5 Reasons to Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
From awe-inspiring natural wonders to unmatched feats of human engineering, UNESCO’s World Heritage List is your guidebook for the trip of a lifetime. Seabourn Cruise Lines has selected Five Reasons why you need to include a UNESCO World Heritage site to your must-see travel list.
WHAT IS UNESCO?
UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Founded in 1945, it is the arm of the United Nations dedicated to fostering peaceful communication between nations and preserving cherished heritage sites around the world. The agency promotes growth in five core areas: education, culture, natural sciences, social and human sciences, and communication and information.
WHY SHOULD TRAVELERS KNOW ABOUT UNESCO?
In 1972, UNESCO inaugurated the World Heritage List, a prestigious index of places around the world with resounding universal value. The World Heritage sites are bastions of natural beauty, cultural significance, or a combination of both, and they epitomize the values, history, and triumphs of their home countries. With over 1000 sites and counting, the World Heritage List is the ultimate traveler’s guide—a bucket list of destinations worth seeing.
FIVE REASONS TO VISIT:
DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS
In addition to the landmarks on every world traveler’s radar, like the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu, the World Heritage Committee surfaces sites you’ve likely never heard of. From the wooden churches on Chile’s Chiloé Island to the Jodrell Bank Observatory in northwestern England, the list will broaden your travel horizons beyond the usual tourist destinations.
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
The World Heritage List unearths some of man’s earliest creations: rock engravings in the Great Plains dating to the Contact Period; the oldest salt mine in Europe; Buddhist cave art from the 5th and 6th centuries. It’s one thing to know that we’ve been around for a long time—it’s another thing altogether to see proof of it.
SUPPORT PRESERVATION
Preserving the cultural and natural integrity of threatened sites is one of UNESCO’s core objectives. The World Heritage List has a special designation for properties at risk of destruction—whether by natural disasters, armed conflict, or any other forces—and reserves funds to support and protect these sites. The ongoing conservation efforts ensure that cherished cultural landmarks will thrive for generations to come.
MARVEL AT SUPERLATIVE SIGHTS
To make the World Heritage List, a site must pass several stages of rigorous evaluation and meet at least one of 10 selection criteria. In short, every location is unequivocally superb. From archaeological ruins and sacred monasteries to animal sanctuaries and volcanic parks, there are marvels of all kinds for travelers of all interests.
GAIN SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
The World Heritage Committee works with a range of stakeholders to preserve the integrity of cherished landmarks and foster sustainable tourism. Seabourn has recently extended its partnership with UNESCO, pledging to continue supporting World Heritage sites through philanthropic donations and educational initiatives. As the official cruise partner of UNESCO, Seabourn offers more than 250 shore experiences at over 170 UNESCO designated sites and has also created special World Heritage Discovery Tours at a number of ports worldwide. Lastly, you’ll enjoy enhanced content on seabourn.com thanks to our partnership with UNESCO, aimed to increase awareness of some of the world’s most storied destinations.
14 Offbeat Bermuda Shore Excursions
These Bermuda Shore Excursions with Celebrity Cruises stand out from the rest!
Bermuda is a treasure trove of delights for island lovers. It has rugged coastline with incredible ocean views thanks to being situated right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also home to beaches in surprising shades of pastel.
You’ll also find colorful shades of pink, blue, yellow, and orange on the buildings that line the streets of King’s Wharf, the bustling part of the island near the harbor where cruise ships dock. Beyond King’s Wharf are miles upon miles of nature trails to explore, gorgeous parks, and historic towns, including one that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With so much beauty and nature, there are the typical shore excursions you can do while in Bermuda, including catamaran cruises, city bus tours, scuba diving and snorkeling, private cars and drivers, dolphin encounters, fishing, and street markets. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more offbeat that will give you a Bermuda experience that will stand out from others, choose one of the Bermuda shore excursions that you can’t do on practically every single other island in the Caribbean Sea (Bermuda’s neighbor to the south).
Need some inspiration? Here are some of the best offbeat and unique Bermuda shore excursions you can do while in port so you can have a quintessentially Bermudian experience.
