The Blue Danube Discovery- Jewish Heritage Theme

The Blue Danube Discovery with Jewish Heritage Theme

October 29th - November 10th, 2012

13 days from Budapest to Prague

Avalon Tapestry

In addition to the regular sightseeing, the following planned excursions will be included at no additional charge:

• Budapest - Included visit to the Jewish Museum and Synagogue.


• Vienna - Jewish history tour.


• Regensburg - Sightseeing visits to the Jewish quarter and, if possible, a visit to the excavations beneath Neupfarrplatz where a Gothic Synagogue and the remains of a Romantic Synagogue were found.


• Prague - Jewish Prague with included visit to the Jewish Museum, Synagogue and


• Cemetery.


• Terezin - Concentration Camp and Holocaust Museum.

Day 1 ~ Arrive in Budapest, Hungary

Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe's most cosmopolitan metropolis.

Day 2 ~ Budapest

Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (Breakfast)

Day 3 ~ Budapest (Embarkation)

This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 ~ Budapest-Vienna, Austria

A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 ~ Vienna Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 ~ Dürnstein-Melk

Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England's King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon: Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you'll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley's FAMOUS WINES. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 ~ Linz-Passau, Germany Linz, Austria's third-largest city, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 ~ Regensburg

Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria's cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany's oldest restaurant, the 12thcentury Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 ~ Nuremberg

Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses-all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 ~ Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic

Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (Breakfast)

Day 11 ~ Prague

Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (Breakfast)

Day 12 ~ Prague

A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)

Day 13 ~ Prague

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Meals:

Full buffet breakfast in Budapest and Prague; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a welcome reception, Captain's reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

Hotels: BUDAPEST InterContinental (SF), PRAGUE Hilton (SF) or InterContinental (D)

ALL THIS INCLUDED:

~ Avalon Travel Insurance with Optional Travel Protection Plus

~ Round-trip transfers from a central location in Boynton Beach to a South Florida Airport.

~ Current port charges as of March 2, 2011.

~ Superb dining with all meals on board.

~ Complimentary wine, beer or soda with dinner.

~ Guided sightseeing in each city you visit.

~ Baggage assistance.

FEATURES AND AMENITIES:

~ All deluxe, 172 sq. ft. outside staterooms; 85% feature French balconies.

~ All meals, snacks and buffets served onboard including: early riser breakfast, full buffet breakfast, late riser breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee/tea/cake, dinner and night fare.

~ Entertainment, port lectures and other activities.

~ Choice of complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with dinner each evening: complimentary soft drinks with lunch.

~ Daily shore excursion in each port with audio headsets.

~ Daily program and port information provided to guests.

~ Captain's Welcome Reception and Gala dinner.

~ Deluxe 7 Night River Cruise

~ All staterooms are Riverview.

~ Comfort Collection by Avalon featuring premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens and European-style duvets, choice of soft or firm pillows.

~ Premium L'Occitane bath amenities

~ Flat screen satellite TV

~ Complimentary bottled water

~ And much more!

Cruise Starting Price: $3459 per person (Catagory E)

Stateroom Upgrades:

B Category:: $3959 per person

A Category:: $4005 per person

P Category:: $4095 per person

*Rates are based on double occupancy. Prices subject to change.

Celebrity Equinox October Transatlantic

Alan & Cathy recently led a group cruise on the Celebrity Equinox on a westbound transatlantic crossing from Rome to Ft Lauderdale. As is tradition, they always share their experiences with us.

Happy Thanksgiving! It is hard to believe it is already here…..time just continues to fly…before you know it the year will be over and we will be in 2011!

It has become a tradition that whenever I go on a trip I share my experience through these e-mail newsletters. This week, Cathy & I returned from leading a group on a 2 week Trans-Atlantic cruise on the Celebrity Equinox. We went with 60 of our clients on this cruise from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale.

