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5 Things to Pack When Going on a Cruise

Dec 31, 2020

5 Things to Pack When Going on a Cruise

Are you planning a cruise vacation filled with great memories?

Are you already thinking about the main essentials that you need to pack? If yes, keep reading as we are sharing the 5 things to pack when going on a cruise and we are revealing more than the basics such as swimsuit,

flip flops and passport!

Binoculars

You might be surprised by our first choice of items to pack when going on a cruise, but a small pair of binoculars is a must-have in the open ocean. You might be thinking that everything it is to see is endless blue waters, but you are wrong. Along the way, you can see various marine creatures and birds. Not only this but as you are sailing through the sea you can see various small islands further in the distance, which would be difficult to notice with a naked eye. Trust us, you will witness a whole new world with just a small pair of binoculars.

Sunscreen and Aloe Vera

We bet that during your cruise you would want to spend most of your time outside on the deck and enjoying the warm sunny days. Be sure to pack the combination of strong tropical sun rays and continuous ocean breeze will certainly feel pleasant and refreshing on your skin until you go back to your cabin and look at the mirror. The sun in the middle of the ocean can be extremely dangerous and you can get sunburnt extremely quickly. That is the reason why tons of sunscreen, as well as various lotions with Aloe Vera, are among the top 5 things to pack when going on a cruise.

Sea Sickness Medication

The worst thing that can happen while you are enjoying your cruise holiday is to get seasick. Those who will be taking an international trip and sailing through the open ocean should know that there is a high chance that the ship will meet some strong and rough waves. Most cruises are prepared for situations like this and they would have some medications for the passengers. Even still, it is always a good idea to pack your own and know that you are well prepared. This is certainly one of the must-haves of 5 things to pack when especially if this is your first cruise ever.

Water Shoes

One of the main things that you would want to pack when going on a cruise vacation is to swim in the refreshing waters and enjoying various activities across the tropical beaches you will be visiting. Even some tropical beaches, however, do not have the sandiest beaches, and sometimes walking barefoot is not advisable. In other places, on the other hand, it is necessary to wear water shoes when snorkeling. If you are going on a longer cruise, it might be a challenge to research every pit stop along the way. So better be safe than sorry and pack a pair of water shoes with you!

Waterproof Phone Case

Finally on our list of the 5 things to pack when going on a cruise is a waterproof phone case. Taking a cruise vacation involves a lot of water and sand. At the same time, though, we are sure that you would love to take as many photos as possible and capture all the fun moments, that is the reason why you need to also consider using some protection for your phone. Not only will you be able to still use your touch screen and camera, but a lot of phone cases nowadays are even meant to be used underwater. Always check the manufacturer’s notes when getting a waterproof phone case, though.

Did you consider these 5 essential things to pack when going on a cruise?

Which one of these were you most likely to miss packing to go on your cruise?

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Together we will give you the vacation you deserve.

Now that you are perusing river cruises to make a perfect choice, here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience, you will want to contact expert Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

Ways to Avoid Ruining a Vacation with Children

Oct 29, 2020

Traveling as a child is probably some of your best childhood memories. As awesome as it is traveling with your family, it can also be extremely challenging, however, the earlier you start traveling with children the easier it becomes.

7 ways to avoid ruining a vacation with children

Plan Time Accordingly

When traveling with children you must allow more time for every adventure including getting through security and boarding the plane. Add additional time to your schedule planning each time the child to adult ratio goes up.

If you decide to stop and buy snacks add time for the decision making.

When traveling with children plan for things to go wrong when planning the time to arrive at the airport, time to board a ship, time for check-in at a hotel, and all your excursions. (Strollers and Diaper bags alone take longer to get through security). This alone potentially could make your trip start off on a bad note if you miss your flight.

A Flexible schedule will allow for adjustment and cause less stress for the entire family. (more…)

WILL YOU BE BORED ON A RIVER CRUISE?