SNUBA Your Way Around the Ocean Floor
It’s not scuba diving, it’s not snorkeling, it’s SNUBA! If you’re not familiar with SNUBA, it’s a combination of scuba diving and snorkeling that gives you the ability to explore below the surface up to 20 feet (unlike snorkeling where you’re mostly stuck on the surface) without the necessary training to use cumbersome scuba diving equipment.
Instead of having an oxygen tank hooked to your back with a buoyancy compensator, you’ll instead be connected to it via a long tube that is hooked up to the oxygen tank floating on a raft above you, giving you lots of room to explore beneath the surface of the ocean. SNUBA is a fun time, and Bermuda is an excellent place to try it for the first time (or second, third or tenth) since the water is clear and home to colorful fish and other sea life. Try the Bermuda Snuba Experience and see for yourself why this is becoming such a popular watersport.
Frolic on Pink Sand Beaches
You might be used to teal ocean water that is lapping upon the shores of white, tan, or black beaches. But in Bermuda, the sand on some of its beaches is hued a gorgeous shade of pink. This is from a microscopic type of coral located in the reef off the coast of Bermuda; when it dies it washes up on shore and mixes with the sand that results in the pink shade Bermuda’s beaches are famous for. Keep your beach day leisurely while in port and go on a Bermuda shore excursion like the Horseshoe Bay Beach Transfer that conveniently takes you to Horseshoe Bay Beach, a scenic pink sand beach located on the south shore of Bermuda.
View Sea Life Through a Glass-Bottom Boat on Bermuda Shore Excursions
For those who want to see the underwater world of Bermuda, but don’t want to get all wet, a glass-bottom boat ride is a fun way to explore the ocean. Bermuda is an especially great place for this type of excursion because it’s home to a shipwreck just so placed on the ocean floor that it’s easy to view it through a glass-bottom boat.
You have a few different Bermuda shore excursion options for spending part of your day on a glass-bottom boat:
Fantasea Glass-Bottom and Sightseeing Cruise
This is a great option for visitors who want to do just the glass-bottom boat excursion and then still have time for other things in Bermuda like shopping in King’s Wharf or visiting a museum or other attraction before getting back on the ship. The Fantasea Glass-Bottom and Sightseeing Cruise shore excursion visits the shipwreck and sea grass beds where you might get lucky and see a sea turtle.
Bermuda Pirates Sunset Glass-Bottom Cocktail Cruise
If your cruise itinerary includes an evening to spend in port in King’s Wharf, this glass-bottom Bermuda shore excursion is a way to watch the ocean floor come to life at night. You’ll set sail at magic hour right before the sun sets and enjoy a cocktail as you take in the beautiful sky colors. As dusk settles in, your captain will turn on lights under the boat, illuminating the underwater world and giving you a chance to see marine life that typically only come out after dark, plus watch a fish feeding frenzy.
Bermuda Triangle Nightlife Glass-Bottom Cruise
This is another evening shore excursion that explores the ocean world at night. This shore excursion also visits the shipwreck, and the ship captain will regale you with stories surrounding the mysterious workings of the famed Bermuda Triangle. From your dry spot on board you’ll be able to watch for marine life and pretty coral as the glass-bottom ship’s underwater lights illuminate the ocean for your viewing pleasure.
Hike Along an Old Railroad Path
Hike along a trail that winds where an island train once chugged down railroad tracks on the Railway Trail Nature Hike shore excursion. The train route began operating in the early 1930s when cars weren’t allowed on the island so that visitors and locals could more easily get from one end to the other; however, the cost of maintaining it turned out to be too expensive and the railroad service shut down in 1947. In 2001, the government made the cleared land that once laid track to the railroad part of Bermuda’s National Park system and now it’s a great trail for hikers and bicyclists to explore Bermuda since it spans 18 miles with many entrance points around the island. If you like getting a workout in while exploring, this is an ideal Bermuda shore excursion for you.
