Who is Emerald Waterways anyway? Emerald Waterways entered the river cruise market in 2014. They were awarded the “Best New River Ships” designation in Cruise Critic’s 2014 Editors’ Pick Awards. (As two would-be mermaids the on-board pool would have gotten them our vote!) Owned by Scenic Tours they are taking competitive aim at Viking River Cruises, the current dominant … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2015
Saving Nuremberg artwork in the Second World War
The most precious and famous Nuremberg artwork, as well as other important treasures, was saved in the Second World War although the city was 90% destroyed by bombs. This impressive feat was accomplished using a labyrinth of beer cellars, built in medieval times, deep into the grounds under the Imperial Castle. Not surprisingly Hitler, a maniac with many astonishing … [Read more...]
Durnstein, a treat in the Wachau Valley
Our last Danube river cruise only offered a tantalizing glimpse of Durnstein in the Wachau Valley of Austria. It was just long enough for Blonde's wallet to get a catch of thwarted longing in its throat. But on this cruise the wallet's dreams were fulfilled (and the wallet was emptied). Durnstein appears to have received its first mention in recorded history in 1112 when … [Read more...]
Aria Hotel Budapest – Striking all the right notes!
When we heard that the Library Hotel Collection had just opened a new property, the Aria Hotel in Budapest, we were sisters on a mission! We were going to Budapest anyway in advance of a river cruise the timing was perfect. Budapest does not have a shortage of hotels. However, in the past we found they ranged from very expensive large chains ( posh, but predictable) to often … [Read more...]
Why travelers should care about Gorilla Glass
Blonde signed up to attend the Women In Travel Summit 2015 in Boston in late March. Boston in March??? The same year it got over 100 inches of snow? Well, I signed up a good 6 months before then and didn’t know there was going to be Snowmageddon. Besides, Boston was my home for 17 years so it seemed like a good idea. And oddly enough, it was! One of the sponsors of the … [Read more...]
Chef Seeto bringing “A Taste of Paradise” to Fiji
Our recent cruise in the Lau Islands of Fiji included an unexpected opportunity to meet and observe Chef Lance Seeto, the South Pacific's answer to Jamie Oliver. Both chefs are famous (although Chef Seeto's fame hasn't yet covered the globe as Jamie Oliver's seems to have) and both work to encourage people to eat healthier diets by enjoying flavorful, whole foods. (This would … [Read more...]