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TRAVEL ADVENTURES   .  .  .-

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Joe Hisaishi

Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi

June 27-30 
Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center

The 2023/24 Season just got even better!

Due to popular demand, an additional performance of Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi has been added on Sunday, June 30, at 3:00 p.m., and you have access to an exclusive presale.

One of the most celebrated Japanese composers of our time, Joe Hisaishi has produced music for 10 Hayao Miyazaki films, including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), and has also composed the music for Takeshi Kitano films. His credits include Sonatine (1993), the Oscar-winning Spirited Away (2001) and Departures (2008). Hisaishi conducts the CSO in his much-anticipated latest symphony alongside musical highlights from his most captivating compositions. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Hisaishi’s music live. Starting now, enjoy exclusive presale access to the June 30 concert with promo code JH30CSO.

The first three performances sold out quickly — act fast to select your seat before tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, February 26.  

To unlock your early access to Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi on June 30, select “Access presale” and enter promo code JH30CSO. To order tickets, a valid promo code must be entered first. This exclusive presale ends Monday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m., at which time tickets become available to the public. 

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Cruise News   .   .   .

DANISH CHURCH IN BORNHEIM TIED TO SOLVANG CALIFORNIA FOUNDING FATHERS

Family Ties with Early Residents Who Immigrated to America

by Bonnie Carroll

One of the most delightful stops on my sail through the Baltic Sea on the Viking Jupiter last year was a visit to the Danish town of Bornheim and photographing a historic Danish church and graveyard that was overflowing with what appears to be descendents of many Danes who became the founding father's of Solvang, California, known as Little Denmark USA. This historic church is said to have been a design created by the ancient Knights.

The organ appeared rather ornate compared to the extreme simplicity of the surrounding area, and the collection of leather bound hymn books was impressive. A nearby graveyard was filled with Danish names that are the same as many families who have lived in Solvang for several generations.

This is a remote and beautiful community that amazingly is also home to a beautiful Kuntz Art Museum, a charming local windmill turned into a Hos Mette Restauant as well as some very creative art shops, and a welcoming harbor center. This lovely adventure is included in the itinerary created by Viking Cruises.

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Viking Named “World's Best” Ocean, River, and Expedition Lines by Readers of Travel + Leisure

Viking Makes History in 28th Annual World's Best Awards

Travel + Leisure readers have voted Viking® (www.viking.com) to the top of its categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, which were announced today. Viking was once again named the #1 Ocean Line for ships with 300 to 799 cabins, as well as one of the best river lines. Additionally, Viking’s new expedition ships were voted #1 in their first year of operation. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.

Since 1995, Travel + Leisure, the largest travel magazine brand in the U.S., has invited readers to cast their vote for the World’s Best in cruising with considerations in the following features: cabins/facilities, food, service itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and value. Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on newsstands in July; the full results of the 28th annual awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.

“Thank you to the readers of Travel + Leisure for voting us to the top in these awards. We are proud to be named the best across our categories and particularly pleased to be #1 in our first year of operating expeditions,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We are a bit different at Viking, which is why our guests can always expect elegant small ships, with no children, no casinos and no nickel and diming. For more than 25 years we have been dedicated to creating experiences for thinking people.  And, we are already searching for better. Onwards.”

The announcement follows Viking’s continued celebration of its 25th anniversary and its most successful single month of bookings in January 2023, following recent years of strong growth. Since 2020, Viking has welcomed 17 new ships to its fleet—including eight new award-winning Viking Longships on the rivers of Europe; new vessels on the Mekong, Nile and Mississippi rivers; four new, identical ocean ships; and two Polar Class expedition vessels. Viking has also received other new accolades recently, including being voted “Best Cruise Line” by Food & Wine readers in the publication’s inaugural Global Tastemakers Awards, “Best River Cruise line” by Women’s Health in its inaugural Healthy Travel Awards and “Best for Relaxation, Worldwide” by Men’s Health in its 2023 Travel Awards. Viking also dominated Cruise Critic’s 2023 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, receiving top honors in six categories including “Best Overall Line,” “Best River Line,” and “Best Dining” for its ocean and expedition voyages.

About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated at the top of its categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

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TRAVEL & LEISURE  .   .   .