A Bermuda Shore Excursion with a Glass Souvenir
If you want to get in touch with your artistic side while in Bermuda, do the Studio 8 Glass Class shore excursion, during which you’ll get to make jewelry or a sun catcher from hand-blown glass pieces. You’ll also get the chance to see local artisans show off their glass-blowing craft. This Bermuda shore excursion makes for a memorable souvenir as you’ll get to bring home what you make after it is fired in a 1,550-degree Fahrenheit kiln.
Fun side note: If you’re looking for more glass art entertainment, take a cruise on Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, or Celebrity Solstice: you can go to the Hot Glass Show located on the Lawn Club deck and watch demonstrations by professional glass blowers as they create amazing glass sculptures, vases, and other glass figurines, and then sign up for the Hot Glass Class and make your own glass souvenir.
Explore by Kayak on Bermuda Shore Excursions
Instead of exploring the coastline of the water on a typical catamaran shore excursion, don a life jacket, grab a paddle, and make your way around the island on a sporty kayak. On the Wild West Kayak Tour, you’ll be led around on kayak by your tour leader, who is an expert naturalist regarding the marine life and vegetation around Bermuda. You’ll get to paddle past small uninhabited islands and beautiful beaches with no one else around, plus see animals both above and below you as you keep an eye out for birds, fish, and other creatures that call Bermuda home.
Segway Your Way Around Historic Sites
If you haven’t tried using a Segway yet, your cruise to Bermuda is the time to do it.
On the Dockyard Segway Experience Bermuda shore excursion, you can visit Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard, which is rich in history and cultural sights. Taking a high-tech 21st mode of transportation around the 19th century British colonial architecture and landmarks within the Royal Naval Dockyard will be a cool, unforgettable experience.
During your Segway tour you’ll see popular Royal Naval Dockyard sights such as the Clocktower Mall, Casemates Prison, Victualing Yard, Glassblowing and Rumcake Factory, Sail Loft, and more. And if you’ve never ridden a Segway before and think it looks a bit precarious, don’t worry – you’ll be trained on how to use it and practice riding it around before your official tour of the Royal Naval Dockyard begins.
White Attire and Colorful Sunset
If you’ve heard of those famous white pop-up dinners and have always thought that sounded fun, then you’ll love this offbeat catamaran cruise that encourages its guests to dress all in white and have a fun themed evening. Your boat captain on the White Night Catamaran Sail will tell you stories about Bermuda as you sip on rum cocktails or Champagne and watch the sunset. You’ll also get to see views of Bermuda from the water, providing an interesting setting to experience the gorgeous island.
Bermuda Shore Excursions to See Luxurious Mansions and Views
Another cool catamaran cruise you can do in Bermuda that has a dash of Hollywood glamour to it is the Famous Homes and Hideaway Cruise, which takes you to some of Bermuda’s hidden spots and luxurious mansions. You’ll visit Millionaire’s Row and see the homes of famous celebrities, including the home of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Along with seeing famous estates, you’ll get to view pretty parts of the Bermuda coastline that’s not as easily accessible on land.
Caves and Flamingoes on Bermuda Shore Excursions
Bet you didn’t think you’d be able to visit a lake in Bermuda…make that an underground lake. But that’s exactly what you’ll find on the Aquarium and Crystal Caves Bermuda shore excursion that takes you to Crystal Caves. Discovered in the early 1900s by two local teenagers during a game of cricket, Crystal Caves is an awe-inspiring natural wonder to behold. You’ll descend into the cave and cross a bridge that is built over the lake while stalactites hang from the ceiling, making you feel like you’ve entered another world.
In addition to the cave, this shore excursion also includes a visit to Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo where you’ll learn more about the animals of Bermuda, both in the water and on land, a highlight of which is viewing the famous pink flamingoes on its premises.
Tea Time on Bermuda
Experience Bermuda’s English colonial past in a fun, unique way by having an English tea party while in Bermuda. Before your spot of tea you’ll get a guided tour of the island that will take you through parts of it that are rich in history. You’ll visit the 17th century Heydon Trust Chapel and also have time to marvel at the charming Somerset Bridge, which is said to be the smallest drawbridge in the world. Your guided excursion of the island will also include stops at scenic viewpoints where you can take photos of the rugged coastline spreading out below you and get a great view of the island’s famous pink sand beaches.
