This is the latest from Viking River Cruises per their industry update February 14, 2012.  I sell a fair amount of river cruises and would counsel my clients to 1/book early as capacity is really limited and 2/be ship specific and cruise line specific as not all ships are the same, and you might have a strong preference for one style vs. another.

For instance, Viking’s six new 190 guest ‘Longship’ Class vessels are quite different from the majority of their fleet. The look of the public areas is very contemporary with high ceilings, lots of glass and marble. The design firm is the same one that did the newer Seabourn ships, and you can see the similarities. There are full suites of 445 square feet (tub/shower), and veranda suites of 270 square feet (shower only). Regular veranda cabins are 205 square feet.

WHY RIVER CRUISING?
- The biggest benefit of river cruising is the destination as the ships dock in the heart of the towns and cities
- Small ships with just 66 to 260 guests
- Resort casual
- Port or starboard irrelevant
- All cabins and suites have river views, some with windows that open (french balconies), traditional balconies
- No motion sickness

DESTINATIONS

-  Central Europe, Ukraine, Russia, china, Vietnam/Cambodia, Egypt/Nile
-  Portugal’s Douro river in 2013

VIKING RIVER CRUISES AMENITIES

- Complimentary wine, beer soda with lunch and dinner
- Complimentary mimosas with breakfast
- Optional beverage plan
- No corkage fees
- Complimentary Wi-Fi

CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT

- Comprehensive shore excursions included
- Chef tours of local markets
- Home cultural excursions
- Old world highlight include cuckoo clock making, wooden shoe carving, tai chi lessons, traditional Russian tea service & more

FOOD

- Classic American
- Regional specialties
- Healthier alternative every day
- Single seating
- Martin Yan menu in China
- U.S. Beef, not European (due to customer request)

ITINERARIES | Most Popular
- Amsterdam to Budapest or vice-versa (2 weeks)
- Amsterdam to Basel or vice-versa (1 week Rhine Getaway)
- St Petersburg to Moscow
- Shanghai to Beijing

ITINERAREIS| New
- Amsterdam to Bucharest for 21 days
- Amsterdam to Prague

PROMOTIONS
2013 sailings now available at 2012 prices
2 for 1 pricing
Air promotions
[all promotions subject to change so please ask for latest]

Josh Friedman is a travel agent specializing in luxury travel for small groups and individuals – particularly ultra-luxury cruises, customized vacations and food & wine inspired journeys.  Based in San Francisco, and with clients throughout the USA and abroad, his business is focused on 24/7 personalized service to the sophisticated leisure and business traveler.  His personal  relationships with the world’s top hotels, cruise lines and local agencies often allows for exclusive amenities and VIP status. 

 If you’d like to learn more about luxury travel and our services, please contact Josh Friedman Luxury Travel in San Francisco’s Financial District via phone at 415.987.0372  or email: josh [at] joshfriedmantravel [dot] com. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook, too.

associated with casto, a virtuoso member and four seasons preferred partner, 500 sansome st., san francisco, ca 94111 cst#1008439-10

Lenora Yuen, Senior Sales Manager for the Four Seasons resorts in Hawaii (Maui, Hualalai, Manele Bay and The Lodge at Koele), and probably my longest time and most favorite travel partner (we go back to Irvine in the 80s), sat down with me when I was in Hawaii a few weeks ago.   I asked her what was new with Four Seasons in Hawaii and about the differences between the resorts and how to choose which one to go to!    This post is part of our series on various Four Seasons hotels and resorts along the West Coast, and now Hawaii.

Josh: Lenora, this is the 3rd time I’ve stayed at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea and I think it’s heaven on Earth.   For my partner and I, it’s the service levels, the location and the contemporary Asian feel.  Why is this place always so popular?

Lenora:   Thanks Josh…that’s really great praise coming from someone like yourself who’s travelled extensively around the world and stayed at many top hotels.  I feel our popularity in Maui can be attributed to our staff and their warm, personal and truly genuine way of taking care of guests.   In Hawaii we say “E Komo Mai”..which means “please come …we invite you into our home”.   We want our guests to relax and feel at home with us and we realize how precious your vacation time is.

