Posts Tagged cruise
Travel Aspirations Go Global
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on July 12, 2010
Virtuoso Life Magazine reveals the results of the annual Travel Dreams Survey
In 2010, travel aspirations have gone global, according to the results from the fourth annual Travel Dreams Sweepstakes Survey, presented by Virtuoso. Nearly 11,000 readers of VIRTUOSO LIFE, the network’s award-winning magazine, weighed in on the survey to reveal the exotic lands, life-changing experiences and thrilling adventures that upscale travelers are currently seeking.
When asked what they consider the trip of a lifetime, readers were clear that setting sail for a world cruise would be a paramount experience. Calling on all seven continents and visiting the new wonders of the world followed close behind as trips of a lifetime, indicating the desire of travelers to visit the globe. The Galápagos Islands also had a strong presence in this year’s results: This island destination was named the most alluring island escape; the second best outdoor adventure; and the third best destination for families.
“This year’s survey results reflect a shift in consumers’ motivation to travel,” said Elaine Srnka, editorial director for VIRTUOSO LIFE. “Travelers want to see the world. They are no longer content with staying in one place. Whether it’s visiting the far corners of the earth on a world cruise, hiking through remote Machu Picchu or tasting local cuisines through cooking schools, travelers want unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
The top 10 dream destinations also reflected readers’ longing to visit far-off lands, with Australia, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Greece nabbing the first five spots. Paris held onto its reign as the most romantic city to spend time with a loved one, as well as the best gourmet city. Rome remains the city with the most beautiful architecture, and Tuscany continues to be the wine region travelers want to toast the most. Again this year, readers felt going on a safari to Africa would merit the best outdoor adventure.
The Travel Dreams results largely supported Virtuoso’s 2010 Luxe Report, insight gleaned from the network’s elite travel advisors, which revealed that travelers in 2010 are booking longer vacations to more distant destinations. Of the travel professionals that participated in the Luxe Report survey, 71 percent reported that clients are seeking international travel for 10 days or more.
This year, readers had extra enticement to share their opinions: an opportunity to win their own dream trip! Three lucky winners got to choose one of these trips: a ten-day exploration of the Galápagos Islands aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Endeavour; a 12-day cruise aboard the Seabourn Pride from Bangkok to Shanghai; or a trip to South Africa on Virgin Atlantic Airways to spend five nights at the One&Only Cape Town.
VIRTUOSO LIFE’s Travel Dreams survey was designed to gather consumer travel trends and offer inspiration for future journeys. The 12-question survey explored readers’ opinions about everything from their dream destinations and the best cities for dining to the best destinations for romance and families. Top-line results can be found below, and the results are featured in the July/August issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE.
The survey results were tallied from responses from almost 11,000 VIRTUOSO LIFE readers who participated in the Travel Dreams Sweepstakes. Virtuoso promoted the sweepstakes via email and within the magazine.
To view a digital edition of the VIRTUOSO LIFE July/August “Readers’ Choice Travel Dreams” issue, click here.
Looking for an Enriching Pursuit?
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on June 28, 2010
The Virtuoso June Enriching Pursuits travel catalog is full of journeys that are sure to ignite your desire for great travel with trips that will captivate your heart. Whether its discovering family roots, helping to support fragile environments, or simply following your passions, like cooking, history, or architecture, this catalog is full of rewarding and memorable pursuits. Plus, you won’t want to miss the value-loaded perks and expert tips!
View the digital version of the Enriching Pursuits Catalog
Highlights include:
Intrigue in the East – Climb aboard a camel, the “ship of the desert,” trekking through an Arabian oasis. Or a sleek yacht exploring ports on the Indian Ocean.
Rewards in the West – Choose a gastronomic extravaganza or family fantasyland, or sail away to island cultures so remote, they still use the star-filled sky as a global positioning system.
Revelations in Europe – Discover historic architecture in Melk, a foodie revolution in Barcelona, and a wine region in the UK.
Ten Ways to Make it Personal – Have you ever dreamed of looking up long-lost cousins? Digging for ancestral roots? Perhaps making a religious pilgrimage? You provide the idea; your Virtuoso travel advisor makes it happen.
