsUNESCO Treasures Of TuscanyUNESCO Cambodia: Phnom Penh & The Temples Of AngkorUNESCO Treasure Of China: Beijing, Xi’an & Hong KongUNESCO India’s Golden Triangle: The Taj Mahal & JaipurUNESCO Imperial Heritage Of EuropeSouth Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari LodgeSouth Pole QuestThe Denali Experience 2020Venice Simplon-Orient-ExpressFor more information, visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/ or call 305-814-8184. Thank you for listening!

Uncruise is a small ship adventure company started in 1996. They sail in Alaska, Galapagos, Hawaii, Latin America, Mexico, the Pacific Northwest. And if you're feeling a river cruise, they've got one right here in the US - Columbia & Snake Rivers. The Columbia & Snake rivers is the recreational mecca of the rivers. For the adventurer, you can explore by kayak, raft, skiff, swim or a hike. This cruise is not a sit on the sideline cruise. You're in the middle of it all. Each day the great outdoors calls: Coulees (pronounced coolees) and canyons, evergreen forests, and dramatic basalt (busalts) cliffs. You can explore the rivers' trails by foot or by bike, and along the shore by kayak and raft. Or you can opt to focus on wine, craft beer, and culinary touring and tasting at vineyards, wineries, breweries, and cideries. The areas along the Columbia and Snake rivers are like California’s Sonoma Valley winemaking region. It is a blossoming wine region and the quality of wine is astounding! There are new award-winning wineries opening all the time.Plus, get a dose of history and geology. Follow the path of Lewis and Clark from desert to rainforest. There are 2 itineraries:Rivers of Adventure - 7 night cruise from Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington (or you can do the reverse). INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:River rafting tripHike, kayak, swim, and skiff at: Palouse Falls State Park, Columbia Hills State Park, and Ft. Clatsop, a Lewis and Clark National Historical ParkMultnomah Falls walk and visitJet boat ride into Hells Canyon National Recreation AreaBike (or shuttle) and wine outing in Hood River ValleyRowena Overlook hikes at Tom McCall Nature PreserveTransit eight locks and tour the Bonneville Dam Visitor CenterPresentation by a Nez Perce tribal memberNarration by natural and cultural history guidesRivers of Wine & Culinary - 7 night cruise from Portland round trip.INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:Onboard sommelier (sumulyay) and farm to table culinary demosWinery tours in Washington and Oregon AVAs: Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Willamette ValleyCruise through the heart of the Columbia River GorgeWine, craft brews, kombucha, and cider tastingsWine-pairing lunch and cooking demo at Walter Clore Wine & Culinary CenterFood and beverage demo with a local chef in AstoriaLocal culinary delights at historic Gesa Power House TheaterRodin sculptures, European paintings, Native artifacts, and Northwest art at the Maryhill MuseumHow will you be getting from point A to point B? On the S.S. Legacy which is a 90 passenger replica of an early 20th century coastal steam ship with a Victorian look and feel. If is a wonderful ship. I'll post some photos on the website if you'd like to check it out.Uncruise also has some fantastic theme cruises set for 2020. There's an Insiders theme cruise, here you'll be taken behind the scenes with people who live and breathe in the places you explore. If you love birds, there are Birding cruises, with birding experts on board. And if you have a love of photography as I do, there are some great photography cruises with the pros .Uncruise is all about small ships, BIG adventures. Their small ships are intimate with no more than 90 guests on any itinerary. Guides have vast and deep experience, plus an impressive collection of advanced degrees in curiosity peaking subjects from whales to fungi to geology. If you have any questions on Uncruise, or anything else, head over to our website at upclosetravel.com. Or call 7 days a week. Have a great week!