Four Seasons Resort Maui has been fortunate to receive many awards and accolades over the years – we are the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star Hotel on Maui and last year  #1 Luxury Resort in the USA on TripAdvisor…all because of direct guest feedback.    So many guests love to post on TripAdvisor or Facebook or tweet before, during and after their stay.   We’re really into social media at our Maui resort and I know of so many guests who have visited as a direct result of wonderful guest comments they’ve read online.

We’ve had some fun recognition lately as well…Maui was named one of the “Coolest Beach Resorts in the World” and Forbes selected our Serenity Pool cabanas as one of the top five in the World!    I’m sure you enjoyed the adults only Serenity Pool with the underwater music, cool bubble loungers,  swim up bar and an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and West Maui mountains.   Two of our six luxury cabanas are new Missoni design by the acclaimed Italian fashion house.   They include a long list of luxuries such as an espresso machine, 42″ flat screen TV, Pellegrino waters, WI-FI, chilled towels, hourly pool treats and Veuve Clicquot to toast some truly lavish pool time!

Josh:  We’ve also stayed at the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island which is totally different. The rooms there are very Hawaiian and it’s a much quieter, and much more spread out.  Is there one type of traveler who would prefer that over Maui, or Lanai which we haven’t spoken about yet?

Lenora:  Yes… our four resorts in Hawaii are on three Hawaiian islands – not only is each resort different but each island has a unique personality.  One of the advantages Four Seasons offers – you can  select your favorite or combine islands  and have a different experience all in the same vacation.

Maui is probably the most popular island and Four Seasons Maui is often described as “contemporary chic” but our enchanting Hualalai resort on the island of Hawaii is a luxurious sanctuary reminiscent of Hawaii’s Golden Age.

Hualalai was named as  Hawaii’s #1 Resort by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Magazine and also the #1 Spa in Hawaii.    The accommodations are in one and two story bungalow style buildings…grouped around a pool by the ocean.  Very different design than most hotels in Hawaii and the lower level rooms and suites offer an outdoor garden shower which is very popular especially with honeymooners!

Each grouping of bungalows is around a different pool – there’s Palm Grove -our new tranquility adult pool, Beachtree - an infinity edge pool centrally located, Seashell - more of our family pool and Kings Pond a very unique lava rock pool where guests can snorkel with 3,000 Hawaiian fish and an eagle ray!  We also feature a lap pool at The Sports Club & Spa and of course our biggest pool of all…the “Ocean Pool”…aka  the Pacific Ocean!

Hualalai also came out with a pretty cool new app - Huaka’i which means journey and it’s available as a free download in the ITunes store.

Josh:  I book a lot of honeymoons to the Four Seasons Hawaii. What special services do you offer to newlyweds?

Lenora:   All of our resorts are ideal for honeymooners as well as couples celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday.  We recognize these guests with special welcome amenities and also have “romance” amenities that are often sent as a surprise gift by family and friends.  We can also arrange weddings (small and large) and vow renewals as well as private romantic dinners on the beach and couples spa treatments, picnics and many other fun activities.

Josh:  Tell me more about the 2 resorts on Lanai. And what’s the best way to get to Lanai in your opinion?

Lenora:   The island of Lana’i is really Hawaii’s best kept secret!  It’s a privately owned island, with only 3,000 residents and closest to Maui.  To me, the easiest way to get to Lana’i is by ferry from Lahaina, Maui.  It is run by Expeditions Ferry and operates 5 times a day each way – a short 45 minute crossing for $30. per person.  You can fly nonstop from many cities directly into Maui, then arrange a transfer to Lahaina, hop on the ferry and be enjoying a mai tai on the beach in no time!