Don’t have a Virtuoso travel advisor? Find one here.
Exclusive Cruise Program Provides Distinctive Experiences
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News, Return On Life™ on April 22, 2010
Pioneer Enhanced-Experience Luxury Cruise Program Celebrates 20 Years with Slate of 20 Special Sailings
In a post-recession economy, even the affluent are looking for value. But, according to Virtuoso®, leading retailer for luxury travel, value for affluent travelers is determined by the experiences received. Virtuoso Voyager Club, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has sustained its allure with affluent travelers by adding authentic local experiences to regular cruise departures.
“To have staying power, you need to offer something unique in the luxury travel market,” said Matthew Upchurch, Virtuoso CEO. “Virtuoso Voyager Club was the first to give passengers one-of-a-kind events at cultural landmarks, a professional on-board host, and a private shipboard reception to establish a sense of camaraderie.”
“We are absolutely enthusiastic about Virtuoso. It is absolutely fantastic. All the excursions they organized are perfect and have a ‘plus,’” said passengers Claude Laurent and Danielle Magnolato-Trosset. The two sailed recently on board the Seabourn Odyssey. “We were invited to a visit of the Maori Museum in Auckland with a private guide and had an outstanding lunch in a boutique hotel called Mollie’s, classified as Relais and Chateaux, which is top level in Europe. During the lunch, the owner of the hotel was playing piano with young opera singers. It was GREAT.”
These types of experiences have been the hallmarks of Virtuoso Voyager Club since it became the industry’s first enhanced-experience luxury cruise program in 1990. In that year, Virtuoso hosted 15 sailings. Twenty years later, the program has grown to 424 departures. Demonstrating investment even in uncertain economic times, the number of Voyager Club sailings has increased 30 percent from 2009. A full 91 percent of Voyager Club passengers say that the presence of Voyager Club on a departure is instrumental in their cruise choice.
To celebrate the program’s 20 years of passenger camaraderie, Virtuoso has created 20 special shore events aboard 20 sailings. Highlights of the unique Voyager Club 20/20 sailings include a tango night at a historic Buenos Aires club, dinner at an iconic hotel in Bangkok, a discovery tour of Dutch culinary specialties in Amsterdam, and a private event at a former U.S. ambassador’s residence in Vietnam.
“We have stayed true to our mission for Voyager Club for two decades,” said David Powers, Virtuoso Voyager Club director. “We provide a more welcoming and exclusive experience that adds to cruise and travel enjoyment. Today’s program continues to innovate according to passenger desires. Voyager Club members have enviable options to personalize their experience, as they can choose among hosted shore experiences, vouchers for customized experiences and shipboard credits.”
The Virtuoso Voyager Club 20/20 sailings, dates and event locations are as follows:
|
Cruise Line |
Ship | Sailing date | Event Port |
| Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 26-Jan-10 | Buenos Aires, Argentina – completed |
| Regent | Seven Seas Voyager | 25-Feb-10 | Manila, Philippines – completed |
| Silversea | Silver Whisper | 4-Mar-10 | Bangkok, Thailand – completed |
| Silversea | Silver Shadow | 5-Mar-10 | Acapulco, Mexico – completed |
| Crystal | Crystal Symphony | 11-Apr-10 | Bali, Indonesia – completed |
| Regent | Seven Seas Navigator | 6-May-10 | Acapulco, Mexico |
| Silversea | Silver Wind | 25-May-10 | Valletta, Malta |
| Silversea | Silver Spirit | 12-Jun-10 | Kusadasi, Turkey |
| Seabourn | Seabourn Odyssey | 12-Jun-10 | Bodrum, Turkey |
| Seabourn | Seabourn Odyssey | 17-Jul-10 | Yalta, Ukraine |
| Regent | Seven Seas Mariner | 21-Jul-10 | Katakalon, Greece |
| Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 31-Jul-10 | Kusadasi, Turkey |
| Crystal | Crystal Symphony | 25-Aug-10 | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Seabourn | Seabourn Odyssey | 28-Aug-10 | Bodrum, Turkey |
| Regent | Seven Seas Navigator | 15-Sep-10 | Yokohama, Japan |
| Seabourn | Seabourn Sojourn | 15-Sep-10 | Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
| Regent | Seven Seas Mariner | 22-Sep-10 | Kusadasi, Turkey |
| Silversea | Silver Shadow | 25-Oct-10 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 31-Oct-10 | Valencia, Spain |
| Seabourn | Seabourn Pride | 6-Dec-10 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
These as well as other Voyager Club sailings are available exclusively to those who book through a Virtuoso member advisor. For reservations or information about Voyager Club, find a Virtuoso advisor by calling +1 (866) 401-7974 or visiting www.virtuoso.com.
