Silversea Cruises unveils five Grand Voyages among 315 new itineraries for 2022-2023

Silversea Cruises has opened a pre-sale on five pioneering Grand Voyages as part of its new collection of voyages for 2022-2023. Offering guests extended, immersive voyages throughout Europe, the Pacific, and South America, the Grand Voyages highlight Silversea’s largest-ever itinerary release, which comprises 315 voyages calling in 669 destinations in 114 countries.

SILVERSEA’S FIRST-EVER EUROPEAN GRAND VOYAGE – 72 destinations in 22 countries

Connecting the Mediterranean Grand Voyage and the Northern Europe Grand Voyage for those in search of a longer, more immersive discovery of the Old Continent, Silversea’s first-ever European Grand Voyage will depart from Piraeus (Athens) on March 30, 2022. Travelling aboard Silver Moon, Silversea’s guests will explore 72 destinations in 22 countries over 90 days, enjoying seven exclusive events and eight overnights in iconic cities—including Istanbul, Sorrento, Bordeaux and Saint Petersburg, among others—before arriving in Stockholm on June 28.

AN ALL-NEW MEDITERRANEAN GRAND VOYAGE – 33 destinations in 12 countries

Between March 30 and May 6, guests travelling aboard Silver Moon on the Mediterranean Grand Voyage will enjoy bespoke discovery in 33 destinations across 12 countries—including Greece, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Malta, France, Monaco, Spain, and Portugal. Between Piraeus (Athens) and Lisbon, travellers will venture deep into Europe’s captivating cultures in both iconic ports and smaller, lesser-visited gems, including Portofino and Dikili. At exclusive events, guests will discover the fascinating 1001 column cisterns of Istanbul, the equestrian traditions and flavours of Andalusia in Cadiz, and the charm of Italy’s Agriturismo culture in Bari.

AN UNPRECEDENTED NORTHERN EUROPE GRAND VOYAGE – 40 destinations in 13 countries

Setting sail on the world’s first Northern Europe Grand Voyage on May 6, 2022, Silversea’s guests will journey from Lisbon to Stockholm over 53 days, calling in 40 destinations in 13 countries aboard Silver Moon. From the milder setting of Lisbon on the Atlantic Coast, travellers will venture to some of the most remote, extreme destinations of the northern hemisphere. As well as diving deep into the cultures of Portugal, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, the Russian Federation, Finland, and Sweden, guests will socialize while enjoying unique access to bespoke events at Monet’s garden in Giverny, Liverpool’s iconic town hall, Iceland’s renowned Flatey Island (often hailed as the world’s most spectacular island), and the opera house of Oslo.

AN IMMERSIVE PACIFIC GRAND VOYAGE – 31 destinations in eight countries

Over 58 days from January 16, 2023, travellers on the Pacific Grand Voyage will discover authenticity in 31 of the region’s most rewarding destinations, with seven overnight calls. From Melbourne, the cruise line’s guests will travel through eight countries aboard Silver Muse—including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and Japan—before arriving in Osaka on March 15. In Hobart, Tasmania, guests will enjoy champagne and canapés as they journey upriver for a private dinner at the acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art, as well as an exclusive evening at the opera in Sydney, and a personalized event at Shanghai’s famous Lion restaurant.

A NEW SOUTH AMERICA GRAND VOYAGE – 39 destinations in 23 countries

Circumnavigating South America, Silver Moon will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the new South America Grand Voyage between January 6 and March 16, 2023. Over 69 days and with nine overnights, travellers will form deep connections with the continent’s most fascinating cultures and spectacular landscapes, as they explore 39 destinations in 23 countries. Socializing with like-minded travellers at bespoke events, guests will attend a private party at Valparaiso’s Casas del Bosque Winery, dance to the rhythm at the world-famous Rio de Janeiro carnival on extended calls, and enjoy a romantic evening under the stars on a private beach in St. Barts.

Globus adds more Canada!

There’s no place like home! Globes has unveiled two new Escapes tours for Canadian travellers, which are vacations operated during the off-season ensuring fewer crowds, milder temperatures and better deals.