The other way to get to Lana’i is on Island Air, a commuter airline that operates several flights a day from Honolulu.  It’s a good idea to combine Lana’i with a visit to another island and it makes the most sense to do so with Maui.    When people say “Hawaii has become too commercialized”…my suggestion is to go to Lana’i.   There’s no traffic lights, no commercialism whatsoever…no Starbucks but there’s the Blue Ginger Cafe!

We have two wonderful hotels on the island – Manele Bay which is an ocean paradise that sits above Hulopo’e Bay, a protected marine preserve with superb snorkeling and ocean activities…informal or as we say “barefoot luxury”.   Then a short 20 minutes in the cool central highlands of Lana’i, where the temperature dips 10 degrees we have the enchanting Lodge at Koele.  It’s the most idyllic, tranquil, untouched spot surrounded by wonderful gardens and spectacular scenery.

So you can see how different our 4 resorts are – Maui is contemporary chic, Hualalai is a sophisticated sanctuary, Manele is barefoot luxury and Koele is a relaxing hideaway.

Josh: What type of promotions will we see for 2012? Also, we have a Preferred Partner relationship with Four Seasons. What specific and exclusive benefits does that offer our clients in Hawaii?

Lenora:   Maui and Hualalai are offering a $1000 resort credit for suite bookings this year and Lana’i has a fun golf or 4×4 Adventure package.  I would suggest if anyone interested in staying to confirm their reservation through you as soon as possible for the best rates and availability.    Rates fluctuate so it’s always a good idea to grab the space when you see it before it slips away or the rate goes up as occupancy builds.

Guests who book through you receive exclusive Preferred Partner amenities – reserved for our top producing travel partners.  Your clients will enjoy daily breakfast for two (in the restaurant or room service), an $85. lunch credit and an upgrade to the next category if it’s available on arrival.   It’s a huge advantage that you don’t get by booking  direct or through any other channel!

Josh, thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share with everyone all that we have to offer in Hawaii!  Mahalo nui loa!

To contact Lenora  with any questions or comments, please leave a comment by clicking the link above. 

Josh Friedman is a travel agent specializing in luxury travel for small groups and individuals – particularly ultra-luxury cruises, customized vacations and food & wine inspired journeys.  Based in San Francisco, and with clients throughout the USA and abroad, his business is focused on 24/7 personalized service to the sophisticated leisure and business traveler.  His personal  relationships with the world’s top hotels, cruise lines and local agencies often allows for exclusive amenities and VIP status. 

If you’d like to learn more about luxury travel and our services, please contact Josh Friedman Luxury Travel in San Francisco’s Financial District via phone at 415.987.0372  or email: josh [at] joshfriedmantravel [dot] com. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook, too.

associated with casto, a virtuoso member and four seasons preferred partner, 500 sansome st., san francisco, ca 94111 cst#1008439-10

This Texan (from Ft Worth) talks to everybody’s favorite Ann Curry about the benefits of using a travel advisor – somebody like me. My favorite line? We’ll tell you when there’s no value in using our services so when you do, you’ll have a worthwhile experience.

I could add in a lot more, but then Matthew only had 4 minutes. [i would have mentioned that the value beyond the advisor is in great perks on the world's best cruise ships and at the best 5 star hotels!]

Call Josh for details, excellent pricing & the ultimate in service

josh friedman luxury travel
in san francisco’s financial district
415.987.0372 | joshfriedmantravel.com
with casto, a virtuoso member agency

yelp!   Twitter   Facebook  Flickr  You Tube
[sign up for exclusive offers!]

Thinking of a cruise with Cunard aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth?

Did you know that San Francisco and the Bay Area are one of the biggest Cunard markets in the USA? I’m guessing it’s because we’re a sophisticated lot that prefers an outlet to wear our tuxedos and ball gowns.

Actually that’s partially true. Have you seen the ads that have been appearing around here lately, from the San Francisco Chronicle to San Francisco Magazine?  The campaign is called Feel Famous.  The idea is that once the sun goes down and you’ve stepped out of your suite or stateroom for your formal evening out, you’ll step back in time to the Golden Era of cruise travel when anybody who was anybody sailed Cunard across the Atlantic.