Go Away for Some Family Fun
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Return On Life™ on March 25, 2010
The Virtuoso Family Fun Travel Catalog is a collection of favorite clan-cosseting hotels, resorts, cruises and tour packages that offer families plenty of playtime together – everything from sailing wooden boats in Paris to paddling an outrigger canoe in French Polynesia.
Highlights include:
For the Young – From Junior Ranger programs in Alaska and swimming with dolphins in the Caribbean to special ship “neighborhoods” created just for families, these vacations have what it takes to keep kids happy – including milk and cookies at turndown.
And the Young at Heart! – Go deep-sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez, ride a hot-air balloon over Tuscany, play on pristine beaches in Greece, or cruise paradise in the South Pacific with an array of extras that’ll keep all ages happy.
In Search of Harry Potter and Jack Sparrow – From Harry Potter’s London and Madeline’s Paris to Frodo’s home in the Land Down Under, following in the footsteps of a favorite literary icon or movie character is easy with these themed family vacation ideas.
Click here to view the full digital version of the Family Fun Travel Catalog.
Share Your Travel Dreams, Win a Dream Vacation
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on February 17, 2010
For the fourth consecutive year, Virtuoso is sponsoring the annual VIRTUOSO LIFE Travel Dreams Sweepstakes. You are invited to explore your travel dreams by taking this short online survey that takes you on a journey through amazing travel possibilities, plus earns you a chance to win an ultimate travel dream!
Through taking the survey you’ll discover:
- The perfect vacation destination for your family to enjoy quality time together
- The island escape you find most alluring
- The gourmet city where you most want to linger over a meal
- Your dream destination
- And, more.
The questionnaire takes only minutes to complete, but will leave you with inspiration to last a lifetime. What’s more, once you complete the survey you’ll be able to pre-select the dream travel prize you’d most like to win.
Take the survey, and you could be packing your bags for:
Rejuvenating South Africa – 5 nights at One&Only Cape Town + airfare aboard Virgin Atlantic Airways
Exotic Galápagos Islands – 10 days aboard the National Geographic Endeavour with Lindblad Expeditions
Mystic Asian Cruise – 12 day Bangkok to Shanghai cruise on the Seabourn Pride from The Yachts of Seabourn
Consider the possibilities. Go to www.virtuoso.com or click here to complete the survey today!
* ELIGIBILITY. The Sweepstakes is offered only in the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia), and is open only to natural persons who, at the time of Entry: (i) are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, (ii) have pre-existing internet access, and (iii) are 21 years of age or older. See complete Official Rules.
Yachting Out of Your Reach? Think Again
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Return On Life™ on January 22, 2010
It’s winter and, for most of us, the cold and gray of the season leads to dreams of far off destinations.
Admit it, are you bundled up in your home dreaming about sailing on a Yacht in some far off locale? If the answer is yes, then you’ll be happy to hear that now is the best time to plan a cruise.
Many cruise lines offer deals this time of year – but a Virtuoso Advisor can make the best prices of the season happen with free air, 50% off & $200 ship board credit per suite! Click here to find out more about Virtuoso’s special Seabourn offer, then contact your Virtuoso Advisor.
This offer is exclusive to clients who use travel consultants in the Virtuoso network. Don’t have a Virtuoso Advisor? Click here to find one.