West Coast Escape (5 days, priced from $1,279). On this getaway, Canadians are invited to make an escape to Vancouver and Victoria. On trip, they will enjoy guided sightseeing through Vancouver’s scenic waterfront, Chinatown and Stanley Park with free time to explore the city and its restaurants before boarding a scenic ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Victoria on Vancouver Island for a 3-night stay surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Rockies Escape (6 days, priced from $1,289). On this tour, travellers will explore Alberta’s magnificent Rocky Mountains. They will begin in the capital city of Edmonton for an overnight stay, including guided sightseeing and free time before continuing to Jasper to discover frozen waterfalls, ice caves and the stunning Maligne Canyon of Jasper National Park. They can also choose a Wildlife Discovery Tour in search of the fascinating flora and fauna that call the park home.

Collette announces Oberammergau travel opportunities

Collette is gearing up in anticipation of a once-in-a-decade event. In 2022, the tiny town Bavarian hamlet of Oberammergau will host thousands of visitors to showcase the must-see Passion Play, depicting the life and death of Jesus Christ. Collette will once again have premiere access to tickets, following the earlier cancellation of the event in 2020, due to COVID-19.

In 2010, Collette brought over 10,000 guests to the Passion Play, the most of any tour operator. Collette will offer the same itineraries originally planned for 2020 now in 2022. There will be 102 performances of the play performed all by local residents.

“Collette travellers will have many programs to choose from throughout Europe,” says Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president at Collette. “Each program includes a one or two-night Passion Play premium category package with reserved accommodations as well as seating.”

For sample itineraries featuring the 2022 Oberammergau Passion Play, visit www.gocollette/passionplay for the latest details.

Red Carnation Hotels offers sneak peek of Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana

Red Carnation Hotels unveiled a first-look of Xigera Safari Lodge, which is opening in January 2021 in the Okavango Delta, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana. Set on the western side of the Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera is the culmination of a lifelong dream of the South African born hoteliers, the Tollman family, and their love letter to the African bush. Every aspect has been handcrafted to beguile clients’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative interiors, to one-of-a-kind encounters while also keeping conservation and sustainability efforts top of mind.

Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’) was named after the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, one of the Okavango’s key waterways. Surrounded by picturesque papyrus swamps and wooded islands, Xigera Safari Lodge is renowned for its abundance of mammal sightings, including sitatunga, red lechwe, spotted-necked otter, elephant, buffalo, reedbuck and tsessebe. Predators commonly seen include lions, spotted hyenas and leopards, and guests are sometimes treated to close-up views of big cats using the footbridge connecting Xigera to the neighbouring island. The lodge sleeps a maximum of 24 guests in 12 individually designed suites which has been conceptualized by Toni Tollman, Philip Fourie and Anton de Kock, who have collaborated with Southern Guild. Every component has been handcrafted and inspired by the incredible natural surroundings, allowing clients to feel utterly connected and at one with the Delta and the spirit of Africa.

“We take wildlife conservation and sustainability very seriously at Xigera Safari Lodge,” says Vicki Tollman, director of Red Carnation Hotels. “Our new property has been the culmination of a lifelong dream located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, which requires constant protection to safeguard it for future generations. We have invested so much time and energy into making the property sustainable – from energy production, to the elimination of single-use plastics, empowering local communities and more, the guiding principle behind Xigera is all about sustainability.”

Riu Montego Bay reopens as an adults only resort following completion of renovations

Riu Montego Bay reopened its doors on Dec. 4 as an adults only resort following a complete renovation and refurbishment. The popular resort, situated on the shores of Montego Bay minutes from the Sangster International Airport, is now exclusively for guests aged 18+ and offers fully modernized facilities and brand-new resort areas.

The renovation includes a brand-new Splash Water World water park and a redesigned pool complex, with five sparkling pools, including one with a swim-up bar. The resort also features a new wellness centre featuring fitness facilities and a range of spa treatments and services, including massages.

The resort features unlimited reservation-free dining at five on-site restaurants, including the new Kulinarium restaurant featuring international dining and Pepe’s Food grill, serving casual meals poolside.

The newly-renovated Riu Montego Bay in Jamaica is available through Sunning for $1,455 per person (including taxes, based on double occupancy) for a 7-night stay in a Hotel Room, departing from Toronto on Jan. 8.

Riu Montego Bay with Sunwing features exclusive RIU-topia inclusions such as welcome cocktails, in-room mini-bars that are re-stocked regularly and unlimited reservation-free dining.