Luxury Travel Advisor - January 2009 - (Page 38)

CRUISES Crystal Serenity maneuvers off Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian Coast, quickly becoming one of cruising’s hot destinations. CRUISING CROA TIA The Dalmatian Coast is quickly gaining the reputation as the new French Riviera. Geography aside, it’s one of the most scenic and bucolic areas in the world, and, just like the South of France, yachts dot the waterscape during the warmer months. But unlike many areas of the world, its relatively untapped coastline gives travelers who come there a sense of unspoiled luxury. After all, Croatia currently bills itself as “the Mediterranean as it once was.” Silversea (www.silversea. com) makes a total of eight calls to Dubrovnik, endearingly known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” in 2009, but the region is becoming so popular that Silversea is also calling on six other Croatian ports: Split and Trogir for three calls, Zadar twice and one apiece for Rovinj, Hvar and Sibenik. All cruises are on Silver Wind and Silver Whisper. Top Tip: Selecting a great shore excursion is the key to a great Croatia experience. Silversea’s bespoke adventure, “Sailing the Elaphite Archipelago,” is perfect for families or friends traveling together. Act Fast: This excursion is open to one group of four. Guests board a clipper ship for a day cruise exploring the numerous islands, inlets and coves along the coastline. In Zadar, guests will have the option of a leisurely hike in Paklenica National Park, known for its karst formations surrounded by flora and fauna. Seabourn (www.seabourn. com) also operates cruises to the Dalmatian Coast and our insider tells us that luxury cruise guests are falling in love with it. It is one of their “new and hot” destinations, and the company expects it to be a real winner. Seabourn Spirit does three new seven-day voyages either between Venice and Rome, or roundtrip. Calls in Croatia include Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Hvar and Korçula. In 2009, Regent Seven Seas Cruises (www.rssc.com) will call in three Croatian ports: Dubrovnik, Split and Korçula. A 14-night July 24 cruise from Istanbul, aboard Seven Seas Navigator, calls in both Dubrovnik and Split. The latter is Croatia’s largest city, and one of Regent’s “Concierge Choice” tours is “A Taste of Split.” This tour is highlighted by its visits to a mix of wine cellars, the Cathedral of St. Duje (the patron saint of the city) and the Temple of Jupiter. To underscore Croatia’s gaining popularity, Crystal Cruises (www.crystalcruises.com) will make its first-ever call in Trogir in 2009. In total, Crystal Serenity will call in Croatia on eight cruises through the Mediterranean, including Dubrovnik. Don’t Miss: Crystal offers a tasty excursion—“Croatian Oysters and Wine Tasting.” The tour includes the Trsten Arboretum before continuing to the village of Ston, where guests will sample world-famous Ston oysters and local vintages. —David Eisen 38 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | January 2009 http://www.seabourn.com http://www.crystalcruises.com http://www.silversea.com http://www.rssc.com http://www.silversea.com http://www.seabourn.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Luxury Travel Advisor - January 2009

Luxury Travel Advisor - January 2009 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter Lucca Egypt Provence Great Honeymoons Cover Story: Dan Flannery Girlfriend Getaways Croatia The Pulse Jetset Report Sightings Meetings & Incentives Supplement Aruba Turks and Caicos Los Angeles Laguna Beach, CA

Luxury Travel Advisor - January 2009

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