After your tour of Bermuda, you’ll make a stop at Coco Reef Hotel for an afternoon tea experience. Feast on scrumptious scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes, and sip some soothing tea from a classy teacup. You’ll quickly see why this fun and offbeat Bermuda shore excursion is called Bermuda Tea Party.
Farm to Table with a Celebrity Chef
This shore excursion is an excellent one for foodies who want a one-of-a-kind experience that has a focus on Bermuda cuisine and dining culture. On the Home-Grown Cooking and Cuisine Tour with Chef Bryan Voltaggio shore excursion, you’ll learn about just that while touring the island and having time with Chef Voltaggio, who is a James Beard Award-nominee and was on the hit TV show, Top Chef.
This savory shore excursion will whisk you away to the countryside of Bermuda where you’ll spend time on Bermuda’s only organic farm. You’ll meet with the farm’s owner who will teach you about the farm and give you a tour of the greenhouses and animal housing on it. Then you’ll depart that property and be off to a cooking demonstration and lesson at Bermuda College. You’ll be taught about Bermuda cuisine and shown how to make some of it by Chef Voltaggio plus a renowned Bermudian chef. The two chefs will make different dishes and you’ll get to try their creations. It’s a fun way to discover the local flavors of Bermuda’s culinary scene.
Hamilton Train Tour and BUEI Museum
Getting around by a bus or car will seem boring after you get a look at the cute little train tour offered by the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI). Learn more about Bermuda as you chug around on the red train to some of the most popular sites in Hamilton while hearing about its history.
In addition to the train ride, you’ll get admission to BUEI as part of the Hamilton Train Tour and BUEI Museum excursion. Tour this amazing institute and marvel at the largest shell collection in the world and other sea exhibits plus have some excitement in simulators that make you feel like you’re cage diving with great white sharks or diving to the ocean floor. People of all ages will enjoy walking around BUEI thanks to its wealth of information and interactive displays.
Budget Friendly Bermuda Shore Excursion to See it All
See all of the sights that make Bermuda special and a one-of-a-kind destination on a shore excursion that takes you around practically the entire island plus provides you with free time so you can create your own offbeat adventures in Bermuda. One Bermuda shore excursion that lets you achieve this is the Bermuda Island Drive By Mini-Bus.
This shore excursion is five hours long, making it a great value for cruisers who want to experience and see as much of Bermuda as possible while in port, but don’t want to have to hire a private driver. You’ll be with a small group of only 12 or 20 other passengers and get a guided tour of some of the island’s top sites. See Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, Somerset Bridge, St. George’s and its UNESCO sights, the city of Hamilton, and pink sand beaches, plus also stop at scenic viewpoints.
Seabourn Introduces Notable New Shore Excursions
From a yoga trip to Taku Glacier Lodge in Alaska to a Lukimbi Safari in South Africa. Seabourn is encouraging travelers to experience extraordinary destinations with a selection of notable, new shore excursions!
SEATTLE, February 1, 2019 – Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury travel experience, is encouraging travelers to experience extraordinary destinations with a selection of notable new shore excursions available throughout the year ahead. Introducing a selection of never-before-offered excursions, Seabourn guests are invited to engage in authentic culture and glimpse remarkable natural beauty for explorations creating lifelong memories.
The new shore excursions offer a diverse mix of opportunities including wellness-focused tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Alaska, a Picasso Museum exclusive visit, and culinary and art experiences secured through local connections, among others.
“Shore excursions are always a highlight as we visit each destination and a key element of the Seabourn luxury experience,” noted Chris Austin, Seabourn’s senior vice president of Global Marketing & Sales. “This complement of new excursions combines what Seabourn does best, presenting innovative, exclusive and unique programming for people to experience exotic destinations in truly memorable ways.”