Aug 19, 2020

WILL YOU BE BORED ON A RIVER CRUISE? The activities on a river cruise are plentiful and varied; you will only be limited to what you have time for. Your days can be filled with as many activities as you want or no activities at all. Sometimes it’s enough to sit by a window and watch the world go by.

How can you be bored when sharing a cup of Gluwine on your Christmas Market Cruise

Visit the Magnificent Melk Abbey on your cruise on the Danube

Many of us are guilty of falling into a dreary work week routine that has us counting down the minutes until Friday.

On an Ama Waterways river cruise, you’ll say goodbye to your standard routine and hello to outdoor activity, fine dining and relaxation. The goal for activities on a river cruise is to give you the flexibility to do as much or as littles as you want.

When you’re not touring a destination, you’ll be enjoying the many amenities offered on the ship, as well as breathtaking views from the Sun Deck. With a smaller number of passengers on board, you’ll have more time to enjoy the amenities in a more personal way.

After their river cruise, John and Debby say Ama Waterways “is a first-class operation and we felt more like honored guests than passengers.”

Interested in what a typical day may look like on your river cruise? All cruises offer the below amenities for you to take advantage of throughout the day, thus keeping boredom at bay.

Fitness Center & Classes

No matter your usual activity level, each ship offers a fitness center to help you stay active between excursions. And if the treadmill isn’t your preference, there is also a professionally trained Wellness Host offering daily classes. Start your day with a yoga session on the Sun Deck or a light stretch class, and set the tone for a relaxing day.

No need to forego your exercise program-just meet on the Sun deck

Fun in the sun!

Award-Winning Meals

No boring meals on a river cruise! You can go with your old favorites or explore regional classics.

Enjoy coffee and breakfast each morning, starting with an early bird selection in the lounge or a cooked to order breakfast in the restaurant. If you are preparing to go on an excursion, have a light lunch in the lounge or sit down to a full menu in the main restaurant. During the day you can find coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the lounge along with light snacks. Save some room for tea time each afternoon with exquisite desserts set out in the lounge.

you can't be bored while enjoying tea time onboard your river cruise

One lump or Two?

The challenge will be what to choose. You will experience exquisite meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients for dinner. Don’t forget-lunch and dinner come with both red and white wine of the region you are cruising through. Ama Waterways is especially known for its fantastic meals on board.

You can book and experience The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant for at least one evening. These multi-course meals including wines to match each course are prepared in front of you by the ship’s chef. Below is a review by someone who has experienced the marvelous experience.

No boredom here-just great company and a fantastic meal

A great night at the Chef’s Table.

“The Chef’s Table was an evening to remember! Watching the preparations throughout the evening, and then getting to enjoy them was great fun! We have actually re-created a dressing that he used on the Watermelon and Seared Goat Cheese salad!”

Salon & Spa

No vacation is complete without a bit of pampering. The spa on board offers massages throughout the day so you can relax on your own schedule. With fewer guests on board you won’t have to fight for an appointment.

Feel like going out for the evening while the is in port? Let the stylists at the salon give you a new look or simply help you look and feel your best before heading out.

Deck Pool

You may not choose a tropical cruise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the sun on the top deck! All ships have a heated pool (some with a swim-up bar for optimal enjoyment) or a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing any tired muscles while cruising past the graceful, castle-filled countryside of Europe.

Put yourself in this picture relaxing with friends and family

Feel free to come back out when the sun goes down. As you cruise past larger cities, the views of bridges full of lights or cathedrals lit up under the stars are extraordinary.

This is the perfect atmosphere to socialize with your party and other guests. Many cruisers have truly built long-distance and lasting friendships and even return time and time again to cruise with people they met on previous sailings!

Excursions

Regardless of which cruise itinerary you choose, you’ll have a variety of excursions to choose from. Activity level varies to suit your preference for the day and bikes are available on the ship for you to take into town. There is even a tour option for “late risers” if you’d like to take advantage of your lush bed and catch a few extra zzzs.

During some stops, you may prefer a mild hike; on others, wine tasting or touring a Kölsch brew pub. Alternatively, you may wish to take on some free time with your group and explore the city. Some clients’ favorite days are strolling through the cobblestone streets of obscure cities, feeling out the local culture.

So unless you really try, you won’t be bored on whichever river cruise you decide to take.

Best in Class Service

If there is anything that could make your time on board the ship better, let the Ama Waterways team know! The only thing better than the dining experience is the service. The team truly prides itself on building relationships with each guest and creating a family-like feel for your journey.

“Service was awesome. The crew was great. Truly for us, it was the “trip of a lifetime” kind of thing…”

So, what are you waiting for? Will you be bored on a river Cruise? The ships are great, the scenery and ports are amazing, the food is delicious and the crew is focused on making this the trip of a lifetime. I don’t think boredom is an option. It’s time to book your next European vacation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling through Europe by river and get your end-to-end travel confirmed. All you need to decide is when you want to go and who you’d like to travel with!

Contact Nancy at Unique Journeys for assistance with finding just the right cruise experience. You can also find more information regarding the AMA Waterways luxury river cruise experience at https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/uniquejourneys

THE YORK FOOD FESTIVAL-YUM!

Mar 3, 2020

Indulge your foodie interests at the York Food Festival. Paull Tickner of Custom GB Tours has put together a great food tour in conjunction with the York Food Festival. This year the festival takes place from the 18th-27th of September. Not only do you get to see everything at the Festival, but it includes a half-day course at the https://www.yorkcookeryschool.com/ the city’s chocolate trail, the Malton Food Trail, English Afternoon Tea in 2 fabulous locations and a couple of optional side trips.

When you participate in Afternoon Tea, you are following in the footsteps of the Duchess of Bedford. With the invention of the kerosene lamps, families started eating dinner later. The Duchess found herself hungry in mid-afternoon and ordered a light meal to get her through to dinner. Thus, the custom of Afternoon Tea was born. It’s a delicious and relaxing way to take time out from a busy day.

If you like chocolate, raise your hand. I have both of mine raised. The City of York has led England in the production of chocolate for at least 300 years. During your tour, you can visit York’s Chocolate Story . Three chocolate-making dynasties are responsible for turning York into the UK’s home of chocolate. Those companies, which in time became household names, are Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Cravens.

York, the home of Kit Kats

Once you have immersed yourself in the history of York and chocolate, I’m sure you are ready to put your newfound knowledge to work in picking out a few (?) pieces to get you through.

I have heard it said that you can’t live on chocolate alone, so I guess it’s on to Malton and a good tour. Malton is known as the food capital of Yorkshire and it certainly lives up to its name.

If you are in need of a caffeine infusion you should head to http://www.roostcoffee.co.uk/holding/index.html . Once fortified, you can wander around Malton to peruse the butcher shop,

You need to get your favorite travelling companions together, venture “across the pond” and let Paull Tickner introduce you not only to the York Food Festival, but the sights and traditions of England.

Now is the time to contact me at Unique Journeys to assure your place at the York Cookery School and the fabulous tour Paull has waiting for you.

CRUISING THE BEAUTIFUL WINE REGION OF BORDEAUX

May 28, 2018

Cruising the wine region of Bordeaux will conjure up mental pictures of France and acres and acres of grape vines; remind you of great evenings by the fire with a glass of wine; sharing a glass of wine with dinner and friends or just relaxing after a long day.

Well, taking a river cruise to the Wine Region of Bordeaux will surpass anything you can imagine.