Now that person can be you. Of course.

 I’ve been certified by Cunard as a Commodore, which means I’ve taken a battery of tests to become an expert. And I’ve visited Queen Victoria, when she was here in San Francisco [see my photos]. Plus I’ve worked for a couple of cruise lines and should be able to council you on how to make the best of your cruise vacation. I’ll also help you with the air and land arrangements before and after if you like.

Current Cunard Sale 

Look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions.

Josh

Call Josh for details, excellent pricing, the ultimate in service & complimentary amenities with Voyager Club.  Read my luxury cruise ship reviews and photos

josh friedman luxury travel
in san francisco’s financial district
415.987.0372 | joshfriedmantravel.com
with Casto | a virtuoso member agency

yelp!   Twitter   Facebook  Flickr  You Tube
[sign up for exclusive offers!]

Forbes names Four Seasons Resort Maui’s Serenity Pool Cabanas within the top five in the World

Aloha Readers,

Following on all my photos from my week in Maui this past December, I thought you might want to hear the news about the ‘famou’s Serenity Pool at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.* I have to say, it’s a very sweet place to hang out, swim, listen to underwater music, read a book, drink, have lunch, etc. But you have to get their early, because unfortunately there are not a lot of chairs [hence the cabanas if you're up for it.]

This Five-Star resort has three pools, but our favorite is the 4,100-square-foot, infinity-edge saline Serenity Pool, reserved for adults only. With underwater music, bubble loungers and a swim-up bar, the pool also has views of the Pacific Ocean, Lanai and the West Maui mountain range. It’s flanked by six luxury cabanas, including two new Missoni cabanas designed by the acclaimed Italian fashion house. The stylish cabanas are decked out in the designer’s bold prints and are angled to face the ocean. True to the Four Seasons’ reputation for ample amenities, they include a long list of luxuries such as an espresso machine, a 42” flat screen TV, Pellegrino, Wi-Fi, chilled hand towels and two splits of Veuve Clicquot to toast some truly lavish pool time.

* Wailea is the quiet resort area in southern, or eastern Maui, about an hour from Kaanapali and a world away.

Call Josh for details, excellent pricing & the ultimate in service

josh friedman luxury travel
in san francisco’s financial district
415.987.0372 | joshfriedmantravel.com
associated with casto, a virtuoso member agency

yelp!   Twitter   Facebook  Flickr  You Tube
[sign up for exclusive offers!]

Dear Readers,

Just received this note from one of our favorite travel partners in India. If this looks interesting to you let us know and we’ll send you the detailed pdf.

Thank you,
Josh

We start the year introducing you to one of the biggest events in the Indian festival calender – the Maha Kumbh Mela which takes place every four years. Attracting over 60 million people and covered by international media, it is an extraordinary panorama of India – its people, their devotion, the religion and its holy men – the Mela attracts people from across India and from across the globe.

To be a part of this event will we an exceptional experience, and the Peirce and Leslie private camp (complete with all amenities including ear plugs!) will be an oasis of calm when you find the crowds, the sights and sounds overwhelming. 

While we have given a suggested route, there are many options and we will be happy to design an itinerary just for your client. 

We have also introduced two new properties – the new Taj Hotel in Bekal in north Kerala and the wonderful Samode luxury Camp at Bandhavgarh National Park.

Call Josh for details, excellent pricing & the ultimate in service

josh friedman luxury travel at casto
in san francisco’s financial district
415.248.5079 | joshfriedmantravel.com
a virtuoso member agency

yelp!   Twitter   Facebook  Flickr  You Tube
[sign up for exclusive offers!]

Hi Readers………

These are some bits I picked up this week:

Oceania Cruises

Has announced that it is now offering packages where you can prepay your drinks and make your cruise more like an all-inclusive one. Prices include beverage gratuities. Unlike Seabourn, Silver, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises, server and stateroom/suite gratuities are not included.*

The cost is reported at $29.95 per person per day for house beer and wine or $49.95 beer and premium house wine by the glass and most beverages on the bar menu.