LA DOLCE VITA TRAIN EXPERIENCE

With the onset of the Biden administration in the USA, one of the biggest shifts in policy was the President’s promise of up to $80 billion for Amtrak, more support than the passenger railroad has seen in decades.

But Western Europe is light years ahead of the Americans.

       -
Artist’s rendering of Italy’s luxurious “Orient Express La Dolce Vita” trains.

In recent decades, the Europeans have been ramping up their spending on passenger rail, including sleeping cars, sleek, high-speed trains and luxury trains.

Some of the proposals seem to be just that — ideas that have yet to prove themselves financially (see Midnight Trains, for example, a company which hopes to supplant medium- and long-haul European flights with sleek, stylish sleeper trains, complete with elegant dining and lounge cars).

But others, such as Italy’s Orient Express La Dolce Vita, apparently have the financial muscle to declare that their first luxury train will begin operating next year.

“Renderings of the 11-carriage train, which pays homage to [Italy’s] “La Dolce Vita” period of the 1960s, have been unveiled, revealing a plush interior that looks more like a boutique hotel than a railway car,” according to CNN.

Orient Express La Dolce Vita is to be made up of six trains, each featuring 12 ‘deluxe cabins,’ 18 suites, an ‘Honor Suite’ and a restaurant carriage offering a ‘five-star dining experience’ including ‘award-winning Italian wines and exclusive haute cuisine,’” CNN says.

The six unique trains will visit 14 Italian regions, three international routes (Paris, Split [Croatia] and Istanbul), using more than 10,000 miles of railway lines. Trips are expected to run between one to three days, and reservations will open this June for travel in 2023. (Email us your interest at Tourdesk@irtsociety.com.)

A partnership of French hospitality group Accor Hotels and the Italian property development company Arsenale is behind the venture.

In addition, Arsenale contracted with the French National Railroads (SNCF) for a 50 percent share of the Orient Express name rights.

In Rome, visitors will be pampered at the first “Orient Express” hotel in Italy, the Hotel Orient Express Minerva, which is scheduled to open in 2024.

But could all this be considered an intrusion on the “turf” of possibly the world’s most authentic luxury train, Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

Not at all, says Gary Franklin, Vice President, Trains & Cruises at Belmond. “The fact that there are more trains offering this service is great news.

“It brings more publicity and awareness to this mode of travel…and that can only be a good thing.”

Orient-Express La Dolce Vita will not so much compete with Belmond’s superstar as complement it, he says.

“Rail travel in Europe is seeing a massive resurgence,” adds Mr. Franklin. “In particular, there are some really interesting developments in night and sleeper trains — and not just in the luxury end of the market. See, for example, Austria’s Nightjet trains. ”

In that sense, he says, there’s plenty of room for all.

“With its history, pioneering spirit and historic Wagon-Lits carriages, the VSOE will remain at the pinnacle of world luxury rail travel,” Mr. Franklin says.

But Tim Littler, founder and CEO of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, and one of the world’s first modern luxury train entrepreneurs, is a bit more skeptical.

“La Dolce Vita has some serious money behind it,” he says. “But I still struggle to see how many passengers will want to travel from Rome to Split [Croatia] for what I assume will be similar prices to the VSOE…”

“I can see these trains being serious competition for the VSOE…”

His worry is that if this venture fails, “there will then be six luxury sleeping car trains looking for business on the European market. I hope that they do not intend to launch all six trains” at the same time!”

Meanwhile, one of the possible players in this high-stakes game already has seven vintage luxury railcars stabled in Paris: the French National Railroads (SNCF).

Besides carefully guarding its gold-encrusted “Orient Express” moniker, the state-owned company reportedly rents its valuable, vintage rolling stock to movie production companies, ad agencies and other entities with deep pockets.

Meanwhile, French luxury conglomerate LVMH, which owns Belmond, is throwing a 250th birthday celebration for one of its most valued products, the fabled — and expensive — champagne Veuve Clicquot.

Where’s the party?

The grand finale’s on Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

For most of the guests, the 3-day, 2-night festivities begin June 5 with a private transfer from Paris and a guided tour through Veuve Clicquot’s wine cellars in Reims. Guests then board the VSOE for Venice, where they’ll stay at Belmond’s iconic Cipriani Hotel.