View of the vineyards at Chateau de la Riviere Estate and Winery

I am the first to admit that before this wine-themed cruise I knew very little about grapes, terroir and the making of wine, but I learned a great deal on this cruise even though I was having a wonderful time doing it. All of our guides were so engaging and enthusiastic, you couldn’t help but soak up some of their great knowledge. For instance, when we visited a vineyard specializing in Sauterne grapes, we learned about the “noble rot” which sounds awful, but is the fungus which produces the great sauternes from that region. I will say that several in our group walked out of there with bottles of wine to enjoy later.

Without being conscious of it, I learned that wines from Bordeaux are a mix of different types of grapes and that each year the mix is different depending on the weather and how it affects the different grape varieties. I found out that all the grapes are hand-picked and that to be an organic wine, they can’t even water the grapes. Mother Nature rules in the vineyards of Bordeaux.

Who Doesn’t Love a Farmers Market?

Cadillac Market

Almost all cities and towns in France have market days and we were lucky enough to be in Cadillac on theirs. We were able to stroll around and buy bread, fruit and cheeses direct from the people who grow and produce them. The people are so friendly and willing to answer any questions you have and the variety of goods is wonderful. I bought some great cheese and fruit to snack on later. A great way to remember Cadillac. There is nothing like spending time at a local market to get a flavor of the area

Did you know they use eggs in wine?

There is a tradition in Bordeaux of using egg whites in the wine casks to help remove sediment during the wine-making process. As you can imagine, this leaves you with lots of egg yolks. The French have solved this problem by creating caneles, which are small pastries made only with egg yolks. I applaud their ingenuity. The cruise director brought several boxes back to the ship and put them out for everyone to try. I had several caneles. Okay, I probably had more than a few.

Not all highlights of a cruise have to be about activity

Here’s a question – how many of us have free time in our everyday lives to just sit back and totally relax. Onboard a river cruise, when you are cruising between ports, you have that opportunity. You can sit in the lounge and just watch the countryside go by, perhaps enjoying a glass of wine from the bar. Maybe you are a card player; there are tables in the lounge set up for whatever card game you would like to indulge in. If you love to read, bring your own book or enjoy one from the library.

There is time for relaxation and reflection on a Bordeaux wine cruise

Early Morning fog as we sail toward another great day on our AMA Waterways wine cruise

Sitting on the sun deck is also an option if the weather cooperates. You could also enjoy that glass of wine in the hot tub or pool. I love early mornings, especially if there is a fog hanging over the river, isolating you from the rest of the world. I shot this picture while standing at the bow of the ship watching a crew member communicating with the Captain by walkie talkie as they steered us safely through this and several other bridges. Our captain was very young, but as you can see, very experienced. What an exhilarating experience to see the bridge emerge out of the fog and to sail gently through. So quiet and ethereal-it was one of the highlights of the cruise.

There are lots of possibilities, but they all have one overriding theme – this is your time to sit back, relax and let someone else steer the boat.

Now is the time to make your dreams a reality. Contact me at www.unique-journeys.com to set up an appointment to book your unforgettable river cruise

Uncategorized

5 Things to Pack When Going on a Cruise

5 Things to Pack When Going on a Cruise

Are you planning a cruise vacation filled with great memories?

Binoculars

Sunscreen and Aloe Vera

Sea Sickness Medication

Water Shoes

Waterproof Phone Case

Ways to Avoid Ruining a Vacation with Children

7 ways to avoid ruining a vacation with children

Plan Time Accordingly

If you decide to stop and buy snacks add time for the decision making.

WILL YOU BE BORED ON A RIVER CRUISE?

Fitness Center & Classes

Award-Winning Meals

Salon & Spa

Deck Pool

Excursions

Best in Class Service

THE YORK FOOD FESTIVAL-YUM!

CRUISING THE BEAUTIFUL WINE REGION OF BORDEAUX

Well, taking a river cruise to the Wine Region of Bordeaux will surpass anything you can imagine.

Who Doesn’t Love a Farmers Market?

Did you know they use eggs in wine?

Not all highlights of a cruise have to be about activity