July | 2011 | From The Deck Chair

Living Vicariously on the Rivers of Europe

On July 21, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

I’ll be honest: I’m a deep-ocean-cruising kind of person, but I’m quickly warming to the idea of a river cruise.

My mother and sister just returned from a two-week long trip aboard Avalon‘s Avalon Affinity. Sailing from Vienna to Amsterdam, their journey took them along three separate rivers, through countless locks and called [...]

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Norwegian Epic Sets Sail on Mighty Ships

On July 20, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

If you tuned in earlier this year for the episode of Undercover Boss featuring Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan but were disappointed in how little Norwegian Epic herself was actually featured, Discovery Channel Canada has got a treat for you.

Tonight at 8pm Eastern and 10pm Pacific, viewers will get to go [...]

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Unique Itinerary: SeaDream’s Hidden Mediterranean

On July 19, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

If you’re tired of the typical Mediterranean voyage and are on the lookout for an unusual European cruise next year, the SeaDream Yacht Club might have just what you’re looking for.

Departing May 10, 2012 aboard SeaDream II, this fascinating 9-day voyage begins in an unusual port: Seville, Spain. Located 52 miles up the [...]

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Bremen in Vancouver; Northwest Passage Next

On July 18, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

The city of Vancouver, British Columbia had a rare visitor tied up at the western berth of the Canada Place cruise ship terminal on Friday: Hapag-Lloyd’s expedition ship, Bremen.

Built as an ice-strengthened passenger ship specifically designed to sail some of the most remote regions on Earth, Bremen was in Vancouver to take on [...]

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Cruise Photos of the Week: July 15

On July 15, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

On this installment of our Cruise Photos of the Week, we’re focusing on Moods. Maybe it’s a nighttime stroll along the deserted deck of your ship, or the way the morning sunlight glints off the teak railing. Perhaps it’s a recent storm you’ve sailed through or the incredible blue tint of the sea. Regardless, even [...]

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The Spirit of Flight?

On July 14, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

Expectations: they’re what make and break many cruise vacations. Sometimes expectations are set too high, and the cruise becomes a disappointment, while others turn out better than you may have initially thought. But expectations don’t just extend to the cruise itself; these days, expectations begin at the airport.

In the past few days, a number [...]

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The Wrong Kind of Information

On July 13, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

I was going through past blogs when I came upon an article I had written almost at the very inception of this site, nearly two years ago. I’d completely forgotten all about it, but I thought it was worth running again as an important reminder to adequately research your own vacation thoroughly. Sometimes the ‘expert’ [...]

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Silver Shadow Revisited – Part II

On July 12, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

Today, we continue with our new Photo Tour of Silversea’s Silver Shadow following her extensive refurbishment this spring.

DECK 8 The Panorama Lounge

Moving up one deck, we arrive at the Panorama Lounge, Silver Shadow’s aft-facing bar, lounge and nightclub all rolled into one! Sporting new furniture that more closely resembles those found in [...]

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Silver Shadow Revisited – Part I

On July 11, 2011 By Aaron Saunders

When I toured the Silver Shadow last year, I found her to be an exceptionally comfortable, well-built ship that launched my love affair with ultra-luxury line Silversea. At first glance, Silver Shadow doesn’t seem to be all that impressive; her modest exterior profile only hints at the luxury hidden within. For cruisers used to [...]

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