Love to cruise? Take the whole family!
Yes you can sail in style and take your kids!
There is a common misconception that the finest cruise options are for adults only, but I can confirm that is not the case at all.
With in depth itineraries around the globe, a range of durations from a week on the seas or multiple weeks covering so much more. Cruise is a fabulous way to travel with ease all while being utterly spoilt with the luxurious suites and amenities onboard.
Dining is an art form on these sailings, service is exceptional, decor is stunning and the whole family is welcome and cared for.
From a family to multi generational groups, suite configurations to accomodate everyone comfortably, these are a few of my favourite premium cruise options that welcome families and children.
Explora Journeys - launched in 2021 by a family that has ocean water in their veins, the ships are designed to feel more like a private yacht. With family at the core of everything, you can guarantee kids are welcome onboard. With three vessels in the fleet and more to be launched, this is a cruise line that is going places, and to lots of them!
Seabourn -a leader in all inclusive, ultra luxury cruising, there is so much to love about Seabourn. With all dining, anywhere, with whoever you wish all included, this is a great choice for families and multi gen trips too.
Silversea - With a large fleet of ocean and expedition vessels, itinerary choices abound! With a big focus not just on dining but regional cuisine as you travel with their S.A.L.T onboard experiences, you will be spoilt for choice with Silversea
Crystal - reborn under the ownership of A&K, two of the Crystal fleet have been reimagined and transformed into floating sanctuaries at sea.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - If you are familiar with Ritz-Carlton properties and their famous Ritz Kids programs, then you will know what you are in for! My son is a big fan of the Ritz kids and being utterly spoilt by the RC teams, so to take this on the water, and sail on some of the most beautiful ships at sea, yes please!
Regent Seven Seas - with the motto ‘Unrivalled at sea’ you will soon see why, when they say all inclusive, they mean it. If you want to have it all from teh start, then Regent Seven Seas may be for you. With a large fleet and so many itinerary options across the globe, you are really spoilt for choice!
What about couples and solo travellers I hear you say?
While I have focused on the family and multi generational group aspect with these options, they are all absolutely brilliant options when it comes to couples, groups of friends and solo travellers.
And did you know there are expedition options as well? There will be age limits for kids to join in expedition cruises, and these vary by cruise line, but I am happy to help navigate the best option for you, whatever you may need.
Cruise overall provides unbelievably good value, no stress, covering multiple destinations with ease, immersing yourself in each port and having every whim catered for onboard, it really is an idyllic way to travel.
So let’s get cruising!
x
Beautiful hotels and resorts, my obsession….
Most clients that know me, know I love-love-love beautiful hotels and resorts.
It is probably the thing I am most nerdy about when it comes to travel.
I love a good private walking tour, I love trying food in different parts of the world, I love an iconic site, but I do really love a beautiful hotel to return to at the end of the day.
Of course over 19 years of working in travel and for most of that time specialising in luxury and premium travel, you do start to have favourites!
I adore a Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and we stay in these quite regularly, for me it is the size and intimacy of these properties that I love. With over 600 hotels in 90 countries, there are some absolute gems to discover!
If you love architecture and design, then there is also a collection of the best design focused hotels in the world too.
The Design Hotels collection is a 300 plus strong portfolio of independently owned properties, with a focus on design, local experiences and cultural immersions. There is so much to love about this collection.
Of course, having been part of the Virtuoso network for quite a long time now, I would have to highlight the wonderful collection of the worlds leading network of luxury hotels, cruise lines and tour operators.
It is all about who you know, and this could not be a truer statement than working with Virtuoso affiliates. From working with the best in the travel industry to curate one of kind experiences, and of course access to perks and extras for clients that are only available through their Virtuoso advisor. It is VIP all the way!
I have lost count of the number of Virtuoso properties we have stayed at now, but they never disappoint.
Then there are some brands or hotel groups that I am a bit smitten with.
Let me start with Capella…. absolutely gorgeous in every way possible!
We have stayed at four different Capella properties, each are unique but all share the same philosophy. With world leading architectural design, a strong focus on culture and experience, these properties are divine, there is a reason they have won a long list of awards!
We have stayed at Capella Sentosa, Capella Bangkok, Capella Hanoi and Capella Ubud… and we will visit more in the future! If you would like to experience Capella for yourself I would love to help.
When it comes to beautiful resorts that are far more than just a place to stay, I always think of Six Senses.
Wellness, nature and sustainability are at the heart of every Six Senses resort, it is hard to not to fall in love with all aspects of what Six Senses offer.
But there are no cookie cutters here, with properties such as Vana which is like a temple to rejuvenation.
Or Laamu, a haven for those passionate about marine conservation and learning.
Six Senses has so much to offer those after a truly exquisite break from the everyday, while also embarking on a journey of discovery.
Rocco Forte - a family of hoteliers with some of the most family friendly, elegant and chic properties you can hope to stay at.
I love everything about Rocco Forte hotels, and Sir Rocco himself, a true superstar!
Belmond - we morph a bit here, not only does Belmond have some of the most glamorous properties in the world, but they also have the most luxurious rail journeys in the world, plus gorgeous barges to serenely sail down the rivers of France, or how about a safari Belmond style in Africa?
Whether you want after hours access to Iguassu Falls before the park opens, when staying at Hotel das Cataratas. Or to soak up the Tuscan sun while truffle hunting from the former medieval castle which is now Castello di Casole (I have been here and done this, and can highly recommend!), add on a train journey of a lifetime onboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express (again, I can highly recommend!) or maybe the Hiram Bingham to get you up to the dizzying heights of Machu Picchu. Belmond is always a good idea!
