Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 - (Page 58)

CRUISES CRUISES The Buda Castle in Budapest, as seen from the Danube CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 317 or 318, which measure about 185 square feet and have a sitting area. There’s one of these larger cabins on the lowest deck too, #101, but like the rest of the staterooms on that level (all beginning with 1), it has small windows. Hot Spots Like other river cruisers, the Swiss Sapphire has one main gathering spot, the lounge. Tauck dedicated one-third of the top floor to its lounge, and it’s big enough for different ambiances within the same room. If you want to be in the center of the action, take a seat in the center of the lounge. Want a little more privacy? Tuck into a spot near the entrance, where the banquettes are recessed. For an unobstructed view at the boat’s fore, sit near the bar. There’s a pianist playing in the lounge every evening, karaoke in the wee hours and special 58 | TravelAgent May 26, 2008 entertainment or games on some nights. The lounge is also where such activities as history/ culture lectures and exercise classes are held. At the aft end of the sun deck is a Jacuzzi. On the lowest deck, there’s a massage room. Those are your best bets aboard Swiss Sapphire for indulgent relaxation—especially soothing after a day of walking the cobblestone streets of an old European town. For travelers who like to maintain their usual workout routine, Swiss Sapphire has a fitness center with three stationary bikes, a couple of treadmills and free weights. Service Tauck entered the river cruise market in 2003, and is just one of the newer entrants in this burgeoning industry. As the marketplace becomes increasingly crowded, Swiss Sapphire carries one of the most reliable guarantors of quality in the entire travel industry: the Tauck brand name. Every aspect of a Sapphire cruise upholds the impeccable standards that have distinguished the company on land for so many years. Whether it’s being given bottled water as you disembark for your day ashore or greeted with a cold drink as you re-board later in the day, service quality on Swiss Sapphire is optimal. Every time I entered the Lido Bar, within a minute a waiter came over to offer me refreshment even when I clearly had come in just to use the computer. My disembarkation plans differed from the other passengers’ (who headed straight to the airport or a hotel), but they were handled without a glitch and my luggage was transported to the proper place. This special request was fulfilled not only with utmost efficiency but with an extremely gracious and cheerful attitude by all staff involved. Agent Advice “I would categorize it as probably the most deluxe CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Las Vegas: New Luxury Lounges and Gourmet Restaurants Lure Non-Gambling Vacationers Europe: Bettoja Hotels Provide a Personal Touch in Italy Pacific/Asia: Kyoto Blends History and Culture in a Serene City Pacific/Asia News and Notes Mexico: Food and Service Entice at Four All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Hotels Special Supplement: The Best of Portugal with Pestana and Pousadas Mexico Deals Caribbean: Region Makes Great Strides in the Ecotour Niche Caribbean News and Notes Cruises: A look at the Swiss Sapphire River Cruiser from its Christening and Inaugural Sailing Norwegian Cruise Lines offers something new Cover Story: Selling Golf Hotels: Golf Resorts with the Budget Golfer in Mind Resorts on Florida’s Gulf Coast Offer Getaway Deals for Summer and Fall Going for Gold: Hertz Incentive Program Encourages Agents to Book Car Rentals Tours: Summer Tour Packages Make the World Affordable for Your Clients Agent Profile: Connie Majors Goes the Extra Mile Members Know: American Express Joins the Networking Bandwagon Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar What Makes a Professional Agent? Hawaii Tourism Adjusts to Changes Asia is the Hot New Cruise Destination The Latest Caribbean Trends In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

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