Each new shore excursion has been thoughtfully detailed to ensure guests come away with a truly memorable experience. The notable new excursions being offered in 2019 include:
- Kruger National Park & Lukimbi Safari Lodge – Soak in Africa’s exotic landscape and spot the best game in the country with three days spent at Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the southern portion of Kruger National Park. From poster panels carved with mystical creatures and African patterns to open wooden decks for tranquil game viewing, Lukimbi is a photographer’s delight with spectacular wildlife and wilderness around every corner. Kruger, South Africa’s largest game reserve, is the land of baobabs and fever trees, the Big Five, the Little Five, and the Big Six of birding, plus more mammal species than any other on the continent. Cape Town, South Africa; Available on Seabourn Sojourn, February 21, 2019 sailing
- Taku Glacier Lodge, Glacier Seaplane Discovery & Yoga: A Mindful Living Tour – Designed as an extension of Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil available on board, this Mindful Living Tour begins with a flight in a classic de Havilland seaplane over five glaciers from Juneau to Taku Glacier Lodge. Located along the Taku River, just across from Alaska’s largest and one of the world’s few remaining advancing glaciers, the famed wilderness lodge was built in 1923. Soak up the surrounding splendor, taste wild Alaska salmon grilled to perfection, join a certified yoga instructor for a soulful session surrounded by views of the blue-hued glacier, and enjoy a guided interpretive nature walk with wildlife sightings likely. Juneau, Alaska; Available on all 2019 Alaska sailings
- The Historical, Forward-Looking Augustine Monastery: A Mindful Living Tour – Designed as another land-based extension of Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, guests can explore one of the oldest settlements in North America with a Mindful Living tour of charming Québec City. See Dufferin Terrace where Samuel de Champlain built his fort in 1620; spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River, Île d’Orléans, and Laurentian Mountains; and celebrated Château Frontenac Hotel. Enter the historic walls of Le Monastère des Augustines for a unique experience in holistic health and rare opportunity to connect with the monastic heritage of the Augustine Sisters whose offering of cutting-edge healthcare has been at the heart of their values for ages. The excursion also includes an interactive conference on medicinal herbs and teas, and a concert with commentary from the Augustinian Choir. Quebec City, Quebec; Available on Seabourn Quest’s August 6 and 30; September 10 and 21; October 3, 14 and 25 sailings
- Bocelli’s Favorite Things & Seaside Experience (A Small-Group Tour) – Guests will explore the charming town of Lucca, Italy and learn about its history, culture and marvels, including the Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, the Church of San Michele in Foro, and the famous City Wall of Lucca. . Learn more about the life and career of one of the greatest opera composers, Giacomo Puccini, with a visit to his local apartment, the Puccini Villa and Puccini Theatre. Continue on to the exclusive Bocelli Alpemare Beach Club, run by the Bocelli family, for a four-course lunch and a tasting of wines from the Bocelli family farmhouse in Tuscany. Following some relaxing time on the beach, guests will make a final stop at Pisa, home to the iconic Leaning Tower. Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy. Available on Seabourn Encore’s July 18, August 22, September 26; Seabourn Odyssey’s October 12; and Seabourn Ovation’s October 23 sailings.
- Picasso Museum Exclusive Visit & A Taste Of Malaga – Seabourn guests can discover marvelous landmarks and ancient history in Málaga. Views of the stunning architecture of the Alcasaba Palace, erected in the 11th century for the Arabian Caliphs, are just a warm up to the Picasso Museum, where an exclusive visit will offer access to the collection, archeological remains, and a terrace not normally open to the public. A special souvenir memento will seal memories for guests before heading off to nearby Pateo de las Beatas for an authentic culinary experience of local delicacies and a small bottle of olive oil to go as a souvenir. Málaga (Granada), Spain; Available on Seabourn Odyssey’s April 17 and October 19 sailings; Seabourn Ovation’s May 5, 2019; and Seabourn Encore’s July 25, August 29 and October 3, 2019.
A broad array of shore excursions are offered in the many ports Seabourn visits each year and more details can be found on the Seabourn website.