Cathy and I have always been apprehensive about taking a Trans-Atlantic cruise. The thought of spending a week at sea without stepping on land seemed confining. We also were afraid we would drive each other crazy in a small cabin for that length of time. However, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised….we really did enjoy the Trans-Atlantic experience. Being on a magnificent vessel such as the Equinox, there was always something we could do, including just relaxing….I could definitely vacation like that!

The cruise left from outside of Rome. While we had some clients who sailed on the prior cruise to the Holy Land on the Equinox (making it a back-to-back cruise), and a few who went into Rome a couple of days early, most of us flew right in on the day we boarded the ship. Cathy and I flew with a bunch of the guests on Alitalia direct from Miami to Rome. It was my first time on Alitalia, and they lived up to their reputation of not being the best airline in the world. The crew was not very accommodating, and they ran out of wine before they even got to us. However, it was a direct flight, so worth the inconvenience.

If I were take a trip such as this again, I would probably fly in at least a day early. It was very hectic going straight to the ship. We were tired, and jumped right into touring the next morning. It would have been nice to have a day to recover from the flight and time change, especially since the cruise began with 5 straight port days full of touring.

Since many of our clients have been to the Med before, I am not
going to go into the details of every port. The itinerary for this cruise was as follows:

Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Day 2: Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Day 3: Cannes/Monte Carlo, France

Day 4: Barcelona, Spain

Day 5: Cartagena, Spain

Day 6: Seville (Cadiz), Spain

Day 7: At Sea

Day 8: Tenerife, Canary Islands

Days 9-15: At Sea

Day 16: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Here are just a few unique highlights that I would like to share for you to consider if you are planning a trip to this area of the world:

Cathy and I have been to Barcelona a few times in the past, but never made the trip out to Montserrat. This was very worthwhile. It is a spiritual mountain location with a huge cathedral on top, and home of the Black Madonna. The views are magnificent, it is truly amazing to see what was built hundreds of years ago at such high altitudes.

Cathy and I joined one other couple in the group on a segway tour of the port city of Cartagena. It was a lot of fun riding the segways….a great way to see the city. The group in the tour was composed of mostly senior citizens, and by and large they had no problem in operating the segways, including up and down hills. There was one woman in the group who was a bit klutzy and fell off of her segway twice, but there is one in every crowd. (By the way, that one was my wife!)

Tenerife is the capital of the Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa. It is a beautiful island, with mountains and volcanoes. We visited Loro Park, which is sort of a combination of a zoo and Sea World. They had amazing exhibits with penguins, apes and more, in addition to the Sea World type dolphin and orca shows. It was a fun day! After Tenerife, we began our crossing of the Atlantic.

Every morning I would work out, and then Cathy & I would take a walk on the jogging track every afternoon. Even with that consistent exercise, I still managed to gain 6 pounds on the cruise…..the food was too good! If you have not been on the Solstice class ships from Celebrity, you have been missing quite the culinary experience. The food in the main dining room was excellent. And if you get bored there, there are many alternatives on board. They have three specialty restaurants (Silk Harvest [Asian Fusion], Murano [French/Continental], and Tuscan Grill [Italian]. Charges do apply for these restaurants, but they are each unique, intimate dining experiences that are worth the cost. The ship also has “Bistro on Five” an eatery with crepes and Panini sandwiches. The ship charges $5 to eat there, which is again, well worth it!

I felt that the buffet on the Equinox is one of the best on the sea. With multiple stations including carved meats, salad bars, grills, fresh made to order pasta, fresh made to order stir fry, pizza and a full ice cream bar, I cannot imagine a palate that would not be satisfied. This had to be the one of the most popular spots on the ship!

And there were even more food choices on board….there is a healthy eating snack bar in the Solarium and an outdoor hamburger/hot dog stand. One night, when we were tired we ordered dinner through room service, and it was also delicious and fast!