(Grand Suite guests begin a day earlier in Paris, where they’ll enjoy a private transfer to Reims for a night at the exclusive Hotel du Marc, Veuve Cliquot’s private hotel, as well as other exclusive amenities.)

Prices range from 12,400 British pounds (about $17,000) based on two sharing a Twin Cabin, to 21,000 British pounds (about $28,550) based on two sharing a Cabin Suite, to 43,000 British pounds (about $58,450), based on two sharing a Grand Suite.

For more info or to book this or any other great journey on the VSOE, email us at tourdesk@irtsociety.com, or call us at (800) 478-4881, or +1 (502) 897-1725 if outside the US/Canada.

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Carnival Bar 280

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE MIAMI-THEMED ZONE

ABOARD CARNIVAL CELEBRATION

 

820 Biscayne to Celebrate the Culture of the Ship’s Homeport

and the City Where Carnival Began Sailing 50 Years Ago

Carnival Cruise Line is revealing a new Miami-themed zone aboard Carnival Celebration, which will arrive to PortMiami this November. Named after the address of Carnival’s original headquarters, 820 Biscayne will celebrate the culture, architectural styles and flavors of the home city where the line was founded in 1972.

On Deck 8, in the same location as La Piazza on sister ship Mardi Gras, 820 Biscayne will feature a similar layout and venues but with influences and design elements that reflect the urban-meets-laid back vibes of Miami, perfect for relaxing and people watching or enjoying fresh sea air and ocean views. Bringing Miamian food and beverage offerings to the fleet, 820 Biscayne will feature:

Bar 820 Inside

Bar 820 – a half inside, half outside retro-inspired bar that will feature a “vintage cool” design with grab-and-go Cuban and specialty coffees for early risers on their way outside for some morning sunshine, as well as Miami-inspired tropical frozen drinks and creative martinis day and night.

Deco Deli – designed as a nod to Miami’s Art Deco mecca with colorful fonts and signage, the space will serve more than the classic deli sandwiches with an expanded menu that also highlights Miami staples including the Cubano (pork, ham, swiss cheese and mustard), a croqueta sandwich (ham and cheese croqueta, shaved ham and pickles), and pan con lechon (slow cooked pulled pork, melted onion and mojo sauce) all on Cuban bread.

Miami Slice

Miami Slice  – continuing to give guests the 24-hour pizza they know and love, the always-popular walk-up spot will offer authentic, fresh-from-the-oven and hand-tossed slices of cheesy goodness amid a contemporary and vibrant décor reminiscent of the late-night eateries on Miami’s bustling Ocean Drive. Throughout this zone, guests will experience a unique take on Miami, combining elements from its past with its present. From beautiful artwork to fun photo opportunities like posing with flamingoes on skateboards, guests will feel like they’re truly walking around the ‘305.

"Miami has been our home for 50 years, and in bringing a brand new ship to its port, we wanted to show some extra love to the city that helped us become who we are today,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival Celebration will celebrate all things Carnival, intertwining where we have been with where we are going, and we can’t think about where we started without thinking about Miami and all of the fun that it represents.”   

“We wanted to continue to give our guests the delicious and fun offerings they know and love from Mardi Gras but with new identities that pay tribute to the rich culture of Miami, a city that is so special to all of us,” said Ben Clement, senior vice president of new builds, refurbishment and product innovation. “Miami is a one-of-a-kind city with many different sides to it, so we tried to capture all of that in 820 Biscayne – from the tropical feel and original Art Deco designs that can still be found on Miami Beach today to the modern city look of Brickell – and of course, with a huge emphasis on the delicious flavors throughout."

Guests can still expect to find their favorites in the zone like Rudi’s Seagrill, which was introduced on Mardi Gras, and Cucina del Capitano, which will be redesigned with a new look and feel that reflects the sleek and airy restaurants often found in Miami, as well. 

Carnival Celebration will be the second Carnival ship to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising platform, and will include an award-winning roller coaster at the top of the ship. Celebration will debut in November from the redesigned state-of-the-art Terminal F at PortMiami, the line’s third terminal at the port and its largest in South Florida. The terminal will be among the first to be shore-power ready in 2024. 

Additional details and zones on Carnival Celebration will be revealed in the coming months leading up to the ship’s inaugural sailing from Miami on Nov. 21.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.


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© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved