Thursday, January 12, 2023

NICHE CRUISING: EXPLORING THE WORLD FROM THE BOW OF A SHIP


BY CLAY LARROY

There is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or heading off to somewhere for the very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should know. Travel in the off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!





The rivers and fjords of the world are some of the most sought after small cruise adventures. Niche-river cruises give participants a close-up view of the villages and cities lining the banks of the world’s great rivers. In Europe, cruises on the river waterways of Russia, Germany and France capture the history, the castles, and the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants. The fjords of Norway ease through towering green mountains and the deep Scandinavian waters. Small ships can slip into the wilds of the Amazon and the jungle rivers’ of South America like the Orinoco. American history comes to life on the Mississippi in authentic steamboats, while on the East Coast of North America, small ships visit ports from the Florida Keys, to the antebellum ports of Charleston, South Carolina to the fishing villages of Nova Scotia and Greenland. On the other side of the world, niche cruise operators and English speaking guides lead travelers down the endangered Yangtze River in China.
Some of the most remote and ecologically fascinating destinations on the planet are open to the niche cruising vessels. Travel to the northern arctic regions of Greenland, Iceland and Alaska are available, typically accompanied by naturalists and trained scholars that provide both formal and informal talks and lectures. The southern boundaries of Argentina and Antarctica are favored destinations for the small cruise industry. Participants go ashore to the stark white and rocky landscapes and colonies of penguins that live in a world that few people ever get to experience. A lucky few each year get to visit the Galapagos Islands off of Ecuador to see the same exotic wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. And in the South Pacific, small tropical islands and the wonders of New Zealand are on many niche cruise itineraries.
One of the best aspects of a niche cruise is that you unpack only once. The destination "comes to you" as you experience the comforts of the ship. The small ship experience offers a wide variety of amenities. Many ships have a full array of services and entertainment options such as casinos and on-board nightclubs. As in all cruising, dining is taken seriously and the cuisine aboard is almost universally applauded by travelers and travel magazines. Most programs are all-inclusive, meaning most of your expenditures like meals, entertainment and planned sightseeing excursions are included in the cost of your trip. Work with your travel consultant to determine exactly what is, or is not, included in the cost of various packages as you research your options.



The atmosphere aboard a niche cruise vessel tends to be relaxed and informal. The more intimate setting lends itself to striking up conversations with other passengers and crew. The vessels tend to have very distinct personalities reflected in the themes chosen for the itineraries, the destinations, the decor and meal selections. As you research your options, be sure to cover your preferences with your travel consultant to ensure that your experience meets your expectations. This is particularly important with your choice of cabin. Some ships have all "outside staterooms" while others have both interior and exterior cabins. On some ships verandas and suites are available. An experienced travel consultant can best explain the type of cabin options available to you and can work with the cruise line to obtain suitable accommodations.
This year, do something special for yourself and seek out a cruise unlike any you might have imagined and try a niche cruise!

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