The ship had many activities during the crossing. Of course there was the typical nightly entertainment. There were lectures and courses on board including lectures on astronomy and major league baseball and computer classes. There were games available throughout the day, and we planned some game events just for our clients. By the way, I came in third place on the ship in one of the blackjack tournaments!

As for the seas, they were not bad. We were concerned about crossing the Atlantic, but today's ships are so large with the most advanced stabilizer systems that they do a great job in reducing the movement. The middle of the crossing was a bit rough with the ship rocking and rolling, but I did not meet anyone who got sick from the movement of the ship. (There were plenty of people who got sick on board, as something was going around…have to keep washing those hands when on board. We came home with colds.) Most of the trip was pretty smooth, with beautiful weather.

In summary, if you are looking for a way to see some sites in Europe and have plenty of time to relax and contemplate life, than a Trans-Atlantic cruise is for you. Other advantages include only having to fly one way and, when sailing west from Europe to the USA, there is an extra hour of sleep on most days of the crossing. And, because Trans-Atlantic cruises tend to be longer trips that are not conducive to working people, they are often excellent values.

But you do need to be in decent physical shape to make this trip. It is always tough flying, walking through the large European airports, and touring. Most tours include a good amount of walking, and the streets are often hilly and uneven. It was a bit much for some of our guests. I always recommend that if clients have walking issues that they should avoid major overseas trips, as those will be difficult.

I invite you to take a look at the pictures of our trip, which are posted on facebook. Whether or not you are a member of facebook, you should be able to view these pictures by just clicking this link.

Alan Rosen

President
Sand & C Travel

If you would like more information about Celebrity Cruises, the Celebrity Equinox, Europe cruises & tours, any of the ports mentioned, or trans-atlantic cruises, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Jewish Heritage in Denmark

If you're headed to Denmark & would like to experience a bit of Jewish heritage while you're there, Visit Denmark's Jewish-themed travel site is an amazing resource! Jam-packed with information on useful facts, historical background, and suggestions for places to go and things to see, your trip just became that much easier to plan- and that much more exciting. In addition, you can read about and then experience a fairly comprehensive history of Jews in this lovely Scandinavian country.
The oldest Jewish community in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland, & Denmark) resides in Denmark and dates back to the times of King Christian IV when he founed a city on the River Elbe called Gluckstadt near Hamburg, Germany (at the time, under Danish rule) in the 1600's. It was originally a safe haven for Sephardic Jewish merchants from many areas such as Spain, Portugal, & North Africa.
You can visit various sites on your own or join a tour specifically designed for travellers wishing to experience Danish Jewish hertiage first hand.

Sites that currently make the website's Top 5 points of interest are:

1. Danish Jewish Museum- this museum provides a great perspective on Jewish history in Denmark from the 17th century up until present day.
2. Jewish Copenhagen Walking Tour- This is the perfect combination of general points of interest around Copenhagen while also seeing & learning about Jewish history and culture.
3. The Museum of Danish Resistance 1940-1945 (Frihedsmuseet)- Opened in 1957 and inaugurated in 1995, this is a permanent exhibition aimed at telling the story of Danish resistance during Nazi occupation from 1940-1945.
4. The Great Synagogue of Copenhagen- This is the main synagogue of Jewish Danes in Copenhagen and boasts unique & beautiful architecture considered to be the masterwork of Gustav Friedrich.
5. The Rescue Route- While this may be seen through various modes of transportation, the most highly recommended is through a guided tour or specialized guide for the most engaging experience. On this route, originally travelled in 1943, you'll traverse through quaint and charming fishing villages.

View our guide to Scandinavia here!

Illustration of The Great Synagogue of Copenhagen from around 1899

Top 10 Friendliest/Happiest Countries

Main Entry: hap·pi·ness
Pronunciation: \ˈha-pē-nəs\

Function: noun

Date: 15th century

1 obsolete : good fortune : Prosperity 2 a: a state of well-being and contentment : Joy b: a pleasurable or satisfying experience 3: felicity, aptness

While it often means something different to all of us, it's often a main motivator and highly sought after. That said, where are you most likely to find it? Based on a recent survey by the OECD, here's our list of the world's happiest places.