Seabourn continues to represent the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel with intimate ships offering key elements that set the line apart: spacious, thoughtfully appointed suites, many with verandas and all 100% ocean front; superb dining in a choice of venues; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times; award-winning service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home on board. The ships travel the globe to many of the world’s most desirable destinations, including marquee cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and lesser-known ports and hideaways.
Guests who sail on Seabourn will continue to find a number of innovative offerings and programs, including partnerships with a select group of companies and individuals whose dedication to superior quality, exceptional service and consistent customer satisfaction matches Seabourn. These programs include ‘An Evening with Tim Rice’, the new evening entertainment experience created exclusively for the line in association with Belinda King Creative Productions; Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, offering guests a holistic spa and wellness experience that integrates physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being; and The Grill by Thomas Keller, reminiscent of the classic American restaurant from the 50’s and 60’s. Exclusive to Seabourn, The Grill is a unique culinary concept for Chef Keller, focusing on updated versions of iconic dishes. Guests will be treated to table-side preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes, as well as a range of other favorites like premium steaks, whole roasted chicken, and Lobster Thermidor, presented à la carte.
Silversea To Offer Bespoke Shore Excursions In Cuba
Ultra-luxury cruise leader Silversea has unveiled its collection of 34 shore excursions, designed to enhance its new 16-voyage Cuba collection for 2019 and 2020. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the authentic natural beauty, cultural and historical treasures of Cuba. These shore excursions will showcase important attractions in and around each city, complimented by Silverseas’ trademark destination expertise.
“We are pleased to launch a diverse array of tailor-made experiences that will enable our guests to travel deeper to discover and appreciate a land seemingly frozen in time, yet filled with awe-inspiring scenery, extraordinary people, and a vibrant culture,” says Adria Bono, Silversea’s Director of Shore Excursions.
From visits to World Heritage-listed sites and inspired musical performances to visits to local art galleries and amazing nature discoveries, the authentic beauty of Cuba will be showcased on excursions such as:
Havana
The Havana by Classic American Car
Whether riding in a colorful Pontiac, Chevy or Cadillac, guests on this unique excursion will experience Havana in authentic 1950s style from the comfort of a vintage American car. Under the knowledgeable guidance of a private driver and guide, guests will journey through the colorful city and along the spectacular waterfront. The excursion will also features a cocktail at the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba and panoramic drive, which will showcase the Plaza de la Revolución, El Malecón, landmarks, churches, city parks, Miramar, the Nelson Domínguez Gallery, and more iconic attractions.
Hemingway’s Havana a nature reserve of steep cliffs and some of the largest bird colonies in the northern hemisphere, offers opportunities for guests to spot puffins, guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, and other remarkable seabirds. A pair of 10-day voyages aboard Silver Cloud, departing July 2 and 12, will incorporate stops in this spectacular destination as they focus on Norway’s extraordinary Svalbard region, with its stunning fjords and glaciers. Guests also stand to witness amazing wildlife in Svalbard. Ernest Hemingway’s well-documented love of Cuba is explored on this panoramic sightseeing excursion to his favorite local haunts. During this enriching adventure, guests visit Hemingway’s former home, Finca Vigía, in the town of San Francisco de Paula; the Hemingway Monument in Cojimar, the fishing village that inspired the novel “The Old Man and the Sea”; and several of Hemingway’s hangouts, located in the World Heritage-listed Old Havana.
Legendarios del Guajirito — The Spirit of the Buena Vista Social Club
At a venerable cabaret-style venue, guests will feel the authentic rhythm of Havana with ‘Legendarios del Guajirito,’ an exclusive live performance by the renowned Buena Vista Social Club—a Grammy-winning ensemble of musicians. Guests will be transported back to 1950s Havana in a stirring nightclub ambiance, where they will enjoy cocktails and mingle with band members.
Santiago de Cuba
Birthplace of the Revolution
The colonial and wartime history of Cuba is unlocked during this scenic and informative journey to the famous sites of the Cuban Revolution and the Spanish-American War. Among the tour’s highlights are visits to the historic district, with its colorful colonial buildings and bustling Céspedes Park; the Moncada Barracks; Santa Ifigenia Cemetery; Plaza de la Revolución; and San Juan Hill, where Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders rode to victory during the Spanish-American War in 1898.sites.
