Sommelier and Masseuse – Specialists for Some

Goldring Travel August 18, 2008

There is a very interesting article in the August 31, 2008 edition of Wine Spectator concerning people’s expectations and use of sommeliers, wine service and wine with food generally. I think there is a lot to be learned by the luxury cruise lines not only as to what is expected, but what is perceived as

Exclusive Seabourn Spirit Offer – Istanbul to Alexandria – November 8, 2008

Goldring Travel August 15, 2008

Whether Seabourn just finished reading my blog, I have incredible intuition, or it is happenstance, it really doesn’t matter, but I was just contacted by Seabourn with an exclusive offer than fits in perfectly with my last post….and must be acted upon immediately if you are interested: I am thrilled to offer this truly outstanding

Regent Seven Seas, Please Listen: Luxury Is Really About Service

Goldring Travel August 12, 2008

I guess with a bit of irony I commented in my post this morning that Regent’s trumpeting $40,000,000 of hardware upgrades on the Voyager and Mariner was good news, but there needs to be a significant improvement in the service department. I was just taking a look over at the Cruise Critic boards and saw

Upgrades to Regent Seven Seas Voyager and Mariner

Goldring Travel August 12, 2008

There was a very brief article of a mere seven (7) lines yesterday in Travel Weekly about upgrades to the Regent Seven Seas Voyager and Mariner, but interesting silence as to the Navigator. Also, while the $40,000,000 figure was used, it is hard to tell where the money will really be spent since Mariner is

Seabourn Staff Receive Unique Training and Compensation

Goldring Travel August 11, 2008

Last week I discussed a bit about Seabourn taking back control of its officers and ship’s management by abandoning a short-lived V.Ships relationship. Today I thought I would mention a unique aspect of Seabourn as it relates to its hotel staff; that is stewardesses, waiters, etc. One thing that is unique about Seabourn is that

Cruise Vacation Sales Are Strong…For Some

Goldring Travel August 7, 2008

I am being asked more and more if my sales are up or down compared to last year. This is asked by cruise lines, other travel agents, clients and potential clients. Frankly, everyone who asks shocked by the answer: My sales have more than doubled and on the luxury and premium lines my 2009 sales

New Regent Seven Seas Ship Delayed Until 2012…At Least.

Goldring Travel August 6, 2008

On Monday, Prestige Cruise Holdings announced its plans for the new Oceania Marina…and some interesting insight into the future for any Regent newbuild(s). According to Seatrade, PCH has entered into a deal for potentially five (5) ships to be built by Fincantieri…all with the same hull; three for Oceania and two for Regent. While there

Silversea To Give Regent SERIOUS Competition in French Polynesia

Goldring Travel August 4, 2008

It is now official. Silversea has announced that is exploration ship, Prince Albert II, is going to be cruising Tahiti and French Polynesia from mid-March 2009 through October 2009. The ship is significantly different than Regent’s Paul Gauguin both in size and approach. The Silversea experience is defined as “luxury” and “exploration” rather than a

Message Boards – Do They Reflect The Cruise Experience Being Discussed

Goldring Travel August 4, 2008

One concern I frequently encounter, and a commenter on this blog mentioned again yesterday, is that some message boards reflect a certain personality and people wonder if the board’s posters are a reflection of passengers on board. My answer is emphatically: NO. There is a very interesting dynamic. Taking any cruise line, message board posters (those

Perspectives on Travel Agents – “Only The Best Are Likely To Survive”

Goldring Travel August 1, 2008

Last night I received a most unusual, and welcome, email from CruiseMates.com; a website that I visit once in a great while. It is more of an information hub than a message board community (which also has information but mostly from its members) such as CruiseCritic.com. The CruiseMates email was entitled, “Thank Your Travel Agent”.

Windstar’s Wind Surf – Caribbean – January 2014

Goldring Travel Blog – Making Waves

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