• Denmark
• Finland

• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Ireland
• Canada
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Belgium


• Honorable Mentions: Austria, Iceland, Bahamas, Bhutan, Brunei, & Luxembourg
  

Have you had the pleasure to visit any of these countries? Do you feel that a country has been left out? We're noticing that some of the world's happiest countries are also some of the world's safest!

The Best Flights Around

Tired of the hassle looking for an airline flight? Never know which travel site might provide the best data & even better deals? Irritated with all the windows that pop-up leading you through a maze of websites? Here's a two great resources we love!

Hipmunk
This newer site is quick, easy, & a fast favorite. It displays the flight information in a different format than other flight aggregating sites altogether & we're certainly not complaining! Simply enter where you're planning to take off from, arrive at, and when you want to leave and this handy website will show you all your options in an easy to read layout. Plus, click on a flight for detailed information or you can choose to sort the flight info by agony, price, stops, departure time, arrival time, & duration. Bonus! One of my favorite sites just posted an article on Hipmunk-- check it out!

Skyscanner
Similar (but no cigar!) to other flight search engines, this website is an alternative to Hipmunk. While it tends to display flight information similarly to the rest, it is quick, easy, and much less of a hassle. It also provides links to related information such as airlines that fly to a particular destination & airport locations.

Here's another great site-- the FAA Flight Delay Map. This map allows you to see where in the USA (or by region or airport) if there are delays or cancellations. The page is refreshed often & also provides the ability to check in with your airline to see if you're flight is affected or to check out the wait times at security checkpoints.

Great tips-- Helpful Phrases to Try at the Airport When Your Flight Has Been Canceled from Real Simple

To And From The Airport- Information on how to get there, estimated travel time, public transportation, private transfers, etc

Luggage Limits- With over 100 airlines, you're sure to find all the flight specific luggage information you'll ever need

Top 10 Cruise Destinations

Cruising is no longer simply a mode of transportation, it's a vacation unto itself. Here, we've highlighted the top ten most popular places to cruise to so get comfortable, grab your umbrella drink, & get ready to relax!

10. Panama Canal
The world's greatest shortcut & one of the most fabulous engineering feats, this Central American retreat is a natural beauty. Not only is sailing through the numerous locks something to marvel at but the surrounding scenery and vibrant local culture will have you swooning.
9. Aruba
Whether you're looking to party or put your feet up, this sun drenched island is perfection. As a top tourist destination, there are a plethora of resorts to choose from. Due to its location, Aruba is blessed with breathtaking beaches, balmy weather, and lovely breezes.

8. Hong Kong

A unique destination due to its mix of cultures, this Asian destination accommodates every traveller. Cruising through the waterways is a popular past time and many tour providers offer the opportunity to experience this small but bustling city.
7. Norway

A favorite Scandinavian retreat, Norway has a plethora of natural attractions well-worth travelling to see. Enjoy astounding views of the Norwegian Fjords, northern lights, whale watching, and midnight sun just to name a few. It also doesn't hurt that the locals are absolutely wonderful.

6. Cayman Islands
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, this dreamy island delivers. While business men call it a tax haven, cruisers love it for the azure waters, sugar soft sand, and Kodak moment dive sites. Enjoy a nights stay in chic hotel or rustic villa.

5. New Zealand/Australia
Enjoy some of the most beautiful natural vistas down under with Aussies or Kiwis. It's hard to just highlight one reason to travel down under, but the combo of beaches, forests, & history is a good start. Revel in the natural beauty, great food and wine, and a fabulous blend of modern and historic culture.4. Alaska
Between the wildlife, glaciers, and natural parks, what's not to love? Enjoy whale watching while you cruise through the icy waters and order some of the best salmon dinners around. If after cruising through the gorgeous waters, you'd like to see more plan a stay at one of the numerous & vast state parks.