Dom Perignon is still extra I presume. But then it is on Seabourn, too.

* If you book Oceania through Josh Friedman Luxury Travel we sometimes are able to include all gratuities at no charge.

Viking River Cruises

Has announced it’s moving into the world of ocean cruising with two and possibly three 888 guest ships. [yes, that's  lucky Chinese number to say the least.] The ships are to be delivered in spriung 2014 and spring 2015.

Call Josh for details, excellent pricing, the ultimate in service & complimentary amenities with Voyager Club.  Read my luxury cruise ship reviews and photos

josh friedman luxury travel at casto
in san francisco’s financial district
415.987.0372 | joshfriedmantravel.com

a virtuoso member agency

yelp!   Twitter   Facebook  Flickr  You Tube
[sign up for exclusive offers!]

Read my review of Seabourn Sojourn
Read my review of Silver Cloud

Celebrity’s Susana Romero, Galapagos Islands & Brent Nixon, Naturalist (Alaska)

Tuesday January 24th
4:15pm-6:30pm
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek (garage parking)

Presentations start prompt at:
4:30pm Galapagos
5:30pm Alaska

Lite Bites served

josh friedman luxury travel at casto
in san francisco’s financial district
415.987.0372 | joshfriedmantravel.com
a virtuoso member agency

yelp!   Twitter   Facebook  Flickr  You Tube
[sign up for exclusive offers!]

If the winter solstice has you in a celestial state of mind, Celebrity Cruises is set to host one cruise itinerary in 2012 that’s sure to be out of this world. The 19-night South Pacific Solar Eclipse Cruise, aboard the 1,950-passenger Celebrity Millennium, is due to embark on November 2, 2012, from Honolulu en route to Sydney. Given that one of the best places to view the total solar eclipse will be from the southern Pacific Ocean, cruising is just about your best bet for viewing this cosmic phenomenon firsthand.

Port calls on the lengthy voyage will include exotic stops like Hilo, Hawaii; Pago Pago, American Samoa; Suva, Fiji; and a trio of locales in New Zealand: Tauranga, Auckland, and the Bay of Islands. Given the repositioning nature of this transpacific sailing, you can expect a substantial amount of time spent at sea, with at least a dozen days spent in transit, including November 14, the date of the solar eclipse.

Happily, the Celebrity Millennium will be fittingly “Solsticized” ahead of the occasion in May 2012, meaning that it will be retrofitted and refreshed with many of the venues, experiences, and design elements that have made the line’s Solstice class of ships so popular. Expect AquaClass spa-inspired accommodations, a Celebrity iLounge, two new Specialty Restaurants, and Ice-Topped Martini bar, Cellar Masters Wine Bar, and more.

Those who are in search of an epic journey have further options: Either tack on the 11-night cruise leaving directly beforehand (from Ensenada to Honolulu, on October 22), or add on the 17-night sailing that embarks on November 22 from Sydney to Singapore, including a stop in Bali.

Special Resident Rates for the solar eclipse-themed sailing start at just $2,009 per person ($106/night) for inside cabins; upgrade to oceanview from $2,269 ($119/night), or a balcony for $2,709 ($143/night).

Special offer: Book between January 9 – February 5, 2012 and receive a $300 discount per stateroom!

Resident rates are available for the following states:

AR,AZ,CA,CO,CT,GA,HI,IL,IN,KS,LA,MA,MD,MN,NC,NH,NJ,NM,NV,NY,OH,OR,PA,RI,SC,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA

Call Josh for details, excellent pricing, the ultimate in service & complimentary amenities with Voyager Club.  Read my luxury cruise ship reviews and photos

josh friedman luxury travel at casto
in san francisco’s financial district

415.987.0372 | joshfriedmantravel.com
a virtuoso member agency

yelp!   Twitter   Facebook  Flickr  You Tube
[sign up for exclusive offers!]