El Cobre
Guests will gain an appreciation of Cuba’s religious heritage, music, cuisine and history on an adventure to the old mining center of El Cobre. Set in the Sierra Maestra foothills, the town is home to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora, one of Cuba’s most important religious sites. The excursion also features a musical performance by the local steel band; a drive through Santiago, which will spotlight such historic sites as the Plaza de la Revolución and San Juan Hill; plus a visit to a local restaurant for an authentic Cuban lunch.
Cienfuegos
Colonial Trinidad
This panoramic journey into central Cuba provides an immersive experience of World Heritage-listed Trinidad. Guests will travel back in time on a stroll through the Old Town, admiring cobblestone streets, a neo-baroque main square, grand colonial buildings, and beautiful old churches. A visit to the Potter’s House reveals artisans at work in a traditional open-air workshop. Afterwards, stops will be made at a local artist’s gallery, then for refreshments and lunch. After lunch, guests will visit the Municipal Museum of Trinidad to explore relics of the city’s past, before visiting the panoramic Valley of the Sugar Mills observation point.
Natural Beauty of El Nicho
The stunning natural beauty surrounding Cienfuegos is the focus of this memorable hiking and sightseeing adventure to El Nicho. A guided hiking trek along the forested trails of El Nicho, one of Cuba’s most pristine locales, showcases cascading waterfalls, virgin forests and towering mountains. Guests will visit the village of Crucecitas and San Juan Peak for breathtaking panoramic vistas that overlook central and western Cuba from approximately 3,800 feet (1,158 meters) above sea level. There’s also a stop for lunch, a visit to the Jobero Verde Community Project, and free time to explore the historical center of Cienfuegos.
A detailed program and prices will be available on MySilversea 120 days prior to sailing dates.
Silver Wind will have the distinction of inaugurating Silversea’s new Cuban collection when she sets sail on a 7-day voyage on February 14, 2019, from San Juan to Fort Lauderdale, calling at Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and the Bahamian island of Bimini. Four further voyages in 2019, including a 14-night sailing aboard Silver Whisper, will precede 11 voyages in 2020. A sample of Silversea’s itineraries in Cuba includes:
5906 – Silversea’s recently lengthened Silver Spirit will depart San Juan on February 22, 2019, for Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Guests will visit Santiago de Cuba, George Town (Grand Cayman), Cienfuegos, La Habana, and Bimini in the Bahamas, developing a deep appreciation for local culture through Silversea’s bespoke shore excursions. Fares begin from USD 4,700 per person, based on two sharing.
2912 – This 10-day voyage aboard Silver Wind will give guests the chance to travel deeper into Cuba’s fascinating culture. Departing San Juan on March 31, 2019, the ship will spend an overnight in Santiago de Cuba, before calling at George Town (Grand Cayman), Cienfuegos, La Habana, and Bimini in the Bahamas, prior to arriving in Fort Lauderdale (Florida) on April 10. Fares begin from USD 4,700 per person, based on two sharing.
2913 – Departing Fort Lauderdale (Florida) on April 10, 2019, Silver Wind will call at Santiago de Cuba, La Habana, Nassau (Paradise Island), and Bimini in the Bahamas, before returning to Fort Lauderdale on April 19. This 9-day voyage will spotlight the region’s highlights for guests, enabling them to delve deeper into the destination. Fares begin from USD 4,200 per person, based on two sharing.
Aboard Silversea’s ships, guests enjoy ocean-view suites, sumptuous cuisine, and the personalized service of a butler. Enriching the experience are such all-inclusive amenities as complimentary premium wines and spirits, specialty coffees, bottled water, juices and soft drinks served throughout the ship; an in-suite bar, stocked with guests’ preferences; an in-suite 24-hour dining service; and unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi.