3. French Riviera

Famous for the glitz & glam of Cannes, St. Tropez, and Monaco, this lovely Mediterranean escape also boasts more laid back towns such as Gourdon, Biot, Grasse, Eze, & Vallauris. The nearly tropical climate coupled with azure waters, crisp colored villas, and indigo skies against the Alps has been an inspiration to many artists, including Picasso, and will surely inspire you.

2. US Virgin Islands

If you're looking for a beachy escape closer to home, you've found your haven. These islands are smaller in size but certainly rate high on the satisfaction scale. These islands are mostly all natural providing a plethora of private inlets and beaches to enjoy.
1. Barbados

Close your eyes & imagine your dream beach. The characteristics you're thinking of are all offered here-- unspoiled, crisp, clean beaches disturbed only by the lapping of crystal waves, tropical flora & fauna, warm rays of sun accompanied by a balmy breeze, topped off with a charming atmosphere & lovely culture. You won't be disappointed and you won't want to leave.

Phyllis' Russian River Cruise

Last week, Sand & C's own Phyllis Glaser returned from leading a small group of clients on an incredible river cruise through Russia. (I am jealous... this is a trip I would love to take!) I have asked Phyllis to write a summary of her trip, and I am delighted to share it with you below. You can also see pictures from the trip on Facebook by clicking here. I enjoyed reading about her experiences, and hope that you will too!

If after reading Phyllis' summary you would like more information on Viking River Cruises, Russia, and/or river cruising, feel free to contact us!

Alan Rosen

President

Sand & C Travel

A Summary of Phyllis Glaser's Russian River Cruise

I have just returned from my Russian - Waterways of the Czars cruise on Viking River Cruises as a tour escort and would love to share this memorable experience with you. We were a group of 8 from Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. I was the only one who knew these people, but by the time we landed in St. Petersburg we were a most congenial and cohesive group. Only one couple and myself had cruised the European rivers before, and the others are now avid river cruisers after the fabulous experience with Viking River Cruises.

Our monumental 13 day itinerary was an epic journey through Russia's rich history.

Days 1-4- St. Petersburg included the legendary Hermitage Museum where you just marvel at the vast collection of art, antiques, and sculputres in 600 rooms. Then we visited Catherine's Palace, which is the elegant and rococo 18th century summer residence of the Russian Czars. In the town of Pushkin, 20 miles away on the Baltic sea, is Peterhof Palace- known as the Versailles by the Sea. It was built in 1721 and is known for its Grand Cascade of 64 fountains, waterfalls, and 37 statues in its sculptured gardens.

On a free time afternoon, the shuttle bus dropped us off at their downtown shopping area- Nevsky Prospect- to explore on our own. Just seeing the display of clothing, jewelry, and gifts was indeed a far cry from the former Soviet Union. Then there was a private tour of the Choral Synagogue, built in 1869. A very imposing building, it is once again becoming the cultural center for the St. Petersburg Jewish community.

In the evenings, Viking had arranged a ballet performance of Romeo and Juliet at the famous Alexdrinksy Theatre, with its 19th century opulence. Another evening, after dinner we just walked along the pier to Viking River's own tent to see a traditional Cossack folkloric show.

Being the ship was moored on the Neva River about 30 minutes from downtown, we got to see the new office and apartment buildings that have been built in the post Soviet years. They rival that of any USA city, except for one thing- no central air conditioning. In the office buildings, it is called 'air cooled' but in the apartments you could spot an occasional window air conditioner which was definitely needed in their hottest summer in 130 years.

Day 5-9 were spent cruising the 2 largest lakes in Europe- Lake Lodoga and Lake Onega to the Svir river stopping off at medieval villages that were walking tours:

Mandrogy- a model Russian community with all handmade crafts of the finest quality.

Kizhi- a UNESCO World Heritage Site- site of the Transfiguration Church, a fairy tale structure built in 1714 without a single nail.

Goritzy- arrived in this typical Russia village town after cruising along the Volga River, going through 7 of the locks on the way to Moscow. The tour of the Monastery included an Acapella concert by the monks.

Yarslavl- will be celebrating its Millennium Jubilee in September, it was founded in 1010 and is now a city of 500,000. We had a bus tour that included stopping off at an outdoor farmers market- a combination of The Boys and an outdoor Festival Flea market! It is perched on the river bank with a promenade 10 miles long.

Uglich- walking tour of this provincial village on a Sunday morning where we had another traditional choir performance.

Day 10-13 Moscow- scenic cruising along the Volga River, viewing the countryside, summer homes while sitting on the deck as if we were on a Caribbean cruise! Then all of the sudden there are the high rise apartment buildings coming into sight as we are moored on the Volga River in the suburbs of Moscow- 30 minutes from the Red Square and Kremlin. It was like being on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River viewing the New York skyline.

From here on out, it was non-stop bus and walking tours for 3 1/2 days. The first tour was experiencing a ride on the famous Metro. We rode for 4 stations that had paintings, sculptures, and not one item of graffiti. Then to the impressive Red Square. We had to pinch ourselves that we were really there! It's massive and highlighted by the GUM department store, and the 16th century St. Basil's Cathedral with its 21 onion shaped colorful domes. Viking arranged an early evening musical concert of young artists that was a delightful end to a busy day.

The Kremlin, which looks like a medieval fortress, is a category unto itself. It represents every era of Russian history for the past 700 years. Just going through security, seeing the former KGB building, and all of the other military items- cannons & bells- left us with an eery feeling, not believing that we were really witnessing modern Russian politics. The churches are all museums now. At 10:00pm, we all went on a Moscow by Night bus tour- it's most impressive from the GUM department store that looks like a lit up gingerbread castle to the crimson domes of St. Basil's Cathedral and the red stars on the Kremlin towers.

An optional private tour that I had arranged but was open to anyone, was a visit to the new Holocaust Museum with a synagogue that was just built in 1999. Located in Victory Park, it was an educational experience with our local guide translating from the curator. We viewed a war film and then saw displays of family artifacts that were centuries old. It was indeed a very moving experience. Then it was the final sightseeing trip- the Choral Synagogue of Moscow, a most impressive structure built in 1906.

In between all of this cultural sightseeing, onboard we had Russian language, history, and current affairs sessions. Not only was the brain fed, but Viking's chefs prepared gourmet meals with presentations that whet the palate at all times. All eight of us agree to that- so that is testimonial in and of itself.

Read our quick guide to Russia!

Frommer's Best Beaches & Ports for Cruisers

Check out Frommer's article on the Best Beaches & Ports for Cruisers around the world.

The Best Beaches and Ports for Cruisers

By the time your ship docks in port, you want to make a beeline for the beach. Don't know where to go? Here are the best beaches in some of the top cruise ports around the world.

The classic cruise experience is all about glistening white ships heading for balmy, sun-drenched ports with great beaches, seaside cafes, and enticing shops. From the bands of sand in Grand Cayman to sexy St. Barts, we cover the best ports for sun-worshippers in Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and more.

1. French Polynesia

The waters of French Polynesia are dotted with motus, tiny coral islets ringed with palm trees and covered in sugary sand At least one of these often nameless beaches are included on French Polynesia cruise itineraries. Cruise lines typically set up a barbeque-style buffet and arrange for local entertainment to set the mood on the powdery-sand stage. Grab a cold drink, lean up against a palm tree and pinch yourself -- you're really not dreaming. You'll be mesmerized by the way the teal water contrasts with the bright white sand and cloudless blue. You'll likely be equally entranced by how the traditional Polynesian dancers shake their grass skirts and coconut-shell bras in perfect time to the folk songs and ukuleles.

2. Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

One of the world's most beautiful cruising regions, the British Virgin Islands offer a glimpse of what the Caribbean was like 75 years ago. Laid-back, off-the-beaten track, and sun-drenched without the crowds or commercialization, the BVIs attract true-blue yachty types. All three islands --Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke -- have hidden coves and small bays dotted with sail boats. Mountainous Jost Van Dyke is the most remote and covers just four square miles, with the sands of White Bay as the best beach spot. Tortola is the largest and busiest of the three, (relatively speaking) and boasts crescents of white sand along its northern coast, including Cane Garden Bay and Smuggler's Cove. Virgin Gorda is famed for its giant boulder-strewn beach called the Baths, a photogenic spot for a swim.

3. Barbados

This quiet British isle harbors some of the Caribbean's best beaches, not to mention some of the friendliest locals. A drive around Barbados is worthwhile to explore the rolling hills and flatlands, but it's the coastline that deserves top billing. Grab a taxi and go beach hopping -- from the rough waves that meet the sand along the southeastern coastline (the highlight here is the cliff-framed Crane Beach) to the calm and sheltered waters in the southwest's Gold Coast, the preferred spot for swimming and playing. The best beaches here are Payne's Bay, and also Brighton Beach, Brandon's Beach, and Paradise Beach.

4. Mykonos, Greek Islands

On the sea approach to the port town of Hora, white-washed homes and chapels with their brightly painted doors come into view along with island's sandy coastline. The best beaches near Hora include Paradise (the island's original nude beach and a party scene), Kalafatis, and Aghios Stefanos beaches. Besides sunbathing, the best thing to do in Mykonos is stroll. Wend your way around the cobblestone streets to snap pictures of the blue-domed churches, windmills, and the ubiquitous outdoor cafes. Settle down at a table and let the ocean sounds and views set the scene for an excellent Greek meal of fresh seafood, juicy red tomatoes, feta cheese, eggplant, kalamata olives, phyllo pastries, and great local wines.

5. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is quite possibly the most recognizable beach destination in Asia. It's also a port that promises a great beach day, plus some local culture. Patong Beach is where all the action is. Many megaships anchor just offshore, and restaurants, bars and shops line several streets behind the beach. Spread out your towel, sip the cool water from a freshly cut coconut, or order a chilled bottle of Singha beer from a local vendor. Try your hand at parasailing, or just chill out and relax. Kata and Nai Harn are other appealing beaches in Phuket, but they're about a 30-minute taxi ride from Patong. Definitely make time to check out the island's most noteworthy temple, the Wat Chalong monastery, with its gilded spires, golden buddhas, and other ornate details.

6. Cairns, Australia

When ships call in Cairns in northwestern Australia, there's really just one place to go: the Great Barrier Reef. Sign up for an all-day catamaran excursion and head for one of the world's richest marine habitats. Sit back on the deck and soak up the sun on the 90-minute ride out, then hop overboard and check out the marine life. You might see giant clams, seahorses, sea turtles, porpoises, humpback whales, or examples of more than 1,500 species of fish, from clownfish to coral trout. Diving here is thrilling too, but even the snorkeling is incredibly illuminating.

7. Grenada

Unlike much of the Caribbean, there's an old-time Caribbean feel to Grenada that's very appealing. Ships dock or anchor off the capital town of St. George's, set around a tiny horseshoe-shape harbor filled with colorful skiffs. The two-mile long Grand Anse Beach set just a few miles from the docks is an idyllic broad arch of white sand that meets the calm seas. A few bars and restaurants along the beach make it the perfect place to spend the entire day. Save time to head up to Fort George for 360-degree views of the harbor area, and make sure to walk around historic St. George's before heading back to the ship.