New Go Local Tours With Regent Seven Seas
Cruise line curates 122 local tours for guests to visit locals’ homes, farms, workplaces, markets and studios across the world
Miami (Dec. 6, 2018) – Today, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world’s leading luxury cruise line, announces two shore excursion innovations designed to offer luxury travelers the most bespoke experiences in destinations around the world: Go Local Tours and Regent Choice small group tours.
“Our guests’ desire to learn about the people, cultures and natural wonders of our world is the inspiration behind Go Local Tours,” Regent Seven Seas Cruises President and CEO Jason Montague said. “Their fascination for immersive exploration, and the fact that many guests return to some of the same ports they’ve visited before and are looking for distinct authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences, led to our groundbreaking approach to elevate luxury travel shore excursions. These local experiences will be exceptional.”
Go Local Tours. Regent Seven Seas Cruises guests will enjoy a more direct way to experience the culture of a destination through Go Local Tours. Now, guests can spend a day at a family-owned goat farm in the countryside of Andalusia to learn the generations-old way of making cheese, or discover the joy of fishing with the residents of Portofino, or observe skilled artists in their studios in Palma de Mallorca. Guests will experience the world through the eyes of those who live in the community and discover the best of a favorite destination.
The cruise line worked for seven months to curate 122 small local experiences for guests, nearly 50 of which are included in its FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions®. Go Local Tours are available on 2019 Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages, along with 2019 voyages calling on Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay. Examples of Go Local Tours include:
Spain – Visit the mountain village of Alfarnate, located in the province of Málaga in Andalusia. Here, a local guide escorts guests through the village shops to introduce them to the local artisans. The next stop is the nearby town of Alfarnatejo, to an ancient, restored house, where guests enjoy a glass of local wine before a host escorts guests to their own home for a traditional Spanish lunch and an introduction to Spain’s gastronomical culture.
Finland – Guests will experience the unique and beautiful sights of central Helsinki. The day starts with a visit to the most popular food market, Kauppahalli, to observe and taste the variety of local fish, meat, and cheeses. Next, guests take a local tram toward Kamppi Center to visit the two most famous Finnish supermarkets before touring the underground Central Bus Station, which connects Helsinki with the surrounding towns. One more level under the ground, guests will take a Metro to the Hakaniemi Market Hall for a tour. Following a typical Finnish snack, the tour ends with a relaxing walk through Kaivopuisto Park, the oldest and best-known park in Helsinki.
Greece – Visit the Monastery of Agia Irini south of Heraklion and close to the traditional village of Kroussonas. The Monastery serves as a nunnery and is amongst the oldest in Crete. At the completion of the guided visit the nuns will offer guests traditional hand-made sweets. In the village of Kroussonas guests will visit the traditional Cretan boot maker, Stivania, and tour the oldest bakery in the village. A host will introduce guests to traditional Cretan music accompanied by a lesson in folk dances such as the Ballos. The demonstration will also show how families prepare cheese and make Cretan cheese pies. Afterward, guests are treated to olive oil and wine tastings, and a demonstration in Cretan weaving. A traditional Cretan lunch will be served at the end of the tour.
Regent Choice small group tours. In 2009, Regent Seven Seas Cruises elevated the luxury cruise industry by introducing FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions, an innovation which demonstrated the tremendous value Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers with one all-inclusive voyage price. Regent Choice small group tours are smaller versions of the cruise line’s existing popular FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions and Regent Choice® tours. Hosting no more than 16 guests, for a subsidized, supplementary fee Regent Choice small group tours allow for more personal destination engagement with a knowledgeable guide. These excursions are curated to provide additional ways to engage luxury travelers’ interests and passions, from food and wine to art and architecture, and include access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
About 250 excursions on 2019 Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages will be offered as Regent Choice small group tours.
“Imagine the intimacy of you and only 15 others in your small group walking through the beautiful sites in Dubrovnik, observing the historic town’s unique marble-paved squares, tall houses, steep-cobbled streets and fountains as you engage in conversations with a local guide. Small group tours allow for deeper, more meaningful conversations, interactions and explorations during many of our most popular tours,” Montague said.