8. Monaco

Glamorous Monaco is built into a rocky promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea just a few miles down the coast from the French Riviera towns of Cannes, Nice, Villefranche, and St. Tropez. The tiny Principality of Monaco is a perfect place for strolling and people-watching. Take in views of the yacht-filled harbor, the frilly Beaux-Arts architecture of Monte Carlo Casino and sumptuously ornate Hotel de Paris, the flower gardens, the hilltop Prince's Palace, and all those beautiful people -- there really are playboys zipping around in million-dollar red sports cars. Sip a drink at an outdoor cafe or do some sunbathing at Larvotto Beach. But remember, it's not the sand you come here for -- the beaches are narrow and pebbly for the most part. You're here for the scene and sheer beauty of the place that has inspired painters for centuries.

9. Miami

Iconic Miami Beach is America's answer to Acapulco, Rio, and Monte Carlo, and it's a great town to spend a day or two in before or after your cruise. The South Beach strip of hip Art Deco hold-outs, fancy schmancy new hotels, a happening art scene, and hot nightclubs all conspire to create a definite buzz in Miami. There's no better place to imbibe it all than along the expanse of sand stretching for about 10 miles along South Beach and beyond. Lay your towel in the powdery sand or stroll the wooden boardwalk that runs between 21st to 46th streets. For the best people-watching and model-spotting, head to Lummus Park Beach in the center of the Art Deco District around 10th Street. Family-friendly South Pointe Park is also a fine place for watching the cruise ships come and go.

10. Cruise Line Private Islands

Last but not least, the big cruise lines have private beaches or whole islands in the Bahamas or Caribbean dedicated to fun in the sun. Water sports are offered, lunch is provided, and bars dispense plenty of cold beers and frosty cocktails. Most offer massage services, activities for kids, and beach chairs to call your own for the day. Some of the best beaches include Disney's Castaway Cay, a Bahamian paradise with its own dock, bike rentals, a hair-braiding shop, parasailing, and a 12-acre snorkeling route. There's a teen beach with volleyball and soccer; a drop-off area for kids (ages 3-12) with an excavation site for an archaeological dig; and an adult beach called Serenity Bay, with seaside massage cabanas. Holland America's Half Moon Cay also earns top honors for its kiddy water park, the air-conditioned, beachfront cabanas for rent, horseback riding on the beach, and swimming with tame stingrays. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity's CocoCay gets big points for its kiddy aqua park and battery-operated mini race cars for young cruisers as well.

Read the full article here: Best Beaches

Cunard's Queen Victoria debut

HRH, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall Visits Cunard's Queen Victoria in Liverpool

Return Visit Commemorates Cunard's 170th Anniversary

2 August 2010 - History was made in Liverpool recently when Her Royal Highness, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall graced the decks of Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria as the ship made her maiden call in Liverpool. The day marked The Duchess’ second visit to the ship - her first was for the ship’s naming ceremony in December 2007 when she christened the liner. More about this royal visit can be found on Cunard’s blog: http://content.cunard.com/announce/?oNXR0MHfzj-WjQVwINQbZ6amcqGzSLRCo&www.WeAreCunard.com

Not only did The Duchess reacquaint herself with “her” ship and crew, but she also helped Cunard commemorate the 170^thanniversary of the company’s first ship, the Britannia, which set sail from Liverpool in July 1840.

“Cunard is honoured that Her Royal Highness named this fine ship, and delighted that she continues to display such an interest both in the ship and in the crew. The Duchess will always be warmly welcomed on board,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

In January 2011, Queen Victoria will begin her first Americasseason, traversing the Panama Canal on more than one voyage and making two rare round trip sailings from Los Angeles to Hawaii, plus debuting her maiden Mexico Getawayvoyage.

Prior to embarking on her Americas season, Queen Victoria will meet Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth in New York Harbour for another spectacular Cunard Royal Rendezvous on 13 January 2011, exactly three years ago to the day that she met Queen Mary 2 and QE2 in New York for the first meeting of the three Queens. For more information, visit http://content.cunard.com/announce/?MMXJ.MHf3SgWM1VwINkHC6av6KtzqLRCM&http://www.cunard.com/rendezvous.